Last week I had one of the most horrible experiences that I've ever had in my life at any business establishment. I brought a coupon with me that I was sent from Great Clips. It was for a $5.99 haircut. After the haircut was over, when the stylist accompanied me to the register, I handed her $8.00 in cash, specifying that $2.00 was intended to go to her for a tip. I was immediately told that the coupon was not accepted at that particular Great Clips, and that I should have presented it to her upon arrival... even though the coupon clearly said to present it upon payment. I refused to pay anything more than what was required. When I left the salon, one of her coworkers followed me out to the parking area, whereupon she began YELLING at me in public. 10 minutes after I left, I received a phone call from the salon, which I refused to answer; I didn't need any additional aggravation from her. The stylist left me a voicemail, stating that she had already called the Montgomery Township Police Department and filed a complaint against me with them; the salon had my name and phone number from when I checked in upon arrival (I have been in the Great Clips computer system for years, having gotten haircuts from various other Great Clips salons in other towns.) In the voicemail that I received, I was told that unless I immediately returned to the salon and paid the difference that Great Clips "would be pressing charges against me". I immediately drove to the Montgomery Police Headquarters, and spoke with the ranking officer on duty. He said that in fact no one from the salon had phoned them. He asked me what happened, and took down a written report. He carefully read what was printed on the coupon, and (similar to me) was unable to comprehend why the coupon was not valid. The officer kindly offered to accompany me back to the salon to assist in resolving the matter. When we arrived at the establishment, we were both told by the two stylists present that "their boss told them that they were not to honor that particular Great Clips coupon." The officer asked them why there was no sign indicating that those coupons weren't valid there; the stylists both agreed that there should be one. I decided that rather than get the stylists in trouble (even though their poor manners were way over the top) that I would pay them the difference, and just report the incident to Great Clips corporate. Now I'm out $16.00. After paying the difference, for obvious reasons I asked for a computer printed receipt, which I got. Most notably, on the receipt is printed "Great Clips Commitment: Your Complete Satisfaction On All Services And Products Is Fully Guaranteed." When I pointed that out, all I got in return was a shrug. I did phone Great Clips corporate in Minneapolis, and was told that although each Great Clips was an individual franchise they would notify the local franchise owner about my complaint to them, and that he/she would phone me within twenty-four hours. I waited for several days, and not hearing from anyone I phoned them again. Still no reply. The third time I phoned did the trick, and I did finally get a call. Sadly and unfortunately, it was not from the owner, but from another underling employee, Marc. He listened to what happened. All I got was a "tsk tsk tsk" and a statement that he would speak with the two stylists regarding their lack of appropriate demeanor. He did offer me a free haircut upon my next visit, whereupon I told him that there was no way I would ever return to that salon... that I would have to have my head examined if I were to do so. I asked for a refund, but that request was denied. I then asked to speak with the owner, and was told that request was also denied. I would caution anyone who reads this review to STAY AWAY FROM THIS BUSINESS. Both by education and by training, I have a very long fuse... but everyone associated with this Great Clips location burned it out with ease. My frown could have easily been turned upside down with just a modicum amount of training, good sense, and courtesy... all this over an $8.00 difference. I hope that the $8.00 will cost them 100s of times over in lost revenue from people reading this review and refusing to go there. Believe me, I have much better things to do with my time than to sit here and write this bad review, but I want to warn others about this Great Clips location. -MC from Princeton, NJ read more
