OBNOXIOUS TATTOO ARTIST, THOROUGHLY UNPROFESSIONAL 1) My wife and I had two tattoos each, done at Hoboken Body Art over the years. We loved the place. 2) Last week, she got her third tattoo, and yesterday, I was to get my third. 3) For our first four tattoos we paid around $80 each. We had four free touch ups but never used them, saving HBA’s ink and artists’ time. 4) Last week, J – the new/head artist – looked at the design my wife had drawn: her mom and dad’s short signatures, a musical note on either end, and a heartbeat linking them. He said he’d charge $160. Which was double what we’d paid previously for more or less the same work. Also, we’d given him print outs for the design, making his job easier. He was clearly overcharging since my wife’s tattoo was 30% smaller (as requested by her) than originally planned. 5) He said, “I’m a very famous tattoo artist. You know me.” His eyes awash with pride as he let out a squeal of laughter. I smiled, without a clue about who he was. I suggested that I too would get a tattoo and we’d pay $125 each ($250 in total). I even said that for my design I was willing to forgo the symbol on either end (like the musical notes my wife had for her) if the total was $250. He said his final price was $300 ($150 each) and “it was clearly understood” that if he was charging $50 more we both would get the same kind of work. (One tattoo = $160, both = $300; same work.) I was not keen but my wife had made up her mind to get the tattoo. It was her birthday week. 6) So, last week, she got her tattoo done and we appreciated the work he did. We paid him $160. I told him that I’d get mine within two weeks. He said he’d charge me $140 referring to the $300 package. All was well. 7) On Saturday, I called HBA twice within a span of 5 minutes for a time with J at 12 pm the next day (yesterday/Sunday). Both times A – the front desk manager – confirmed the appointment. 8) When we arrived at HBA at sharp 12 pm yesterday, A said that J was running late due to a Light Rail commute issue and that we would have to wait for 30 minutes. Now, we have a toddler son who accompanies us and it gets difficult when there’s a waiting period. However, as suggested by A, we went out for a walk, grabbing some coffee at Bwe Kafe, and came back half hour later. But it was not before 1 pm that J arrived. No hint of apology from him. 9) J looked at my design and said he’d charge $160 since it had a symbol on either end of a heartbeat and parents’ short signatures. I reasoned that we’d agreed on a $300 package (not $250 where I was willing to forgo those) and that I was only getting what my wife had got. $150 each. Nothing extra. 10) J didn’t remember the discussion we had seven days prior. Since A was not party to the discussion he had no clue. 11) And yesterday J was obnoxious, rude and unprofessional. One, he came an hour late. He said people had to wait even at doctor’s. Two, he wanted $320 total. From $250 to $300 to $320. 12) J was smoking indoors in front of our son. A BIG NO! 13) Forget about an apology he was accusing us of being amateurs, unprofessional and annoying. He said he’d come all the way from his house for us and that he was being insulted; that each hour of his was worth $160, completely forgetting that all of us value time. My wife and I are professionals and we can’t wait “for an hour” at a tattoo shop. How are we amateurs, unprofessional and annoying?! 14) A apologized to us three times; he even tried to hand a $20 bill to J for his Uber expenses. Apparently, A didn’t want to lose us but J, a greedy and self-centered blockhead, wouldn’t care. God bless him. 15) It’s unfortunate that our relationship with HBA has ended over $20. They should get rid of artists like J — I say this because HBA used to have professional, well-behaved artists. 16) Appointments should be honored — it’s between HBA and the artists. No apology from J was extremely discourteous. 17) Such a waste of our time, energy, and the $25 we Uber-paid for commuting from Newport in Jersey City. Read Less

Mr. Owner, there's a proverb - The fish always stinks from the head downwards. Your response - which is ill-informed and rude - has proved that. Read your response once again. Please don't make a mockery of yourself. 1) You say: "To clarify An appointment is predicated by a deposit which you did not leave. You had no appointment" We say: Were we told this? Did the front desk guy who scheduled the appointment tell us this? Was he an alien or invisible? Why did he confirm the appointment "twice" without taking a deposit from us? 2) You say: "The tattoo you wanted would have ran roughly from your wrist to your elbow and the design was the Ohm symbol running into a heartbeat into a signature into a heartbeat into another signature into another heartbeat then into pitchfork." We say: You make it sound like this was a tattoo that was to run from my head to toe. The $160 we paid your tattoo artist was "his" price for "that" work. He didn't do us a favor - we paid him what he quoted. He agreed on a $300 package for both of us for the "same" work. My design had "nothing" extra; and my wife’s tattoo had turned out to be a lot smaller, saving his ink and time. We had "never" come back to you over the years for our “four ‘free’ touch-ups,” saving your ink and time. 3) I commend my staff for maintaining their professionalism in light of such rude behavior. We say: Shame on you for saying that! “Your staff" gives us an appointment for 12 pm. “Your tattoo artist" comes an hour late. Then, his offensive, nauseating, and repugnant behavior. He doesn’t remember our agreement. He is clearly forgetful. The front desk guy tries to stop him but he doesn’t. He vapes in front of our toddler son. If you commend your staff for all of this, then I'll refer you once again to the proverb that I mentioned above. Mr. Owner, it's distressing that you don't realize we'd been your loyal customers for years. Your response reeks of arrogance and ignorance. Instead of working on the lapses, you’re finding excuses for your wrongness. Also, it’s disappointing that your response has no apology for the hour-long wait we did - no apology for the way the tattoo artist screamed at us - no apology for the fact that he smoked in front of our toddler son. Hope you've done drug tests on all of your employees. Also, we wonder why you’ve never given us a proper receipt for all of the tattoos we did at your place. Besides, since you have our address we feel threatened - especially in light of this irresponsible response from you - that you might retaliate. Please delete our address from your files. We wish you good luck. Hope you find a lot of customers. Read Less

