LONG STORY SHORT:
Serenity Nails management tried to have my sister and I arrested because they don't expect/accept change.
LONG STORY:
My sister and I went to get our nails done at this salon today. I have never been to Serenity Nails but, my sister assured me it was a wonderful business. Initially, I did not see any service prices posted in the salon. However, I really needed my nails done.
My service, a fill, was done wonderfully. When my nail technician finished, I asked her how much the service would be. She looked unsure and quickly walked to an associate to determine the amount. I heard several numbers suggested before an amount was decided upon. The fill was $58 which was a little higher than I had expected. It was then my nail technician explained they charge for nail length. I paid and then went to wait for my sister in the car.
Soon later, she comes out to get change from the car so she can pay the rest of her bill. Minutes later, the manager comes out of the store and accuses her of leaving without paying. While holding the money she had paid him already, the manager opened my car door and attempted to drag my sister out of the car. I protested immediately, especially because my sister is pregnant.
I demand to know what has happened while trying to protect my sister but, the manager demanded she take of the nails or pay the rest of the money. My sister had gone to my car to complete the transaction but, at that point, it seemed the manager didn't want our money.
My sister began taking her nails off immediately while the nail technician and manager taunted her from outside the car. I had to ask them to remain professional; we were complying with their demands. I offer to pay for her nails many times to which I got dead looks and no replies. I became increasing upset when they began to take pictures of my car when we were cooperating with them. When I told them their photography was making me uncomfortable, they immediately retreated back into their store. Moments later, the nail technician came out and gave my sister the money she had paid with, told us to leave and, not to return. I confirmed that we could leave and we did. I assumed the situation was resolved.
Thirty minutes after I leave, I receive a phone call from an officer of the law. He explains to me that managers at Serenity Nails claim I left without attempting to paying for a service. The officer tells me that I must pay them or, face jail time. Of course, I paid them. However, this could have been solved initially when I offered to pay them earlier.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
I understand every business must do what they can to survive these difficult times. However, this was extremely unprofessional and made me extremely uncomfortable. It is one thing to hide extra charges from a client. It is one thing to demand your clients comply with new charges. It is another to chase a pregnant woman out of your salon after she explained to you she was getting change for the service. Not every has the ability to pay with card or, even cash these days. The entire salon and, later, everyone in the parking lot was swiftly reminded of that when my sister went to the car for the rest of the money. My sister had been very excited that she saved up to destress herself and that hope was completely destroyed. Truthfully, I have never been more embarrassed by staff anywhere else.
BIG RED FLAGS:
#1: Prices for basic services are not displayed prominently on the walls and, instead are in small booklets you must ask for.
#2: Prices for additional or "special" services [i.e., $40+ for long acrylic nail length] are not posted in booklets or in stores.
#3: Many of the nail technicians seem to be unaware of the service costs, especially concerning special services. Pricing seems to be inconsistent.
#4: Management was extremely aggressive. I, the client, was often charged with keeping managers calm and respectful. read more