I went in to the Oxford St. store recently to get a septum piercing. I didn't end up getting the piercing, for several reasons.
1. Time
When I first walked in, I waited around 10 minutes at the counter for the girl to even acknowledge that I was there. She was speaking to another customer, so I figured I'd wait. However, there were several moments when the customer was on their phone, and I definitely could have been attended to. Irritating, but not a deal breaker. When I eventually got round to speaking to the lady, she seemed to have no interest in helping me or in answering my questions. She simply grunted and told me to come back in 20 minutes (that is, to speak to someone about the minutiae of the piecing, not to actually get the piercing). I thought ok, I'll go get a coffee. I returned 25 minutes later, apologised for being late, and was then ignored for another 10 minutes. Turned out the piercer was having a half hour smoke break in front of the store.
2. Rudeness
On top of the attitude before, the service of Off Ya Tree left alot to be desired. When speaking to the piercer, she also was very non-forthcoming and simply seemed to not care at all. I don't expect a toothy grin and a pat on the back but simply apologising for keeping me waiting would have been nice.
3. Hidden costs!
I had done my research before coming into the store (I was expecting to get the piercing that day) and had got the price I was expecting off their website: around $20 for the procedure and as low as $15 for the jewellry. When speaking to the piecer, it was revealed that I was in fact expected to pay at least $60 dollars, $22 of which was to go towards disinfectant (an insane markup as most piercing disinfectants are priced at maximum $10 from chemists). I was surprised, and told her that was not what it said on their website. She then told me that maybe I shouldn't have showed if I couldn't pay. Since I didn't have the amount of money needed, I had to leave - but I certainly will not be returning!
P.S. I recommend Lord of the Jewels in Chatswood for a much better experience. read more