Visit date:May162025
The Barber Smith Barbershop:(local, two‑chair shop run by barbers Keith andSteve)
My second visit to The Barber Smith was markedly worse than the first. Poor customer relations skills overshadowed any confidence I had in this shop, and ensured I won't return.
When I first arrived, Steve was seated at the sidewalk outside the front door, smoking. I had to pass through the smoke to enter.
With compromised respiratory health (50% lung capacity), I actively avoid cigarette smoke. While this presented an immediate concern, needing a haircut, I decided to enter anyway. After mentioning the odor when I went in, Keith (while cutting another client's hair) gave me a disapproving look instead of an apology.
Steve, returning in, directly motioned me to his chair. I expressed hesitation about the cigarette smoke and smell.
Steve said he "wears gloves." At which point Keith interjected, with an attitude, telling me "You know, you could go somewhere else."
I was shocked at this. I could only imagine how uncomfortable this made his current client.
At this point Steve offered to wash his hands, and I said that would be great. Keith again minimized the issue, remarking that "smoking isn't contagious."
This dismissive tone and lack of courtesy led me to leave without a haircut, forfeiting 20minutes of driving and my time.
Customer courtesy matters to me. A barbershop experience should feel comfortable and professional. Unfortunately, this visit fell significantly short in both those areas. Greeting patrons with cigarette smoke and defensive remarks conveys indifference toward my feelings, comfort and health. This is not people I want to give my money to.
IMHO, Hygiene is non‑negotiable. Hand‑washing should be routine, not optional.
Attitude set the atmosphere for me, and I was turned off almost immediately. A simple apology for the smoke, probably would have smoothed over the experience (though smelling smoke the whole time would still be a turn off)
With the lack of basic hospitality and hygiene, I cannot recommend this barbershop. I will take my business, and the recommendations I share with friends, elsewhere. read more