To be suspicious of clinic wanting money upfront?

And are they a trading company on the company’s house website

Please trust your gut instinct. When i
Wanted Botox (and I also decided on the day to go for fillers as I was so impressed with the whole operation) I asked around my friends and got recommendations. I had something else done elsewhere (cosmetic) and I asked the surgeon for recommendations too. The surgeon and a friend recommended the same lady who practices at a Bupa hospital and has been doing it for 30 years. She is also a nurse. I then went online and read about her on the Bupa website, found reviews about her, rang and asked loads of questions. She wasn't cheap and I had to wait about 2 months for an appointment but I wouldn't do it any other way. This your face they're injecting things in to! And done pay upfront, that does sound dodgy.

No way, there are lots of red flags that you mentioned. Also the almost instant availability is another red flag. Most reputable places would have a longer wait and a waiting list for a cancellation.

Absolutely not a chance

Jesus. More research before you book.

Check that they are indeed a registered nurse and on the register. If they are a nurse prescriber, this should be noted on their registration too. You can search with just a 1st and surname. https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/search-the-register/

Its a requirement to have a consultation first- and during that, it might be decided that you only need 1 place done, none at all or 3 areas. I'm therefore unsure how they can charge beforehand- without having conducted this consultation first? A deposit, yes I can understand, that gets taken off the total cost or refunded if no treatment is given, but paying the whole amount beforehand if worrying.

I'd also be concerned where this is taking place? A garage, room in their house, room they have hired? What medical equipment do they have on hand for an emergency? Adrenaline etc in a case of an anaphylactic reaction? It does sound dodgy IMO.

Very much depends. I frequently book private appointments when I am expected to pay in advance (minor surgery, mole check, holding deposit for a dentist, holding deposit for a hairdresser etc.) But I wouldn't do it to a company with an expired web address and a complete lack of SM presence.

Never mind your money - would you seriously consider them injecting stuff into your face??

Get a grip!

This

Did you check them in Companies House? Sounds like they set up a couple of years ago and didn't really get off the ground. Probably bust the company, have no valid insurance and are doing cash jobs on the cheap.

TBH I wouldn’t be using a botox/filler provider without a personal recommendation, recent online footprint with website detailing qualifications of the practitioner and recent reviews. They are being pushy about payment too - another red flag.

Body swerve this - not all aestheticians are equal, you could end up looking like a right freak with nerve damage or anything instead of a fresh new you.

I wouldnt entertain this so called "company"

£250 for botox AND fillers doesnt seem very expensive,

id be asking what product they are injecting, and would be questioning if they are a registered professional ie a doctor/nurse.

also never pay up front without an initial consultation!!!!

sounds fishy, if not that, rubbish quality by an inexperienced injector.

I think if you pay, you will turn up, the door will be locked, and no one will be there.

It sounds like the place has closed in 2023 and this is a scammer.

I'd have to trust someone a lot to let them stick needles in my face!

@viccy009

Can you make payment by credit card? If so - whatever else - you will be protected financially

I'd be less worried about the money than the issue of someone from a non reputable place injecting God knows what into my face!

Some (reputable) clinics do ask for payment up front (unless its a consultation) but in this case, with no data for 2024 you should be very wary.

Gosh no do not go to this person! Only go to a practitioner who is a registered medical professional (dentist, nurse, doctor). Any decent clinic will offer you a consultation appointment first, before booking any treatment. They'll also be happy to provide you with proof of their registration.
Edited to say a deposit is normal at time of booking, but would only be a small percentage of treatment cost.

Do not pay and do not go. Go somewhere reputable that does it like a dentist. You don't want anyone messing about with your face

Imo it would be a very bad idea.

Out of date website, no landline, not a lot of reviews and none recent.

None of that says reputable business.

If something went wrong do you think you would have any hope of tracking these people down? If not... Don't do it!

you haven't got vibes from them, you don't like the fact they have no landline and can't find many good recommendations from them and yet you're still considering going to have Botox at this place.
I don't have Botox but I can absolutely guarantee if I were - I'd be using somewhere I felt was completely above board with good recommendations against them.