iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%95+51.8Reliability 24%95+23Value 14%97+13.7Replies to reviews 7%37+2.6Craft & service penalty98−0.2Experts Score= 91Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.91SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#29 of 49 piercing studiosiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 42%
4.9★★★★★947 Google reviews · 24 photos
97%five-star reviews
4.99★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0.6%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
24%reviews answered by the owner
$119typical billiMedian bill customers of this company reported in their reviews (needs 3+ priced reviews).
Customers frequently praise the tattoo services for their cleanliness, punctuality, and fair pricing, noting that artists listen carefully to design preferences and provide detailed aftercare instructions. However, negative feedback highlights significant issues with piercing services, including inaccurate placement, infections, and lack of proper consultation on jewelry. Additionally, some reviewers report long wait times despite being told walk-ins were available, leading to frustration and missed appointments.
Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 947 reviews (97% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 947 Google reviews (799 with written comments, 288 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 24% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 13, 2026.
Service: Piercing Studio serving San Diego, California.
Data from Google, last updated October 26, 2026.
Score profile vs other piercing studios
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and craft & service; weakest: replies to reviews.
San Diego Tattoo CompanyPiercing Studios median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.San Diego Tattoo Company: 95/100 on this factor. Category median: 95.A
95
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.San Diego Tattoo Company: 95/100 on this factor. Category median: 93.A
95
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.San Diego Tattoo Company: 98/100 on this factor. Category median: 98.A
98
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.San Diego Tattoo Company: 97/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
97
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.San Diego Tattoo Company: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.San Diego Tattoo Company: 37/100 on this factor. Category median: 79.D
37
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
947 Google reviews we collected
4.9of 5
5 stars91797%
4 stars182%
3 stars30%
2 stars30%
1 star61%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 799 written reviews
99%praise
Praise1,09799%
Complaints101%
Price
What customers reported paying
$119-5% vs typical piercing studios
Middle half of what 330 customers paid ($81–$176) · gold mark = category median.
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude36433%
Quality & results25023%
Would recommend21019%
Speed & response15614%
Price & value575%
Communication565%
Honesty & trust141%
What customers talk about
We read 799 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“He was very patient, after changing placement several times.”
“It was chaotic, unprofessional, and honestly frightening.”
“I had a great experience getting a tattoo from David!”
“TERRIBLE!”
“I'd highly recommend his work, along with delightful conversations.”
“I would not recommend this place to anyone--especially not to other women.”
“Super nice environment, I called for three walk ins and Akim got us in right away and did hand sketched our designs.”
“Pricing is reasonable went in with my 2 friends and they gave us all a good time and did amazing on all 3 tattoos.”
“The guy that does the piercings is cool very talkative and seemed outgoing which is a good but they’re definitely pricey.”
“Listened to what I wanted, gave several options, took his time added a lot of details, made sure to ask questions throughout the entire process to mak…”
“Took my 8½-year-old to get her ears pierced by Danny Barrera at San Diego Tattoo Company and it was honestly such a great experience.”
People customers mention
Danny106 reviews
Erick19 reviews
Jake19 reviews
David18 reviews
Nick15 reviews
Bug12 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired San Diego Tattoo Company for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
Phyllis3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
Listened to what I wanted, gave several options, took his time added a lot of details, made sure to ask questions throughout the entire process to make sure I was getting exactly what I wanted. He made sure everything was clean during the entire ratio process, he changed gloves several times. It took about 2-2 1/2…
Paid $450–500Abstract tattoos
Rachelle6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
Walked in, and Akim greeted us. Asked what I wanted and was very easy to work with. He was very patient, after changing placement several times. He did a great job. Would go back again.
Paid $100–150
Sadie2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
Great vibes while getting my tattoo. Pricing is reasonable went in with my 2 friends and they gave us all a good time and did amazing on all 3 tattoos. My artist was Akim and he did great!
Paid $150–200Solid black work tattoosTattoo designTattoos
alex1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Good service and good artwork. Really liked this piece as my first tattoo. Recommend 100% David did a good job
Paid $400–450Abstract tattoos
Chloe2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
I had a great experience getting a tattoo from David! He was very friendly and extremely helpful. I went with two of my friends and he did all of our tattoos. We were there for a bit and he made the experience fun and worthwhile. I also love how my tattoo turned out! It was exactly what i wanted.
