Terry was incredibly condescending throughout our interaction. After sending me a passive-aggressive message, she apparently didn't like being called out and was told to step off her fantasy island.
I never thought that in asking for a bell performer I'd get the beast of an attitude and personality--not only from the manager, but likely the owner and possibly even the performer. Add to that the nonexistent customer service, and you get it all in one package. What does that say? Jack of all trades, master of none. That's exactly what this is. She should focus on one thing and hire people who she can actually afford to handle the other parts of the business.
This company demanded full payment upfront with no alternate options--only Zelle. For a business that claims to provide invoices for accounting purposes, they should honor that option. Instead, they force a payment method that makes it nearly impossible for a customer to dispute if something goes wrong--which in this case, it did. Our family is out $50. While that's not a huge amount, it clearly matters to this money-grabbing company, and I fully intend to report them.
Anyone considering doing business with them should pay with a credit card, just in case Terry decides to "wake up on the wrong side of the bed." Their behavior is unethical, unprofessional, and condescending.
I would much rather recommend Enchanted Characters, whom I've used before. They are extremely professional, have clear contracts they adhere to fully, and don't cherry-pick which parts of their agreements they will honor.
I'm certain she'll jump on here to spin this into one of her usual fairytale stories. She'll probably try to blame me for "not reading the contract"--which I did. Yes, I was meeting the payment deadline. Yes, Zelle was an option, but so was an invoice, which is what I requested to cover the balance she demanded.
Because her tone was condescending, I mirrored it--and suddenly, I'm the problem. Suddenly, I'm "hostile." Suddenly, she "cannot" accept invoice payments. Suddenly, I've become the inconvenience.
I'm not here to stroke anyone's ego. I don't care if you're the only princess available all year--if you're rude, you will be met with the same energy. I brought her back to reality, and unsurprisingly, she didn't like it.
Terry, pay your processing fees and stop forcing people to funnel payments through one sourcel. Sure, Zelle is simpler, instant, and avoids those pesky processing fees or 1099-K reporting triggers--but forcing it on your customers just makes you look cheap and difficult. People, pay with a credit card--that way you have some security and aren't at the mercy of someone else's mood.