I scheduled an underarm wax appointment, but unfortunately woke up the morning of my appointment…read morefeeling ill. The clinician called me to ask if I could come in early and I said yes hoping to be feeling better but as I began to work on some things at home I felt worse and worse. (I just found out I have Covid). I attempted to reschedule through Vagaro, but because my appointment was less than six hours away, the system would not allow me to do so.
I called the salon and was informed by a staff member that I would be charged a $10 cancellation fee despite being sick and wanting to reschedule rather than cancel outright. Since my service was only an underarm wax, the fee amounted to approximately 40% of the total service cost. I asked whether an exception could be made given the circumstances, but was told it was the "manager's policy." The response felt very scripted and lacked any empathy for the situation.
I ultimately agreed to pay the fee, but asked that the manager be informed they had lost a customer over $10.
Unfortunately, the experience became even more disappointing. The manager, Sarah, called me after I had already explained that I was sick and wanted to discuss the situation. I was really not feeling well and did not appreciate receiving a call to discuss this further. I told the manager that, because I wasn't feeling well, the only discussion I was interested in having was whether the cancellation fee would be refunded. Instead of addressing my concern, Sarah ended the call abruptly by HANGING UP ON ME.
I understand that businesses have cancellation policies, but customer service and compassion matter. A little flexibility for a client who woke up sick and was trying to reschedule, not avoid paying, would have gone a long way. Instead, I was charged a fee that represented a significant portion of the service cost and was treated in a way that ensured I won't be returning.
If you book here, just be aware that if you wake up sick on the day of your appointment, you should expect the cancellation fee to be enforced regardless of the circumstances.