I arrived Sunday, August 5 with my mother for the two of us (each) to get a haircut. This was a first-time visit for us, and upon arrival we stepped up to the front desk/cash register area to seek out a sign up sheet; or to put our names in. From where we stood, we were immediately approached by a male employee. He seemed to expect me to speak first and instead of a "hello", I greeted him first. The salutation was not returned; rather, he asked in a monotone, "your last four digits?" I was taken aback; being that I am not from Monterey County and was just visiting I thought this was just the way salons do business there. My reaction was of course, silent puzzlement as I was processing this peculiar inquiry; and apparently after about five seconds of silence, it was too much for him to repeat: "last four digits" to the obviously "clueless" customer (me). He was a little exasperated with my lack of understanding (and surprise) that he had asked me for my "last four digits" instead of perhaps asking at least for mine and my mother's first name. That would have seemed to be a much warmer and personable approach; never the mind the fact he did not return my "hello", I would have let that go, if it were something like: "may I have your names?" Nonetheless, I was not ready with a quick answer on "last four digits" so at that time a female employee intervened and she even seemed exasperated as well. She stepped up to the cash register/computer and while facing my mother and I, (the male employee stepped away) she said, "we need the last four digits of your telephone numbers". Well, now that we had cleared that misunderstanding; this complete sentence from the young lady, albiet with a chilly attitude did give us more information of what it was required of Supercuts in Seaside to receive the first step in customer service. (Thank goodness it wasn't last four digits of our social security numbers; that was my very first thought when the guy asked for "last four digits"....those three words only). So, at that point my mother and I were able to fully cooperate with what obviously seemed to be their policy to get on with their day. And not until then and after a slow, tired sigh from the female employee ; we were asked what our first and last names were. Our information at this time was officially in "their system" !
Although we were seated almost immediately, we were treated coldly and they were even a little dismissive during small conversation. Usually at any given place, it is the salon employee who cheerfully makes small and light chit-chat but these people seemed daunted by their customers.
When my hair was finished (yes, the employee cutting my hair did follow my instructions, she cut two inches "all the way around"); when she was done, she abruptly shoved a mirror in my hand (no word at all) when she finished. I looked at it, and stated to her that I would like it a little shorter by the ears and she actually argued with me saying, "ohhh, no ~ that would be too short. Tooo short. I did what you asked me. I cut two inches all they way around. No, No, that would be too short." I know that was her short-hand and around about way to tell me she did not want to do anything else. I understand that many salon employees do get customers who ask for "more than one haircut." But this would have been a simple scissoring up at the ears. I contritely said, "ok." (impolite people make me nervous)
I followed her to the register to pay for both mine and my mother's haircut. Right from the beginning we felt unwelcome and probably should have walked out. Personal circumstances these past few weeks disallowed either my mother or I to have our haircuts done at our usual "places", and it being a Sunday and it was a rare chance to get overdue haircuts that day (or a far ahead date at our usual places), we resolved to just "pay the people and get the h*ll out of there".
Being that I have worked many decades in the customer service industry; I have a lot of respect for those who work with the public. Therefore, I think I took a little more crap from these people than I should have and feel a little shamed to not have been the slightest bit rude back to them. We did not arrive right at closing. It was the middle of the day. The two employees who had the overwhelming task of taking us in as customers and incidently, were the ones who cut our hair seemed to be just having a bad day. Their bad vibe felt really uncomfortable; and thank goodness for all the kind and polite customer service employees in the world, we appreciate you! read more