My life was threatened, with a gun, because I inquired about a price discrepancy. I want to recall this incident so that people can make informed decisions about where they spend their money.
On 7/16/2020, my partner, Tempey, & I dropped our yorkie-poo, Kujo, at Lola Bell's for a haircut. Upon arrival, Tempey was told that she could not receive an exact price as pricing varies based on multiple factors such as if the dog is matted & the dog's behavior.
Our appointment was at 10:30am. By 2:45pm, we grew concerned & called for an ETA. A staff member hastily reported Kujo was not ready & they'd call when he was. After that interaction we'd agreed that we would not be returning due to the poor customer service.
Upon arrival, we observed a sign that indicated only 1 person was permitted inside at a time. Two women (with two separate transactions) were inside of the establishment picking up their pets. The front desk associate motioned for us to enter.
The associate reported that Kujo's behavior had been great & that he did not have any matts or fleas. She reported our total as $45. I inquired about the pricing system & base price. The associate stated the groomer determines the price & it is based on the factors mentioned. When the groomer appeared, we again asked what factors were used to determine the price given & what was the base price. The groomer stated, the behavior, the condition of the dog, the size, & time it takes for the haircut. The indicated factors of increased pricing did not apply to Kujo. The groomer continued to repeat, "It's $45, period." I advocated for the importance of having a base price so that customers know what price to expect. The owner then put her finger in my face & shouted, "You need to calm down!" I matched the groomer's tone, & told her not to put her finger in my face. The owner repeated the gesture & stated that she was going to get help. Two additional employees, a man & a woman, emerged from the back to record the incident on their cell phones. In disbelief Tempey said, "Wow, they're recording us." The man exclaimed, "That's what y'all do to us!".
Tempey requested to speak with a manager. The groomer asserted that she is the owner of the establishment. The owner then told us, "I could have charged you $55." Tempey indicated that we wouldn't have paid for the service at that price. The owner addressed me again to remind me she already told me what I needed to do & began telling me to leave because I was not supposed to be inside, per the sign on the gate. I continued to request my dog.
The owner continued to antagonize me; the man recording started to verbally engage by taunting me. The man told me to Shut the fuck up, pay, & get out of here. Tempey then directed her attention to the man, matched his tone, & demanded that he not speak to me in that way. The man then stepped to Tempey's face, removed his face mask, & screamed for us to leave the property. The man was, at most, two inches from her face. Simultaneously, the owner called the police. The man asserted that we'd be arrested for disorderly conduct. I requested my dog and encouraged them to call the police. The man aggressively approached me forcing me out of the front gate. I remained outside of the gate demanding my dog.
The man returned to Tempey's personal space & exclaimed that he was going to get his gun. Tempey stated, "If you feel that is appropriate, go get your gun; do whatever you feel is appropriate." The man told her to get off of his property so that he could show her what he'd do with his gun. The man continued taunting us about calling the police & being arrested for disorderly conduct. The man continued to antagonize us with name calling & threats. He questioned if we were familiar with Mobile County Metro Jail. The man boasted that his grandfather is a Warden. The associate retrieved Kujo & returned him to me. As Tempey attempted to exit, the man followed & harassed us with insults & hackling. read more