Disclaimer: I just made my first yelp account purely for this review. I am not some internet "troll" who takes pleasure in writing negative things, whilst hiding behind my keyboard.
I have also visited Terminal Barbershop, Garrisons Barbershop, Mi Hermano, Original Grooming Experts, Mankind Grooming Studio, Crows Nest and Hollow Ground, so I know what I'm talking about when it comes to mens haircuts in Toronto.
I truly hope the Fitting Room staff see this post so that they can improve their business (not wishing anything negative upon them moving forward).
I also realize this review is strongly worded and aggressive so I am anticipating the first impression of the staff to be along the lines of "Woah what a keyboard warrior, I dare this guy to come show his face". I'm not looking for a fight, but I will formally address everything I typed if thats what floats your boat. Mainly because everything I wrote is 100% true facts...... on to the review:
The "Vibe":
- I walk into this place and I feel as if I'm on the set for Mean Girls 2. I have all these barbers giving me the "You can't sit with us" look as if I'm at the wrong place, no one even said what up or asked when my appointment was. Like OKAY, you're the FAMOUS Brian..... drumroll..... PRIME......TIME who can integrate a laser cut Nike Swoosh into a mans waves, but pipe down little man, I'm a paying customer.
The Haircut:
- I had a haircut with Ashley as she was the only stylist available, I booked my appointment last minute. She wasn't friendly whatsoever, but whatever I'm here for a haircut, not a life altering TED talk, lets carry on shall we?
- THE BAD: Not sure why she thought it was a good idea, but right before she goes to cut my hair she goes and smokes a cigarette. I'm thinking like yo...... are you serious? Her hands and everything REEKED! If I'm paying a premium price, let alone real $$ for a haircut I don't want my barber to smell like that guy who washes windshields under the Gardiner Expressway (no offence to those who do this, but I paid $45 for this haircut, would've rather given you that $45 in hindsight)
- To get back on track, the haircut was mediocre at best (4.5/10)
The Shop:
- The one thing I cannot complain about is the set up of the shop. Really elegant decor with a nice waiting area and washrooms downstairs. Good stuff.
Bottomline:
- Definitely a well set up shop with quality products, however if you must go, please at all costs AVOID ASHLEY...... unless you like an unfriendly, miserable person who absolutely reeks of cigarette smoke.
Key Learning Points:
- A good experience carries tons of value: Toronto customers are very loyal and willing to refer a good barbershop to friends (long customer lifetime value, improved workplace culture, reduced customer acquisition costs)
- A smile goes a long way: many customers appreciate "small talk". This can turn a potentially poor haircut into a positive experience (its act as performance floor)
- Calm the steeze: We get it, you have tattoos, you listen to really ill music and you stay up late, but you're still a service business who has an obligation to serve customers to the best of your abilities.
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