Paid $200–250Fine line tattoos
Comefromevil2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
First tattoo ever with Mau, he walked me through everything (it being my first time) as well as after care procedures, super funny and really glad to have been able to talk to him, I love my tattoo and it was all done with extra care from him Thank you!
Paid $500+Fine line tattoosSolid black work tattoosTattoo design
Listened to what I wanted, gave several options, took his time added a lot of details, made sure to ask questions throughout the entire process to make sure I was getting exactly what I wanted. He made sure everything was clean during the entire ratio process, he changed gloves several times. It took about 2-2 1/2 hours to complete. He provided rest time if I needed it while he was working. Very pleased with the entire process and completed tattoo!
Price: $450–500
Services: Abstract tattoos
Response from the owner · 5 days ago
Thank you, Phyllis! We’re so glad you had such a positive experience with your abstract tattoo. Taking the time to discuss options, placement, details, cleanliness, and comfort is important to us at San Diego Tattoo Company. We appreciate your recommendation and hope you love your new tattoo for years to come!
Rachelle Edemann6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Rachelle has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Walked in, and Akim greeted us. Asked what I wanted and was very easy to work with. He was very patient, after changing placement several times. He did a great job. Would go back again.
Price: $100–150
Response from the owner · 5 days ago
Thank you, Rachelle! We’re glad Akim made your tattoo experience easy and comfortable, especially while working through placement options. We appreciate your kind words and look forward to welcoming you back to San Diego Tattoo Company!
Sadie Madrid2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Sadie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Great vibes while getting my tattoo. Pricing is reasonable went in with my 2 friends and they gave us all a good time and did amazing on all 3 tattoos. My artist was Akim and he did great!
Price: $150–200
Services: Solid black work tattoos, Tattoo design, Tattoos
Response from the owner · 5 days ago
Thank you, Miranda! We’re glad you enjoyed your walk-in tattoo experience and that our artist took the time to get everything right. We appreciate your kind words about the quality and the fun atmosphere at San Diego Tattoo Company. We hope to see you again!
Maranda Ward4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Maranda has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Walk in and he killed it !! Very patient with indecisive women late at night. Honest and great quality! Super fun and Amazing work!!
Response from the owner · 5 days ago
Thank you, Victoria! We’re so happy you had a great experience at San Diego Tattoo Company and loved your fine line tattoos by Reggie. We appreciate your recommendation and hope you enjoy your new tattoos!
Victoria Still5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Victoria has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
So pleased with our experience at San Diego Tattoo Company! Reggie has such a light hand, perfect for our fine line tattoos! 10/10 recommend!
Response from the owner · 5 days ago
Thank you, Aaron! We’re glad you enjoyed your time with Akim and trusted him with your sleeve work. We appreciate you choosing San Diego Tattoo Company and hope to see you again as your tattoo continues to come together!
Aaron Mueller2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Aaron has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
What can I say, enjoyed sitting down for some ink with Akim. He has done my sleeve at another shop, and when I heard that he moved and I had an idea for my hand it looked as if I needed to take a trip.
The work came out great! And definitely came out the way I wanted it. Akim is a great tattoo artist to work with, when it comes to the work, he'll listen to you if you have any concerns and or corrections.
I'd highly recommend his work, along with delightful conversations.
Enjoy and take care.
Services: Abstract tattoos
Response from the owner · 5 days ago
Thank you, Aaron! We appreciate your support and are glad you had a great experience at San Diego Tattoo Company. We hope to welcome you back again soon!
kylie alayne5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews kylie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Thanks for a very well visit will be coming back again, great shop and people!
Services: Abstract tattoos
Response from the owner · 5 days ago
Thank you for your review! We appreciate your support and are glad you had a great experience at San Diego Tattoo Company. We hope to see you again soon!
A DLocal Guide · 52 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews A has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Akim was great! My cousin and I showed up for matching tattoos and he helped us finalize the design. Very clean line work and good practices. Thank you!
Response from the owner · 5 days ago
Thank you, A D! We appreciate your support and are glad you had a great experience at San Diego Tattoo Company. We hope to welcome you back again soon!
T W2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews T has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The staff over at San Diego Tattoo Company are very professional and they will listen to your ideas and make your ideas possible:-) David is great and the tattoo turned out great
Response from the owner · 5 days ago
Thank you, T W! We appreciate your support and are glad you had a great experience at San Diego Tattoo Company. We hope to welcome you back again soon!
