Hairdresser charging deposit unfairly?

[tiredmummy98]

Hi, I’ve started going to a new hairdresser. I’ve been to her twice and I’ve just booked my third appointment.
I’ve had to change this appointment twice due to child care letting me down (I gave her 1 weeks notice both times) and she is now saying if I change it for the third time she will have to charge a deposit fee.

Which I don’t understand why as I’ve given her plenty of notice twice. Am I being unreasonable in thinking it’s unfair?

thanks

It's not unreasonable. The hairdresser may already have turned someone else away from the slot you cancelled. If it can't be filled they will lose income

Although it’s not your fault, she is being messed around by you. It takes time and effort to rebook slots so on the third occasion you’ve done this, it’s fair for her to charge.

Lots of hairdressers in my area already charge a deposit at time of booking so I don't think it's unreasonable.

Just say that you’re not willing to be bound by those terms. Take your deposit and go elsewhere.

I think you are the one being unfair. She could be turning away other bookings for yours, and imagine the time consuming nightmare she would have if all of her clients kept on changing appointments

Two chances to change with no charge is more than fair. If you don't like the deposit system, then find another hairdresser.

No she's not being unfair, she might not be able to fill the slot and she will lose money if she doesn't

Whilst a weeks notice is good for cancelation, it's not great for hairdressers getting appointments booked in. They try and get me to book my next appointment as I leave, meaning they try and fill up 6-8 weeks in advance, and it's only random drop ins that will fill that slot, not regulars.

I can see both points of view. If her system doesn't work for you, find another hairdresser.

It is fair.
She has a business to run and being messed about costs her money.

No I think that's fair. Hairdressing appointments can be a big chunk of her day and hard to fill at a week's notice.

Bluntly, you're free to take your business elsewhere if it doesn't suit.

It's not unfair of her to ask for a deposit. It is your choice whether you want to use that hairdresser, or go to one who doesn't charge a deposit.

If you are unsure of your availability, you should only book when you are sure you'll be free. The difficulty is that you know that most hairdressers will be booked up by then, which is the point the hairdresser is making. Lots of people don't book last minute. They have their regular hairdresser. So if you cancel an appointment, she has to find someone to fill it.

I'm one of those awkward people that will generally only go to the hairdresser on the same day as I decide I need a haircut (I hate having it cut). So I accept that I will have to always have a different hairdresser, because I ring around until I find one that has a slot free. Most people don't do that.

My hairdresser is booked up with regular clients about 8 weeks in advance, she'd be unlikely to fill an appointment cancelled with only one weeks notice. Given you've messed her about twice, I think she's being fair.

Not unfair at all.
My hairdresser books out months in advance so even with one week's notice she would struggle to fill my spot and find me a new date. It's not her fault you've had childcare issues.