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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be a bit put out by Claire's Accessories?

43 replies

TheHouseOnBellSt · 04/07/2015 12:02

Booked a party there 2 weeks ago. Was told "Come in any time to pay your vouchers for the girls...as long as it's before the party."

Party is next weekend. Just had phone message from girl there who said "We're in a blind panic because you've not been in to pay for vouchers and sign forms so we don't know if you're still coming or not."

Hmm

A blind panic??

I called her back and said "I was told to come in any time before the party...no date given....I was planning to come in on Monday..."

She again said "Oh its fine but we were in a blind panic"

Hmm

So I said "You were in a blind panic because there's a full week to go and I'd not been in yet?"

She said It's just that we didn't know...

I'm put off the whole thing now!

OP posts:
Guitargirl · 04/07/2015 12:03

What sort of party does Claire's do?

fastdaytears · 04/07/2015 12:05

Ooh you can have a party at Claire's? How exciting

You have to laugh really about how little has happened in this lady's life for the voucher non-drama to have sent her into a "blind panic". Heaven help us if she ever has to return something without a receipt or change the batteries in her remote control.

Original poster
TheHouseOnBellSt · 04/07/2015 12:07

Oh they've just started them....there's a variety available for dfferent ages. You pay only for a voucher for each guest....whatever amount you choose....then for older girls they do some hair and makeup and help them shop and play a few games. Younger girls can have a Beanie Boo party and something else....

OP posts:
TelephoneIgnoringMachine · 04/07/2015 12:07

They don't sound very professional. Maybe they were in a panic, but a) they shouldn't have said that to you, and b) if there was an issue with leaving payment this late, they should have let you know at the time of nooking and/or chased you earlier, surely?

TelephoneIgnoringMachine · 04/07/2015 12:08

Booking, not nooking. Stupid tablet.

MrsGentlyBenevolent · 04/07/2015 12:12

I think 'blind panic' is just one of those over-used sayings. Sounds like an over-reaction, although, if they needed any special 'plans' from you, I could understand why leaving it until a few days before would lead to a phonecall. Again, they should have explained better when you first booked, if this is the case.

Partially off subject, I've just googled a Claires' party, it sounds like my worst nightmare. So, so glad my local Claires didn't provide one of these, I could just see my younger sister demanding such a thing, being treated like a 'little princess with her friends all day and having a beauty session' Confused.

littlejohnnydory · 04/07/2015 12:16

Oh my dear Lord, how horrible, I hope none of my dd's are ever invited to one of those! But seeing as you've signed up for it, seems a bit silly to be put off by the phone call. If you booked two weeks ago I think you could have been in by now but 'blind panic' is a bit ott. They probably were worried that you wouldn't show when they have reserved the slot for you though.

Original poster
TheHouseOnBellSt · 04/07/2015 16:27

So glad I didn't invite one of your DDs Johnny....my DD is about to turn 11 and will LOVE it. So will all of her friends.

OP posts:
TheoriginalLEM · 04/07/2015 16:31

So what does the party actually consist of? Trying on plastic accessories where they are allowed to buy something? Could you not just take them to the shop?

Do they do complementary ear piercing included in the price? Shock

FoulsomeAndMaggotwise · 04/07/2015 16:35

Well I think it sounds like exactly the kind of party I would have loved at 11.

Don't be put off, it's irritating and a bit unproffessional but I'm sure the party itself will be great.

Ilovetorrentialrain · 04/07/2015 16:36

OP at least you know they're expecting you! I wonder if the staff member who called was very young and inexperienced?

For what it's worth, I don't have a daughter but remember myself at that age and would have loved that kind of party!

GinUpGirl · 04/07/2015 16:38

I wouldn't be put off, this sounds like a nagging manager having a bad day who worried the member of staff who called.

I'd have loved the party too.

MrsGentlyBenevolent · 04/07/2015 16:39

House, that's a bit rude, no one is denying your daughter her day - it's just not to everyone's taste. Johnny also gave you decent advice, perhaps you should just focus on that.

Oh, and since original brought it up, never get your kids ears pierced in somewhere like Claires. Someone who's had half a day's training shouldn't be allowed to put permenant holes in a person. Always go to a proper piecer, one that doesn't use a blooming gun like they've just finished stapling papers together.....

ThursdayLast · 04/07/2015 16:47

GinUpGirl wrote exactly what I was thinking.

Probably just a Saturday girl panicking over nothing.

Original poster
TheHouseOnBellSt · 04/07/2015 16:53

MrsGentle Johnny was horrid and personal...she said "Oh dear how horrible I hope none of my DDs are ever invited to one of those"

So her "advice" was cancelled out by her unnecessary meanness.

OP posts:
Original poster
TheHouseOnBellSt · 04/07/2015 16:55

For what it's worth...though I don't HAVE to defend my choice of venue, DD wanted a "shopping party" and I was going to just give the girls vouchers and then take them for lunch but noticed claires do a party package..it only involves a bit of fuss from some older girls...the assistants...so 11 year olds who are tweens will enjoy that.

This age group often adores having older teens give them attention...they just do a quick up-do and some nail painting and a bit of cheek glitter....hardly worthy of a tacky pageant! They get some advice as they shop...all good.

OP posts:
MrsGentlyBenevolent · 04/07/2015 17:25

She wasn't personal, she didn't mention you being awful - she didn't like the idea in general (or did I, but it was only for myself again, not a judgement on you). Anyway, I hope you've had it sorted and your daughter enjoys her day.

FarFromAnyRoad · 04/07/2015 17:28

You are totally over-sensitive. And you were unnecessarily rude to littlejohnny - you misread the post and took it personally. I'd rather stick pins in my feet than go to a party like that but that in no way invalidates your feelings on the thing. Does Claires sell grips?

DJThreeDog · 04/07/2015 17:33

I agree with OP, I think Johnny was rude.

Would you say that to a friend? No.

WorraLiberty · 04/07/2015 17:33

Interestingly enough Far, yes it does! Grin

FarFromAnyRoad · 04/07/2015 17:36

Good job then Worra - looks like they'll be shifting a few! Grin

SycamoreMum · 04/07/2015 17:50

Littlejohnny was rude. No need to say that really, but hey public forum and all that larkHmm

MrsGentlyBenevolent · 04/07/2015 17:54

DJ

  1. This is AIBU - there are no 'friends' here...
  1. Yes I would, but the great thing about real life, tone suggests how 'rude' you're being. I would say 'that sounds super girly - you know me, I'd hate it, but your daughter will have a fab time!".
Original poster
TheHouseOnBellSt · 04/07/2015 17:54

That sort of snobbery does nobody any favours. I'd never sneer at someone else's pans in that way. Rude, rude, rude.

OP posts:
Original poster
TheHouseOnBellSt · 04/07/2015 17:56

MrsGently the way you put it just now is much more polite. Not necassary but more polite. Why be negative at all? I often say "How lovely." when a friend or even someone on here describes something not to my taste. I'd not say "Oh not "me" at all" because why bother?

OP posts: