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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

A hairdressing one

53 replies

JeremyCorbynsVest · 01/06/2017 11:20

I had a hair appointment the other day and arrived precisely 10 minutes late. Usually if there is any possibility I will be late, I call to say 'I am on my way, sorry I might be a few minuets late etc…’ and they normally say - yes no problem at all - see you when you get here kind of thing…

This time, as chance would have it I didn’t call, as I reasoned they are always running late anyway (I am normally on time and most times I end up waiting for them – anything from 10–20 minutes), never seem that bothered when I do call, and I thought parking to call them would have made me even later.

However, yesterday on arriving for my appointment, I was rather stunned to be informed that ‘sorry you’re 10 minutes late and there now won’t be time to do your highlights’.

As I was having a ’T-section of highlights, I was quite surprised as my hair is above shoulder length and they still had 2 hours, but there it was, I meekly trotted away… albeit after voicing my surprise and mild annoyance.

Having thought it over I called back and asked how long it normally takes for a T- section and was told lamely, ‘err well 30 minutes to put in on and….. …’ When I asked why then 2 hours was insufficient I was told that as I was a 'no-show' my appointment had been re-booked. I had a missed call from them at '8 minutes late'…2 minutes before I walked through the door, unfortunately I didn’t answer as my phone was on silent, but as I walked through the door literally 2 minutes later, they were pretty quick in re-booking my slot.

I have just accepted it and no big deal but still left feeling mildly irked by this whole experience as I am a long standing customer, am very rarely late and as I said before, normally end up waiting for them (uncomplainingly).

So what else to do but ask the MU jury – was IBU to feel peeved or is my hairdresser BU to dispense with my appointment so swiftly?

OP posts:
DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 01/06/2017 11:23

I could turn up ten mins late and it would be ok but it would put all the following appts behind I would imagine. I would be very apologetic or I would've rung though.

Pinkheart5917 · 01/06/2017 11:24

You were 10 minutes late and didn't bother to call and say you were still coming but running late so I think it's fair enough to cancel the appointment tbh.

Also who thinks "well they are always running late" have you never been to an appointment at the bank or to a doctor? They are always running late apart from the day you don't bother to call

Nicknacky · 01/06/2017 11:25

I don't think you can really blame them as it sounds like you have a history of being late, regardless that you called them. Although in your post you then go on to say you are rarely late, so which is it?

And they attempted to call you and they weren't to know that you would turn up a couple of mins later.

Clients being late must be a pain in the arise for hairdressers, beauticians etc.

Ummbopdoowap · 01/06/2017 11:27

I think if you didn't call them then yabu. It's annoying for you, but if they had another customer on stand by, they know that's definite money to be earned, whereas they weren't sure you were coming so could have had a wasted appointment slot. As a long-time customer I guess it would have been nice for them to have rang you to check, but I think really the responsibility was with you to let them know.

kaytee87 · 01/06/2017 11:27

Sounds like you're late quite a lot.
If you're late then yabu I'm afraid.

Original poster
JeremyCorbynsVest · 01/06/2017 11:27

I am almost never late - over 10 years I suppose maybe 3 times. On those 3 times I have always called. Sod's law isn't it!

OP posts:
Nicknacky · 01/06/2017 11:27

umm They did call her and she missed the call.

Maudlinmaud · 01/06/2017 11:28

I would be peeved. I usually am early for appointments and have to wait, they very rarely start on time. I know my hair stylist very well and people not being punctual is a real pita for her as it can mess the whole day up. If someone is continually late or doesn't show for appointments, she doesn't allow them to book and will only see them as a walk in.

Original poster
JeremyCorbynsVest · 01/06/2017 11:31

As I said no big deal - although next time they keep me waiting I guess it would not then BU to walk out after 10 minutes saying 'sorry I no longer have time for this appointment!'

I accept lateness is not good, which is why I make such an effort to be punctual.

However, while I have been late maybe 3 times in the last 10 years, they have kept me waiting on 9 out of 10 appointments!

They can't have it both ways...

OP posts:
kaytee87 · 01/06/2017 11:31

That's quite a lot to me op, I'm never late HaloGrin

It's very annoying people being late for appointments as it puts them all back and as the customer who always arrives on time I always end up waiting so I would agree with the hairdressers sorry.

kaytee87 · 01/06/2017 11:33

But the reason they've probably kept you waiting is customers not turning up on time which they're obviously cracking down on.

RainbowPastel · 01/06/2017 11:34

You are totally in the wrong. I hate lateness it's so disrespectful.

Original poster
JeremyCorbynsVest · 01/06/2017 11:35

Not IMO kaytee - it's sloppy timekeeping - when you are the first appt of the day there are no previous clients and still I've had to wait.

Well done on your record btw Halo

OP posts:
Nicknacky · 01/06/2017 11:37

Op, I think you will be going through I few hairdressers in the next few years of you walk out when your appointment doesn't start in time.

When I go the the hairdresser I count the taking my coat, putting my gown on, asking for coffee and being shown to my seat as being the start of the appointment, not necessarily when the hairdresser starts speaking to me about what I want.

GloriaGilbert · 01/06/2017 11:37

Jeez, 10 min late for a 2 hour appointment and they cancel?

Unreasonable.

Original poster
JeremyCorbynsVest · 01/06/2017 11:37

Yes Rainbow, you are so right, lateness is disrespectful. I feel that when I arrive on time and am kept waiting, but have never walked out after 10 minutes and cancelled my appt!

Works both ways.

OP posts:
IloveBanff · 01/06/2017 11:37

They called you when you didn't turn up on time and you missed the call. Not their fault at all.

kaytee87 · 01/06/2017 11:37

Well if you're the first appointment and they're late you need to complain. I hate lateness, can you tell Wink

ClaudiaWankleman · 01/06/2017 11:38

I don't think you're being particularly unreasonable, but neither are the salon. You were minimally late, and had plenty of time. They called you, and then immediately rebooked. It's just unfortunate.

You can feel annoyed, but it would be unreasonable to be annoyed at the salon.

Fuck those splinters hurt.

Original poster
JeremyCorbynsVest · 01/06/2017 11:39

Nicknacky - I was trying to make a point about the flexibility of 10 minutes here or there being a reciprocal thing...

However, the 10-20 minutes waiting time I am referring to when I have been kept waiting is when I have been parked in a waiting area with a coffee... nowhere near the gown or 'what do you want' stage at all!

OP posts:
GloriaGilbert · 01/06/2017 11:40

The reason they book 2 hours is so the stylist has a wide berth with respect to timing. Why is it ok for you to wait, but never ok for them to wait?

Don't get me wrong this is not an ideal practice, but they're not the NHS. OP has options.

RainbowPastel · 01/06/2017 11:40

You say you have only been late 3 times like it is some sort of achievement. You were late they called you it is your fault not theirs.

Original poster
JeremyCorbynsVest · 01/06/2017 11:41

Claudia - spot on! I'm not getting my knickers in a twist over it but always entertaining to hear the MN POV :)

OP posts:
Nicknacky · 01/06/2017 11:43

But if you start having "flexibility" then how does she work out her timings? At least she knows what time her clients are coming in at instead of guessing.

They are offering a professional service and it's not unreasonable for the, to ask you are on time. If her lateness is causing you issues then vote with your feet.

NavyandWhite · 01/06/2017 11:44

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.