im thinking about getting my septum done but im not sure yet.. i know prices vary but should i expect to be paying more than 40? 

what are you planning on having as the initial jewelry?   

i will most likely go for a retainer. 

 alright, thanks Nebula.

 my piercer is pretty reasonable, but ill probably stop by tomorrow and ask.

Mine was $38, $20 for the piercing and $18 for an Anatometal retainer... plus tip, I dont remember what that was... But it varies from place to place...

if you buy your own jewelry, usually shops charge 20-30 dollars as a piercing fee, a somewhat-minimal autoclave fee for your jewelry (around here it ranges 5-10 dollars) plus tip.  i would think it would be cheaper to buy your jewelry before hand, just be sure you get implant grades. 

Buying your jewelry beforehand is a great idea, but I just wanted to add that some shops do not allow a customer to buy initial jewelry from elsewhere because they want to be guaranteed of the quality of the piece they are going to be sticking inside you (or are seeking more profit =P). I would just give the piercer a ring and ask them what their preference is first. 

i spent 50 on mine. the price was only around 40 bucks, but they like you more when you give them money.

my shop charges 40

 alrigh, yeah i usually buy my jewelry before i get it done anyways.

any good brands for retainers?

i might get one through baf, and use my next check to get the piercing. 

BAF has anatometal, industrial strength, and body circle designs retainers. All 3 are excellent quality and materials.  

Mine was 45€ [=$60] and people don't tip here so that was itt.

40$? I guess Norway is quite expencive compared to that... Average price for septum piercing in Norway is 500 NOK, or just over 90$. It's not custom to tip, that's the total price including the jewelry.

I paid $50 for the piercing, including jewelry and tip. The piercing itself was $40.

My piercer refused to pierce with a retainer, because they're easy to lose, so you may want to check with your piercer before you buy a retainer to be pierced with. I had a circular barbell for initial jewelry, which can be flipped up just like a retainer, but won't slip out if you rub your nose the wrong way.