Laughing Buddha Seattle — Attraction in Seattle

To be completely honest my experience was disappointing. I live on Bainbridge Island and if you know Bainbridge you know that the boats are messed up. The day of my tattoo appointment it was a one boat schedule and as the boat arrived at Bainbridge it got delayed by someone’s car breaking down. It was not delayed prior. I immediately called Laughing Buddha to inform them I would be running late (which I was told was ok in the past) and then the lady at the front desk reassured me it was ok and she was gonna check back with me with an update. She called me shortly later as I was driving onto the boat to tell me I was going to be too late and they would reschedule me. I told them I would be 20 minutes late, they typically allow 10. My artist had informed me in my consultation that my tattoo would take about an hour and barely over at the most. They had scheduled me for a two hour period. After getting off the phone with the first employee I spoke to I remembered that fact so I called back explaining that there was an hour for prep and placement to a different employee. Which I was told was the reason they had to cancel (there wouldn’t be enough time). I have never gotten a tattoo but I dont think It would’ve taken an hour. I told the employee that I knew exactly where I wanted it and had a backup location as I was told to prepare and that I dont think It would take long so the extra ten minute delay wouldn’t do too much harm on my extra hour in my appointment. She still said that they would have to cancel because I was going to be too late. About five minutes later I was desperate trying to figure out how to make it work and checking route in seattle that would be the fastest when I realized the boat had sped up and traffic had gone down in seattle and I actually would make it in time. Note: at this point it has been 15 minutes since they canceled my appointment. I called back excited that I would actually make it and they had told me they told the person scheduled after me to come in earlier. I was shocked for two reasons. 1 on my consultation I was told my Sarah that the latest she could see me was 4:00 because I would be her last client and seeing me any later would lead to me needing to be scheduled another day. And 2 it had only been 15 minutes and they immediately jumped to replace my appointment without allowing me a grace period. I would expect at least wait until 4:10 and then call it quits. This was extremely disappointing. I spent the rest of the boat ride crying and feeling very tossed to the side due to their lack of empathy. Every employee I talked to, which was three different ones sounded extremely apathetic and were unwillingly to show me some kindness for a mistake that wasn’t mine (the boats running late). They offered to reschedule me so I dont lose my $100 deposit but I have decided I would rather go to a place that shows people empathy, kindness, grace and forgiveness than one that is unwillingly to do that and quick to replace you. Oh and the funny thing is after I got off the boat I decided to drive there just to see if I would’ve made it. I got there at 4:08. But I couldn’t go in cause they had already replaced my slot. This was disappointing. I do not need or want an apology. Just learn from this...

I've made several attempts to appreciate this establishment, but Im struggling! I’d like to start by saying that all the piercer are undeniably skilled, and that’s why I frequent this place. So if you’re looking for a place to get a piercing this is the place to do it! However, the overall process leaves much to be desired.

On this week’s adventure to get another piercing, I engage with an employee by the front door who was engaging with the mailman. I informing them of my appointment. They respond by asking me to check in, which feels redundant since I just mentioned to them that I’ve arrived for my appointment. Okay, I following their instructions, I proceed to check in virtually, only to find myself waiting outside for 11 minutes (yes, I timed it). Once inside, the amount of paperwork required is overwhelming, even though I've been to this location before. I understand the importance of ensuring customer comfort, insurance blah blah blah, but it’s a bit excessive. It’s a piercing not an open heart surgery.

Also, I don’t appreciate the surprise pricing when the jewelry is added to the tab, I mean double the cost of the piercing itself. Come on! Why not have the the online price show a range with a note stating price range determined by jewelry selection.

Again, this place is legit AF, and for that reason I’m giving it a rating of 4/5, but I’m writing this review in the hopes that the process can be a little less overwhelming for the client. The overly systematic approach can be frustrating. Little things like having to check in when youve already informed the staff you’re there, or letting one into the waiting room until a member of the team Can assist would go a long way.

But yeah. Happy with every piercing...

TL;DR: this place is absolutely amazing. Colin O. is amazing. The front desk people are amazing. The jewelry selection is wonderful!!

Colin O. pierced my septum about a week ago, and he did an absolutely wonderful job.

I am pretty afraid of needles (though I have quite a few piercings haha), and tend to almost pass out and get extremely nauseous when I get piercings, tattoos, or my blood drawn. But holy cow-- I felt completely fine the WHOLE time with this piercing. I didn't feel like I was going to fall over after standing up with my new piercing!

Colin was very quick with the whole process, explained everything, and the piercing was nearly painless! And I mean that! I had no idea a piercing could be so easy. I will definitely be going back to Colin for any future piercings.

Honestly, the whole process almost felt like I was being pampered. I got to lay down when he did the piercing, and he was very gentle and calming as he explained what he was doing as he cleaned, placed, and completed the piercing. Almost more pleasant that getting my brows waxed haha!

The shop is very clean, sterile, and aesthetically pleasing, and people at the front desk are very kind and attentive. I really enjoyed waiting in the lobby, as it had a very calming, serene vibe. The online booking also made everything very easy!

They also have a wonderful selection of high quality jewelry, including a lot of stuff from BVLA, which I had heard a lot about.

I feel like this review was all over the place, but my point it--- GO HERE FOR ANY PIERCINGS! I will being going back to them for any future piercings. They are so kind to their clients, and Colin did a wonderful job of calming my nerves....