My daughter has been a patron of this establishment for about three years. For my daughter's birthday I contacted this establishment to surprise her with a gift certificate for her next appointment. To my surprise she actually had an appointment that day.... what luck.
I called the salon, and a very pleasant young lady answered the phone and informed me that I would have to come in to purchase the gift certificate, so I did just that. I arrived and asked for the amount needed to take care of my daughter's bill. The young lady that I spoke to over the phone asked the owner, Tahra, who then informed me that her bill is usually $35 ($5 to remove the gel polish and $30 for the gel manicure), however if she wanted a design it would be extra. However, when for the additional amount, she told me she didn't know it varied ($10 & $18). I asked her what should I pay, Tahra then told me to pay the $35 and that she would discount the rest because it was her birthday. Tahra turned to the young lady at the reception desk, told her she would show her how to do it once my daughter checked out. I said wonderful, paid the young lady $35 and was on my way.
Here is where this pleasant story goes south. My daughter called me on her way home from the salon to thank me for paying "on her bill." I was a little taken aback, my understanding was that the balance would be discounted by Tahra for her birthday. I thought 'maybe she forgot, or maybe the credit was placed of the wrong account by accident", I called the salon identified myself and spoke to Tahra. I explained to her that I had paid the bill however, my daughter paid for her nails. Tahra informed me that the amount my daughter paid was for the design. I reminded her of the price range she gave me for designs ($10-$18), my daughter paid $25 + a tip. "What design was $25?" She told me the design was a more intricate. SMH
By this point I am feeling that this was not an oversight,' but intentional. She was paid twice for the same service. I asked about the discount that 'She' mentioned that she would give, as it was my daughter's birthday. She became a bit defensive, and she told me she that does not give discounts. At this point there was no since in arguing with her about it, I hung up and told my daughter what happened, and suggested she find a new salon.
Then this morning the story took yet another twist. My daughter read me a post from Tahra's Instagram about the incident.... but she left out key components. She sets the scene as if I called her and asked her for a discount for my "adult daughter's birthday." She goes on to write that she called her mortgage/rental office, cable company etc. to ask them for a discount on her birthday. Then proceeded to poll the forum. I cannot believe the level of unprofessionalism this young woman displays. However, after reading the reviews, apparently this is nothing new.
So, as a resolution I gave my daughter the additional $25 and told her I would give Ms. Tahra her tip personally.
Tip# 1- Professionalism, competitive pricing, providing a clean, safe, and friendly environment are all key in any customer service driven industry.
Tip# 2-Sign up for "Customer Service/Care" classes immediately! To have sustainable success making your customers feel valued and respected goes a long way.
Tip# 3- Leave your attitude at home! People are paying for a service, not your attitude.
Tip# 4- If Tahra should feel the need to make another comment regarding this matter she is encouraged to do so with me personally...she has my information.
Tip# 5- My last and final tip is from one black woman to another, I am proud of the fact that you had the talent, time and expertise to follow your dreams and start this business. Your sour, dismissive attitude will negatively affect your ability to achieve your highest potential, just tweak these areas and the sky will be the limit. read more