Well, against my better judgment, I decided to give this dry bar franchise another try. Whatever business model/training these people get that start these businesses is so far from professional it's concerning.
They clearly don't know how to run their franchise businesses. This is the second time and absolute last time I will ever visit a Dry bar location again. The first time I visited one I did not have a good experience, it was at a different location. So against my better judgment, I decided hey maybe I will give this new dry bar a chance nine years later and they just opened, so they should be a lot better. Even after reading all of their terrible reviews. I should have known better.
Before booking this appointment, because of my previous experience, I was sure to call this location and speak to the store manager. I let her know about my past experience and kind of the concerns that I had and issues that occurred at the last appointment. She was very kind and even extended a discount because of my experience from the last time which she did not need to do but it did encourage me to continue with booking my appointment. I was impressed that she took the time to speak to me and extend a discount it did motivate me further to make my appointment. She also made me feel better when she said she'd make sure a senior stylist took care of me for my appointment.
Fast-forward to the day of my appointment. I walked in got checked in and the stylist started working on my hair. I initially scheduled having my hair washed and styled but my stylist suggested my hair would hold better if we did not do a wash because I wanted curls. I listened because well she's the stylist and I didn't mind. She went ahead and styled my hair, I added on a braid and the experience was overall fine. The stylist I got was great, she was personable and pleasant to speak to.
I was done and went up to the register to check out. That's where the issue began as the girl who was checking me out said there was no discount, she said there were notes but no accommodation and no discount. I explained I spoke to the store manager and she was kind enough to extend a discount and if they could give her a call. The store manager was called and I was told that because I didn't get the wash there couldn't be a discount applied. I was upset because if I had known that I would've gotten the wash. Instead of the customer being right they chose to argue with me and say I was told nothing could be done because that was at another location and that the manager explained that, etc.
The way the situation was handled was unprofessional. I understand that she did not need to give me a discount but it was one of the reasons I visited again against my better judgement. I'm not sure if times have changed but I don't agree with arguing with a client over a $5 discount. As a franchise owner I'd want to make sure all of my paying customers returned. And that they had a good experience so that they could share with others.
Overall, the Drybar franchise sucks. I wasn't impressed with my hair. It was definitely something I could have done at home, nothing special at all. The girls there were mostly snobby and unwelcoming. Whoever was running the front desk had a stink face and looked pissed off. The blonde with holes in her pants as well, arguing with a client over a discount is unprofessional and not cute. I left so upset I didn't tip the stylist which I was bummed about because she was great, very friendly and personable, not stuck up at all. My hair wasn't the greatest and definitely not worth what I paid for but she was the only one who made the experience actually enjoyable. read more