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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To Take Hairdresser To Small Claims Court

192 replies

JediJim · 08/09/2019 22:15

So this may seem like I’m being uber petty but here goes;
A few months ago DW went to a hairdresser salon for the second time and booked an expensive hair style a few months in advance. The price was about £200 ,maybe a bit more. So the salon wanted a deposit of £50. Fair enough, so she paid it. She wrote in her diary the appointment time and date, the 13th September ( next Friday).
Anyway last Thursday, she received a text from the salon confirming her appointment for the next day ( Friday 6th September). So bit confused, she immediately rang the salon and told them she believed her appointment was the following week and that she couldn’t go on the 6th September as she was picking DD up from school ( her first week at school). The salon told DW that she would lose her deposit and if she wanted the appointment on the 13th she would have to pay another deposit. Either way she has lost the initial £50. DW had a lot on that particular time so just let it go and wanted to forget about it. The salon said that they have a 24 hour penalty notice for cancelling appointments.
Now in my opinion this is unfair. She rang the salon after receiving the text and stated that she thought her appointment was the following week. And even with the 24 hour notice for the cancellation policy, she fulfilled this because she rang them the day before.
I know it’s a relatively small amount and they are a business but £50 is a lot to us and we could do with not losing it. DW now stating that maybe she got it wrong and maybe her appointment actually was booked for the 6th. So not sure who is in the wrong. But she did tell them 24 hours before,as I’ve said.
Anyway DW doesn’t want the embarrassment or confrontation of going in to explain and wants to let it go. I on the other hand have a good mind to pop into the salon and explain what happened and ask for a refund. If not, can I tell them I’m going to take them to the small claims court? Would it sway them at all?
I’ve checked the salon website. There isn’t an email address that I can send an email to and there is nothing on there about any cancellation policy. Anyone had a similar experience?

OP posts:

Original poster

JediJim · 09/09/2019 21:40

I was at work when they confirmed the appointment. So I couldn’t have had my daughter. No one could have her hence why she said she couldn’t attend.
Appointment was for 3pm the next day she rang them that afternoon.

OP posts:

Original poster

JediJim · 09/09/2019 21:42

KTheGrey, SNAP! My point entirely.

OP posts:

AutismMumofBoys · 09/09/2019 22:22

Have they offered to look into it and get back to you ? How was is left ?

If you were calling them using scare tactics of bad reviews and small claims etc I can understand why they would think this was aggressive especially coming from an angry husband and not your wife.

In my experience good salons take time with consultations and making sure plenty of time is booked therefore needing a deposit which is lost if cancelled less than 24 or sometimes 48 hours before.

Hopefully if it’s a good salon they will at least look into it for you.

AmIChangingagain · 10/09/2019 08:10

I did phone them and explain but wasn’t really appreciated by the salon. I also mentioned a negative review being left but apparently the lady deemed this as being aggressive behaviour. So positive result it wasn’t.
I have no intention of going to the SCC by the way ,in lieu of what’s been said.

As I've said before, it's got nothing to do with you. I wouldn't have "appreciated " you either.

I can't believe the number of posters turning a blind eye to your controlling behaviour. I'm seeing red flags all over

Let your wife deal with it if she wants. You should butt out

Lougle · 10/09/2019 08:20

She phoned them that afternoon. Was it before or after 3pm that she phoned?

Original poster

JediJim · 10/09/2019 08:41

Controlling behaviour? I was just trying to get money back that was owed. I only mentioned bad reviews when the salon seemed unwilling to help. Didn’t threaten anything until that point.I was being polite the whole time. It’s a joint account too so I’m named on it. I never bullied anyone into doing anything.
For the record I got a pleasant phone call from them saying they will look into this further for me with what was paid and when.
The matter is closed as far as I’m concerned whatever the outcome. Additionally, they don’t have an email address so I couldn’t put this in writing to them to explain the situation.
I only simply challenged something that didn’t seem fair ie keeping our money without offering a solution.
I’m probably not coming over in a positive light in this so will leave it there. Thanks for your opinions.

OP posts:

MistyGlen · 10/09/2019 08:50

If she phoned before 3pm then she gave 24 hours notice and by their own policy her deposit should have been returned.

MissyMoooo · 10/09/2019 18:00

In my line of work I run a booking system (photographer) I also take a deposit but if someone has to change dates for whatever reason they are not required to pay another deposit. The only way I wouldn't refund the deposit is if they cancelled completely, and even then it would be down to my discretion. What if your wife was seriously ill and couldn't attend her appointment, would they still keep the deposit? I think that's ludicrous!!

Newmum3200 · 10/09/2019 18:10

Wow am I missing something? Why is everyone so quick to blame OP wife? Who says she made the error and not the salon? Its highly likely the person making the appt knows which date they want, whereas a salon receptionist will be scrolling through columns weeks ahead and no doubt clicking on an electronic system, is it not just as likely she has clicked the wrong date?

Regardless the key question which keeps being asked (but i think remains unanswered) is.... what time did she get the text, what time did she call to re arrange and what time was the appointment the following day?

