I want to get my cartilage pierced for my birthday this week, but have a few questions. For starters, needle vs. gun. It sounds like the needle is better for your ear and more hygienic, but how much more does it hurt? (compare it to something). Also, how can you be sure that the needle IS really hygienic? How should one go about finding a place where they’ll do a good job? What questions should I ask and what should I look for?
BTW, they only other piercings I have are my ear lobes.
Thanks!

Get recommendations from friends that have been to the place and had a good experience, preferably more than one person.

Make sure the needle comes from a sealed package, they should open the package in front of you.

I've supplied a few sites which may assist in answering your questions. As with anything, be sure to educate yourself as much as possible before going through with this. My eldest daughter went through with the same procedure with no complications. Remember, not every piercing can be expected to be typical.

How to Care for a Cartilage Piercing | eHow.com (http://www.ehow.com/how_2222405_care-cartilage-piercing.html?ref=fuel&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=ssp&utm_campaign=yssp_art)
Frequently asked questions about piercing, healing and Westcoast Piercing. (http://www.westcoastpiercing.com/NEW/FAQ.htm)

The needle is definitely more hygenic.
With the gun, micro-scopic (sp?) molecules of blood are trapped in the small crevices and can get into your new piercing.
Ideally they should throw each needle away after each piercing too.
If they don't open it in front of you ask for another one and make sure they're wearing gloves.

The needle isn't too bad actually. I've had 8 piercings done with a needle, all by myself or a friend (probably not the best way of acquiring piercings) but it depends on the person.
Lobe piercings are slower but I can barely feel them, while my friends hate them.
I personally hate cartilage piercings, and my friends prefer them because they are quicker.
It feels like a really sharp pinch, and your ear gets really warm afterwards, but its totally worth it!

(haha sorry the post is so long.) :]