I live in the midlands in the UK, and to travel to a person recommended on the partners map would be an entire day trip and likely be a non-insignificant expense (or a very large one if traveling via London).
I have read about asking professionals, but have also read many “horror stories” on the forums of peoples implants going wrong (including someone I know in person) when going to local professionals instead of those on the community map.
In summary, is it worth the time and money to travel to someone who I know is qualified, or is it a case of a vocal minority with local professionals making mistakes? Thank you!
Can’t really speak to the existence of a vocal minority. But I’ve made two trips for installs. One for my NExT and one for a pair of Titans. One was a top tier reputation place, and was fully worth it. The other was less so, and while both of them were all day travel for me, I’d gladly go further for the top tier install.
That said, it’s more about finding someone whose skill and manner you’re comfortable with. The best reputed installers tend become best reputed by providing top notch service, but that doesn’t mean a super local installer doesn’t.
Sadly, this doesn’t really clarify your choice, does it? Consider it like dating, spend some time, scope out your options, and go for who you’re most comfortable with. Also, be prepared to bail if it gets sketchy or weird.
I travel about 2h 1-way for installs with somebody I know well, whom I’m their only bodymod experience. They have been in the emergency medical field for over 20 years though, and they are willing to learn more.
I would take an installer with very minimal or even no direct experience who is very open to learning over a random piercer with years and years of experience who thinks they can figure it out on their own without documentation.
I would prefer my installer at least have some experience with whatever tool they have for puncturing skin, though. Needle, scalpel, etc.
@Equipter has offered to help out a bunch of people before, so you should be sorted, but im pretty sure he is heading to DEFCON, which is soon, so get in quick or you may have to wait a while.
