I hate to have to write this review, but I think other people should know. I have been a customer…read moreof WIne and Design Stafford since before the plague shut everything down. In fact, my home and office are full of the fun projects I (and several family members) have made, so when I saw that they were offering virtual classes, I immediately signed up for two, trusting that I would be able to pick up my promised (and paid for) kits and login for my classes, scheduled for a week after I sign up. I got an email inviting me to pick up my kits at 3:25 PM on Friday, going into Memorial Day Weekend, saying I had until 5:00 PM to come get them. However, I didn't check my email until too late to make it down. I really thought I would be able to get my kits the following Tuesday, in plenty of time for my Thursday and Friday class, but not only was I never even able to get ahold of anyone at the studio by phone, text, email, or in person, though I tried repeatedly over the next few days, I was also never even given link to the first virtual class. When I was finally contacted--on Friday after missing the first class completely--I was only given the Zoom link with no opportunity to come get my kits--again, which I had already paid for. To top it all off, the artist teacher for the Zoom class tried to get ahold of the Stafford studio on my behalf to find out what happened but was also unable to reach them--by this time, they had disabled their phone number--and I wasn't even allowed to participate in the class--again, which I had already paid for.
I have tried to be patient and understanding. I recognize that changing business modes is not easy, and my heart still roots for Wine and Design Stafford to come back from this tough situation and provide the fun and relaxing classes I have learned to love. However, this is not way to treat customers or run a business. I have tried to request a refund from the business, but my emails have gone unanswered, and I think I may have to write off the $70+ dollars. I have even tried getting help from someone at Wine and Design Corporate, but they seem to be taking a page out of the Stafford studio's book and will not answer their phone. Fortunately, Wine and Design Fredericksburg is run by a woman with a better head for business, so I will be able to paint again.