Banter by Piercing Pagoda — Local services in Bloomington

I came to Banter without an appointment to get my ears pierced (seconds) on a whim with my best friend. The woman running the kiosk, Pang, was very friendly and helpful. She stayed calm when dealing with a particularly difficult customer, and after ensuring proper quality control, ID checks, and payment, she pierced my ears on the spots that I chose. I am a particularly difficult customer when it comes to quality and perfection, but Pang took her time to help me make the best decision for my ears. The earrings I chose were stainless steel and sterling silver studs with the tiniest dainty gem (pictured style: 101). It ran me about $50. The equipment was single use which made it feel more sanitary than the old guns used on girl after girl with minimal sanitation in between (us older girls know what I’m talking about). The device was small and it made a stapling sound when it pierced. Pain was minimal, maybe a pinch, but I was not phased. It was disappointing to find out I was pierced with butterfly backs (bad for initial healing due to a risk of embedding), but I’d prefer this place over my past Claire’s experience, especially if they have not changed since the early 2000s. If you prefer not to use the single use pressurized device, one could always opt for a needle at this location, but it will cost extra. While this place is great, the piercers may not wear gloves. They sanitize their hands prior to touching you instead, which is a half measure, but much better than Claire’s or Lovisa. Overall, this is a great place to get a lobe piercing and I recommend it. I’d be a bit suspicious when getting a cartilage piercing here given you get it with the single use pressurized device, though, so be mindful and perhaps visit a reputable piercer in a tattoo shop for more...

Do not go here to get your cartilage pierced. Or anywhere that is not certified with the APP. First off they use a gun there, which although is fast, is very damaging, leaves scar tissue and is NOT sterile, even if they claim their needles are. Cartilage piercings are already more prone to infection due to the limited blood supply. I had to go there twice, and get three done in total when I was there, the first one turned out fine and is just healed, 8 months after, which can be normal, the second was placed too close to the first one so I had to go back and they re-pierced it, a bit lower. What they didn’t tell me was that my ear was too thick and, being cartilage and already prone to infection, plus with it being too thick and not able to breathe, it still hasn’t healed, 8 months later, and I’m still in a considerable amount of pain for a piercing, and it’ll probably scar when I take it out. The piercers were inexperienced and unfortunately I did not do enough research. They however should have known and told me all of this, but they did not, and that’s on me. Do not get anything pierced here if you want a safe, sterile piercing with someone who knows what...

I recently had the pleasure of working with two fantastic saleswomen, Ottauna and Kenya, and I couldn't be happier with the experience! From the moment I walked into the store, I was greeted with warmth and professionalism, and they went above and beyond to make sure that all of my needs were met. What really impressed me was how knowledgeable they were about the products they were selling. They took the time to explain the features and benefits of each item, and answered all of my questions with patience and enthusiasm. Their passion for what they do really shines through, and it's clear that they care deeply about their customers. Not only were they great at their jobs, but they were also incredibly friendly and approachable. They made me feel comfortable and at ease throughout the entire sales process, and I never once felt pressured or rushed. Overall, I can't say enough good things about Ottauna and Kenya. They truly are a dynamic duo, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for exceptional service and expertise in their shopping experience. Thank you both so much for all of your help, and keep up the...