Your first priority should be to make sure that the shop is a safe place to get a tattoo or a piercing. You're putting your health on the line here so be a smart consumer. If you want the work done it's worth getting it done right. Take your time, think about it, don't do it on a whim.

Shopping Tips for Tattooing and Piercing
*Shop around; check out different artists or piercer.
*Ask to see examples of the artists or piercers work.
*Make sure the artist or piercer you choose has made your safety and infection control their major priority.
*Ask if the shop uses new disposable needles every time.
*Ask the Artist or Piercer how they sterilize their equipment. All equipment touching the skin must be cleaned first and then sterilized before each use. Proper sterilization is done in an autoclave (sterilizer using steam) or in a chemicalve (sterilizer using chemicals).
* If the artist or piercer doesn't want to answer your questions, can't answer them, don't be intimidated, just leave and find another studio.
*When you are being pierced you must use jewellery that is made for piercing.
*Make sure the area to be tattooed or pierced is first cleaned with soap and water. Then the area must be wiped with a skin antiseptic that is recommended for disinfecting. (eg. Detol or Alcohol)
* Always ask about the follow-up care needed with your tattoo or piercing. See your doctor immediately if the area becomes infected (ie. increased redness, swelling, tenderness or if there is a discharge).
* Use a professional artist; home tattooing is not recommended.
*Make sure the artist uses disposable ink caps (small thimble-sized caps that only holds a small amount of ink which is thrown away after every client).
* If the area being tattooed needs to be shaved, make sure a single use disposable razor is being used.
* Make sure the artist washed their hands with soap and water and wears new single use disposable gloves.
* Tell the artist or piercer if you have any allergies to metal, or petroleum based products.
* Don't drink alcohol or use drugs before being tattooed or pierced. Alcohol and drugs thin your blood, this means you could bleed more causing that tattoo to fade. Also alcohol and drugs impair your decision to make the right choice about your tattoos or piercings.
*Call your local health department to see if the shop has been approved and when the last time it was inspected by a health Official.