NGPR: WWYD (hair related)

[blindyswife]

K, so I had a hair appointment this morning at 10. It was super over due. I was scheduled for an appointment three weeks ago, but had to cancel because I had to take L to the doctor, and the soonest opening my stylist had was three weeks later (so, today).

All of that is technically irrelevant to my question, but I added it anyway.

I got to my appointment on time, but waited FORTY MINUTES before I got started. I love my stylist, and the salon, so I'm not mad at her/them. Apparently the woman before them, the first appt of the day, was 15 min late and then looked at hair magazines for like 20 minutes deciding what to do with her hair. My stylist was very apologetic about it.

I had another appointment after my hair that I had to cancel because of the delay. When I checked out, I hoped that they would offer a discount off my $116 bill, or a gift card, or SOMETHING for my inconvenience. But they didn't. And I am super unconfrontational and a chicken shit so I of course didn't say anything.

Would you have asked for something in this type of situation? Am I a huge pushover or what?

[VillainV]

I think I'd be as much of a pushover as you are. I'd probably just tip less rather than ask for a discount. If this is a one-time thing, then I think i'd let it go. If it happens repeatedly, then I'd bring it up and mention that if they can't make your appointment times, you'll have to find another stylist who can.

[littlemisschatty]

It sounds like a one time thing with a difficult client. They don't really have to offer you anything but an apology, and to tip the stylist less is not cool. She wasn't the reason they ran late. If anything, they should have cut the other person's appointment short, not delay yours! I wouldn't say anything either, but I would if it happens again.

[winecheery]

See, my stylist and I are friends now. If that had happened she would have most certainly offered me a discount. Or something.

It's not the stylist's fault by any means, (I would NEVER not tip her because of another client's idiot behavior) but 40 mins is ridiculous, and the salon could've offered some small consolation, such as a free travel size product or an extra conditioning treatment...something small to thank you for being a good client that doesn't throw them off their schedules.

Also, at my salon, if you are 15 mins late they will begin on the next client. Let the late person wait.

I would prob have mentioned something like, "Holy crap balls Stylist's Name, what the heck took that lady so long?" and then let her/the salon choose to do something or nothing at that point, but like I said we are friends; I've been seeing her for 10 years and they know me at the salon.

[VillainV]

Actually, it IS the stylists responsibility to keep on schedule. If one client shows up late, is indecisive or otherwise taking too much time, it's the STYLIST'S job to stay on schedule. "I'm sorry Louise, but my next appointment is in 30 minutes, and that style will take me 45. If that's what you want, I'm happy to schedule you for next week."

I wouldn't NOT tip, but I would maybe tip closer to 10% than my normal 20% if a stylist made me so late that I had to cancel other appointments.