I have been in desperate need of a haircut lately. I have been trying to find the time to get to the salon and have them work their magic. Luckily, I was able to get an appointment for Sunday afternoon. My husband was home, the children were napping, and I was looking forward to the quiet 'me' time. I didn't have any plans for anything drastic, just a trim and some layers. But, I was ready to take it and enjoy the time doing something for myself.
I was surprised when I arrived at the salon and it took over 15 minutes for someone to check me in. When they called my stylist to let her know I was in, she came to the front and insisted that it would be a while because she was running behind. She told me to 'go shop or something.' I told her I was fine waiting with a magazine, but honestly I was shocked at her rude behavior. As I sat and waited for another twenty minutes I decided to do something I don't normally do: I decided to speak up!
I tracked down the manager, explained the wait at check in and the stylist's rude behavior. She was very apologetic and asked if there was anything she could do. I told her she could cancel my appointment because I wasn't comfortable spending money and having such a rude stylist do my hair.
As I walked out of the salon I felt proud of myself. Normally, I would have waited without saying a word, allowed them to cut my hair, and just secretly vowed to never go back. But, my 'me time' is worth more than that! Doing something for yourself is meant to feel good. It is meant to help us see that we are worth the time, the effort, and the money we spend. When we realize just how important we are, then we'll realize that it is okay to speak up and not tolerate service that does not deliver.
I may not have left with a haircut, but the experience did leave me with a little more confidence that my time and money are worth better service!
ChristinaY is new to Blissfully You. She blogs about her adventures and misadventures in motherhood at MamaNeena.
Loading ...
Way to go! We had a similar experience when we went to upgrade my phone at Verizon this weekend. The guy acted like we were inconveniencing him by wanting to get a new phone. I REALLY wanted the phone, so we dealt with it…but your story makes me wish we'd have left or asked for someone else to help us.
Good for you! I really need to start doing this more, I don't know why but my backbone disappears in situations like that. I hope your story will inspire me to find it when I am in public.
Good for you. Years ago, my hair cutter kept me waiting a really long time. I had my daughters with me. I finally left, and later established with another stylist. After about 6 months I got a call from the old stylist. He apologized and said it'd never happen again, if I'd come back. I did, and he cut my hair for a total of 20 years, before I relocated. He never kept me waiting again.
Christina, that's awesome! I think more of us need to speak up when we're dissatisfied with our service. For too long compromise and silence has become a way of life for us and your post reminds us that enough is enough!