Scheduled an appt on Sunday evening for the following Sunday, but realized on Monday morning that I couldn't make the appointment due to upcoming travel. I called Monday (12 hours after scheduling)  and Wednesday, but only made contact on Friday. The artist refused to refund my $40 deposit although we never had a consultation and he didn't spend one second designing. He became very abusive when I told him that I would share my experience on social by telling me to "Go f**k my mother". I've had 4 large pieces done in this shop and they ruined a relationship over $40. It's their job to be accessible when trying to cancel an appointment a mere hours after making it. I HIGHLY suggest staying away due to the changes in the artists and people running the shop. This experience was with their new "head artist". Read Less

Absolutely do not patronize this establishment. Went here with my friend (two young twenty something females) to get tiny tattoos at 9:30pm and was asked to let the artist "see us" and check if he could. Told us it would be $70 if it was over the size of a quarter unless we had an "alternate method of payment" we'd like to use (making innuendos the entire time.) After the boy at the front desk repeatedly gave us signs we should leave -we were asked to come to the basement studio. At this point things had gotten extremely uncomfortable and objectifying and we asked the boy at the desk for our IDs back so we could leave rather than follow Victor (the tattoo "artist") into the basement. He told us victor had taken our IDs and didn't know why. We called down the stairs and asked for our IDs. Victor came back up startled and gave them back. We left unharmed but incredibly shaken, ruining our entire night. Take your business elsewhere. Read Less

I got my tattoo here and it turned out great. I couldn't be happier. I don't know if they artist I worked with still works there but he was very personable. They have weird hours and don't don't always open on time. Read Less

Horrible customer service; got a tattoo done by James Ray it was unfinished and poorly done. He is very forceful with how he feels the tattoo should come out. Also, once the tattoo healed all the line work is very uneven. Tattoo artist are high off of drugs; it's in a basement and isn't clean. Noticed multiple drugs being sold out of shop while my tattoo was being done. Only tattoo parlor in Hoboken and is the worst. The owner hits on every chick that came in to parlor and gave them lower prices. Gives males a hard time. Very power strong to his dad being a Sargent so will deny service to certain ethnicities or sexual preference. Read Less

The guy who put in my piercing was an absolute crook. Not only did he shove a ring in my nose that was about the size of an actual binder ring, he also threw away my old piercing without asking if I wanted to keep it. The piercing wasn't cleaned beforehand and the lack of organization and care was so obvious it was flabbergasting. Never will I ever step foot in this establishment again. A disgrace. Read Less

I got two tiny tattoos here from James. He was nice enough to fit me in before the shop even opened for the day. He was soft-spoken but very professional. One of my tattoos was a Harry Potter symbol and I expected at least a little teasing. He was all business.When you first walk in, the shop looks a little rough around the edges. But everything for the tattooing was very clean and sterile tools were used. My tattoos were very basic and not colored but the price was reasonable. I'm very happy with the results. Read Less

James did a piece I've been wanting and it was definitely worth the wait!! He drew up a few sketches and we conversed back and forth. He gave me some ideas and if I didn't like something or suggested something else he worked it out with me. I was there longer than I thought I would be but the quality of the work came out amazing. Anyone looking to get a piece done should definitely hit up this place. Everyone was really nice and they really do want you to have a good experience. Thanks again James!! Read Less

I had a terrible experience. Would not recommend. The artist just turned me down because "he wasn't into my design"  There were two other artists he could have asked... And he just let me walk out. My idea was a small comic strip and he acted as if he were just too good for it. He was such a stuck up a-hole and he isn't even that great! Read Less

Henry was great! Went in to investigate a nose piercing - he answered all my questions, walked me through the entire process, and didn't pressure me while I considered my options. When the time came, he was quick, efficient, and as gentle as possible. Highly recommend! Read Less

Just got my latest piercing done friday. (Belly Ring done for the 3rd time.) Got 2 piercings there in the past & both done by Henry! Not only is he soo well informed he made me feel welcomed & walked me through it all !! Cant wait to go back n get more; dnt go anywhere else. He is a true professional!!! Read Less

The crew there is super nice miss Jenny did my daughter's first tattoo she was kind and made sure my daughter was ok Henry pierced my oldest one lip he was kind and she said it didn't hurt my tattoo was done by Masivo it's awesome custom color he picked worked so well I will be back for more Read Less