LisaD76 · 10/09/2019 18:17

Can’t afford to lose £50 but can afford to pay £200 for 1 haircut? Sorry don’t understand someone paying anywhere near that anyway .... I use a private hairdresser she charges about £7.50 for a cut and her colouring is top notch and a fraction of most salons prices.... and I can trust her to cut my curly hair as most can’t do it properly

Bennyandthejetsssss · 10/09/2019 18:22

I’ve never heard of a hairdresser taking a deposit, ever.
I have expensive hair.
I’d be livid to lose 50 quid like that. Receptionists do get it wrong and one particular expensive high street chain are known for robbing extras out of you the minute you’re sat down!
I reckon you leave a poor review and your DW go elsewhere in future. A good hairdresser often fills a cancellation in no time.
Deposits my arse! Write it off OP.

FelicisNox · 10/09/2019 18:25

I would go in and speak to them. Explain the situation and remind them that under their own terms and conditions they should refund you the £50 as she gave them the requisite 24hrs notice.

Do not argue over the date as you've no guarantee who is at fault.

If they refuse, calmly state that it's their choice but not only will your wife not be visiting again and and you will both be telling everyone else you know not to visit but you will also be leaving them a negative review everywhere to warn other potential clients that they breached their own T&C.

Do not shout, demand or make threats. They will automatically discount your argument.

They may be so surprised at your commentary that they will rethink their action and refund you.

If they don't, just leave and carry out your threat re: review.

It's not worth going to court for £50 and you cannot categorically or legally prove they are in the wrong.

What I will say is this: £200 hairdresser bill!! What the heck is she having done?

I have my hair cut, coloured and styled in one of the best hairdressers in town and it costs £100.... you need to address that bill because that's ridiculous.

ShinyMe · 10/09/2019 18:31

How does not having an email address prevent you from putting it in writing?

bellabasset · 10/09/2019 18:40

The salon took a deposit so should have issued a receipt with the date on or texted confirmation. That's the angle I would approach it from. Many hairdressers email now.

I booked highlights and a cut in a new salon. My dh was becoming unwell and arriving home from a hospital appointment with him there was a very shirty message about my missed appointment. I phoned and told them my card was for Saturday. It turned out the junior had put the appointment in for the Friday in their book.

icelollycraving · 10/09/2019 18:51

Bet she’s kicking herself now for telling you. She won’t be getting her hair done there ever again.

Amitskitshaw · 10/09/2019 19:02

If the appointment could be moved from the 6th to the 13th, as it appears in your post, why was the deposit lost? Poor customer service.

ALittleBitAlexis · 10/09/2019 19:06

Bet she’s kicking herself now for telling you. She won’t be getting her hair done there ever again.

Exactly! Whether she intended to go back or not, it would be humiliating having your husband try to sort out a hairdressing appointment dispute.

TheCatsACunt · 10/09/2019 19:09

I can't believe the number of posters turning a blind eye to your controlling behaviour. I'm seeing red flags all over

Creepy, isn’t it?

di2004 · 10/09/2019 19:31

I’m sorry but £200 to get her hair done is way too much to pay. Is it some sort of high end salon?
Maybe there was a bit of confusion with the appointment date, but I would probably not chase this one up as it will cost you to make a claim anyway.... tell DW to find another hairdresser, prob one that doesn’t charge silly prices!

AmIChangingagain · 10/09/2019 19:39

Thecatsacunt. I can't believe this thread.

Any contract, any agreement is between the wife and the salon.

It's got fuck all to do with the OP. Presumably DW has capacity and is a functioning adult?

She's either one of those weak wee woman that think their "fella" is great for sorting out all her problems

Or she's cringing at what a twat he's being

Either way, despite all the helpful hints, if it was my salon I wouldn't even be discussing it with him.

MadMadaMim · 10/09/2019 20:00

I agree with OP. Regardless of error on DW's part, cancellation was made 24 hrs before so they should have refunded the deposit.

I'd and for a refund and neber go there again. And I'd also go small claims route if they refused to pay.

Zoejj77 · 10/09/2019 20:34

I’ve worked with hair salons for over a decade and I’m very surprised they haven’t accepted the error and moved the appointment to your wife’s preferred date. I would either go speak to the manager/owner and try to resolve if no resolution id go to another salon and leave a negative review on their Facebook - as long as you did adhere to their t&cs

EllenMP · 10/09/2019 20:39

If you have some kind of evidence that she cancelled more than 24 hours in advance they should definitely give the deposit back. Even an entry in the calls-sent log on her phone showing the day and time she called the salon. I would take that in and ask for the deposit back again.

Shplot · 10/09/2019 20:43

but £50 is a lot to us

If it was you would be spending £200+ on a haircut

Batshittery · 10/09/2019 20:46

How humiliating for DW. You are undermining her by speaking to the salon 'on her behalf' and butting your nose in. Joint account or not. Champion of justice? or whatever you called yourself - my arse.

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