If you look at my reviews, You will see great reviews. Have you ever heard the saying, "no one ever leaves a good one, people always point out the bad". Well, I make it a point to leave the good ones. It takes something major for me to leave a bad one, and when I do, I guarantee you that it is 100% raw honesty!
I've been tanning at Tiki Tan for the past 3 months and getting ready to go for four. Today, I walked into Tiki Tan, a lady that I have seen there many times as she has me.. I walk in the door up to the counter, she is counting money. When I see people counting money, my instinct is to stop, pause, hold my thoughts, until they start counting and look up. That ensures one won't lose their place won't lose their place. That's exactly what I did. She finished counting into the drawer, looked up, and said, how can I help you? I'm standing there with a bottle of tanning lotion in my hand, very obviously I'm there to tan. So,
Me: may I tan,
Her: sighhhh, with a very abrupt and snappy, LAST NAME??
ME: Capps, looked at my watch, it was 6:42 p.m., I say it's not too late is it.
Her: snaps back with, ALL THREE OF AIR CONDITIONERS ARE BROKEN AND IT'S 95° in here.
ME: I'm sorry.
Her: NUMBER 10.
Me: Thank you
I go tan, walk to the counter, and we have a second conversation.
Me: Excuse me, your name again?
Her: I'm Kathy the manager
Me: ok, I want to say something. Ya know, I've been coming here for quite some time, I know it's almost time to renew. I have been in here when the AC has been out, probably four times in the last 3 months. I've been with the back door open with the fan in the front door. I never complained, I take pride in the fact I'm happy. Honestly, I felt it was a burden for you to allow me to tan today. I'm 50 years old, learned a lot, grew up, but 2 years ago.. I would have given you a? worst than yours, attitude right back
Kathy: walking around the counter headed towards and talking over me, you let me tell you something... my only child died three years ago today and...
Me: my daddy died by suicide and mama from Alzheimer's, but you don't see me being nasty to others
Kathy: Almost shouting, MY SON MY ONLY SON...ONLY SON
Me: let me out(the door was locked) let me out...(getting angry) you will let me out
Kathy: while putting her hand on the lock itself, yelling- YOU'RE GONNA LISTEN TO WHAT I HAVE TO SAY
Me: shouting, YOU ARE GOING TO LET ME OUT(now 2 feet between us and at this point in time, my body language, facial expression, etc was that of slightly scared(she wasn't going to let me unlock the door) man
Kathy: here, go... "DON'T COME BACK QUEER, WE DON'T WANT YOUR KIND OF PEOPLE IN HERE ANYWAY"
Now, I am 50 years old, and I have been tanning since the late 80s. When there was no 12 and 15 minute tanning beds. Most all were 30 minutes. Yes people, that's how long I've been tanning MY Grandma Margaret used to tap on the tanning bed room when the timer hit 15 minutes, which was halfway, telling me to put my arms up above my head. So I would tan my sides and armpits. So, that ritual has been going on for quite some time. I have an alarm set on my phone that says "tanningtimer". It is set for 8 minutes. When it beeps, no matter if I am in a 12 or 15 minute bed.
I turn it on every time, get in the bed, when the timer hits 8. I put my arms over my head. I tell you that story because today when I tanned, my alarm went off, I put my hands over my head, and in about 20 to 40 seconds. The tanning bed cut off(8 minutes & 23 seconds) is what the bed timer said. There is no doubt in my mind Kathy turned it off early. Because she was hot, wanting to go home, and not wanting "my kind" tanning there... Not-to-mention, I listen to 15 minute segments of Joyce Meyers...it was still playing when the tanning bed went off with 4 minutes to go.
I am saddened by this treatment as I have enjoyed tanning here. I would hope for a response, an apology, something. In addition, Kathy needs to be retrained on management as well as customer service. Or maybe, she simply isn't the person you need at your establishment.
Proudly Gay & Yours Truly,
Edwin Capps read more