Went there twice and loved it both times! The first time I went, it was for my first tattoo. It was a little bow and Miss Jenny came up with many different designs, very helpful. It was very painless and she made me feel at ease. The tattoo healed up very nicely (and they say that if it doesn't, they repair it for free for the first 2 months). The second time I went, I got words on my underboob. Again, it was decently painless and she worked quickly. I haven't had much experiences with tattoo shops but this one is definitely amazing.They work quick, make you feel comfortable, and have many ideas. I can just go in with an idea and they will make it beautiful. Also very clean and professional. Thank you for my beautiful tattoos! Read Less

I recently got a rook piercing there - I was really nervous, and Henry was amazing.  He was really calming, explained the whole procedure, and was quick, clean and professional.  He answered all my questions (very patiently), reviewed the cleaning process in detail, and the experience was not as painful as I was expecting.  I will definitely go back here for any other piercings!  Highly recommended... Read Less

Took my teen daughter here for a nose piercing.   The guy who does the piercing was not there when we got there but the young guy at the desk took my # and said he would call when he comes in.  It was a beautiful day to walk around Hoboken so that was fine.  Less than a half hour and he called that he was there.  Very nice guy.  I was more nervous than my daughter.  Quick and did not seem to be too painful, she got a small stud.  Clean, professional and reasonably priced. Read Less

I got my nose pierced today and Henry was great. He was calm and patient. I was surprised how little it hurt. It was a quick and easy process. He pierced it with a small stud and said he would order a hoop for me and put it in for me in a few weeks. Read Less

Went to get my piercing done today with a friend and I love it. Henry did an amazing job walked me through it step by step I love my new piercing I definitely recommend going there. I will be going there for future reference and will be going there for an update on my tatt Read Less

I normally write for reviews for extremely tough experiences I had with a business that deserve a good ripping. But I wanted to get on Yelp and give credit where credit is due, to HBA. I went in for the first time yesterday afternoon and walked out with a new piece and a new shop to recommend to all of my friends in Hoboken.First, this shop takes out all of the ego you'll find at most tattoo/piercing shops. That is so refreshing, honestly. From the second I walked in and spoke with Henry I knew I was in good hands (the chick was really cool too I just forgot her name). Henry introduced me to my artist James. James is a softspoken dude but he got to work right away on my drawing. When I got in the chair it was all business after that. No stopping to answer phones, talk to anyone in the shop or even eat sushi that the team was ordering, lol, no joke though. He is a master of his craft and just because the dude is quiet doesn't mean the cogs aren't going in his head. He didn't mind that I watched "over his shoulder" the whole time. Even though I have alot of work done on me I still never really understood how the machine works. Now I have a much better understanding and that was a really cool experience.The quality of work I received went beyond my expectations for a small shop in Hoboken. I've had work done with the big boys on L.I. and NYC and the piece I recieved at Hoboken Body Art from James is right up there with them. Price was beyond fair. Highly recommend. A+ Read Less

I came in with a design I wanted to add to an existing piece on my arm. Jenny transformed my vision into a reality. She did great work and was very kind and patient when it came to properly positioning the tattoo around my existing ones. It came out perfect, just as I had hoped. She does amazing line work. I am big on symmetry and her lines are straight as a ruler. Would highly recommend her to anyone. Read Less

HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE experience! Went in after making an appt for a consult & tattoo. When I went in they didn't leave space in their schedule but one girl agreed to do the job. The woman I spoke to on the phone decided it was her place to correct me (as a customer). I let her know there was obvious miscommunication and she told me to leave. ANGELA belongs in a cave because she clearly doesn't know how to speak to people. So happy I didn't get my tattoo done there, it's not a job that should be done with those people. They obviously don't care about customers. She made a problem when there was none. Read Less

I have gotten 3 of my tattoos at Hoboken Body Art and love them all.. but my favorite is the one I got done last week ("believe" on my wrist) by Mano.  He has such clean lines, I am truly impressed! I am in the middle of scheduling another tattoo with him. Highly recommend giving Mano a try! Read Less

For all my tattoo enthusiast in Hoboken I highly recommend to go see the boys at Hoboken Tattoo and Body Art. What a diamond in the ruff. It's the only tattoo Shop in the City of Hoboken for one reason only. Their good.I have been tatted there my last three time by Jose.Let me tell you Absolutely unbelievable Old School Traditional. Clean lines.Mano what else can I say he's a legend in the area. Check out his graffiti roots. Sick.Henry runs the Piercing Shop. He is also the Shop manager at the front desk.Great pricing for the highest quality work. Highly recommend. Read Less

How are there no reviews for this place?  God bless the piercer (what was his name??) who did my nose piercing.  He patiently put up with my questions and nursed me to health after I almost passed out after the procedure.  Yeah I'm a baby, whatever, but he was reassuring I wasn't the only one.  All the implements were unwrapped before my eyes from sanitary packaging, overall the place was very clean.  I would recommend. Read Less