Was I being a CF?

[101stNC]

I have regular treatments at a private aesthetics clinic, ran by a husband and wife.

Before lockdown they were running a promotion, offering the treatment I usually have at a reduced rate.

I booked in but the appointment was cancelled due to the pandemic hitting.

The wife of the couple sent me a text and said she had spoken with her husband and because I'm a loyal customer they will honour the discounted price next time I go.

Fast forward to now and they have been given the go ahead to reopen at a reduced capacity so i booked in.

It was just the husband in today so when I arrived I queried whether the discounted rate still applied and he said he didn't have a clue what I was talking about. I told him about the text from his wife and offered to show him, he said it wasn't necessary as he believed me but also because customers can't use their phones inside the practice. They are taking several precautions due to the virus.

He explained that because they've not been taking bookings for three months they're not in a position to do that, to which I replied that I understood completely and am more than happy to pay full price.

I don't know whether it was due to my embarrassment but the atmosphere was then very awkward and uncomfortable.

Was I being a CF?

[101stNC]

If it weren't for the no phone usage policy i could have shown him the text and had a stronger case for the discount.

My coat and bag were in the next room and if I'd have used the phone I would've forfeited the appointment.

Bollocks

[WeBuiltThisBuffetOnSausageRoll]

I think everybody is fraught right now and there will be a lot of initial awkwardness of this sort. It will pass soon and then we can, all being well, get back to normal, or whatever 'new normal' we're left with.

[diddl]

I'm not sure why you think that you were being cheeky asking for something that you had been promised!

And she approached you saying that they would honour it!

They could have sent out a blanket text saying that circumstances meant that no discounts could be honoured.

[101stNC]

It wasn't a block of treatments, it was a promotional offer for one stand alone treatment which they told me they'd honour the next time I came in.

[Suzie6789]

You are not the CF, he is. This would leave a very bad taste for me, and I’d also say text the wife and ask her if she will honour the discount next time. If if we’re them Id prefer to keep a loyal customer for the long term than lose £50.

[FunTimes2020]

He sounded very rude saying to you "I don't know what you are on about". For that reason alone I'm not sure I'd want to return. It wasn't your fault at all.

[MatildaTheCat]

Blimey just text the wife now and say that you were delighted to go there today but unfortunately her husband wasn’t aware of the agreed discount so please can you use it next time?

99% sure she will apologise and say yes, of course.

[101stNC]

I have just the one mobile number for the business and from what I can tell the wife handles the communication, but given how she explicitly stated in the text that she had spoken to her husband before committing to honouring the discount, I don't know how he didn't know what I was talking about.

[101stNC]

So I think it's the wife on the end of that number but I can't be one hundred percent sure, so I don't want to text and get him

[BlueJava]

You're not a CF at all - she said she would honour the discount. Probably things have got worse than they thought and they are struggling - hence his reaction.

[diddl]

I mean tbh saying he didn't have a clue makes him sound ridiculous.

Well both of them in a way if you're not allowed phones in & they haven't tied up any discounts to bookings iyswim!

[101stNC]

What I mean is, to clarify

I don't know if it's just the wife who has the phone or whether they both use it.

I don't feel comfortable raising it now least of all with the husband as I reiterated three times whilst in there that I have this text and was told it would be honoured.

[Ponoka7]

He was the CF. Don't change clinics if you like the results that you get, they aren't all the same.

[diddl]

Phone the number?

If it's him ask for her?

[ArcheryAnnie]

They agreed a price with you, then they didn't honour that price, and then made you feel awkward. You are not the CF here.

I do feel for all businesses that are affected, but gouging returning customers won't do them any good at all.

[101stNC]

I'd rather not change clinics as I was very comfortable with them and always pleased with the results, but like a PP said above it's left something of a bad taste.

I don't feel comfortable raising it again as he wasn't receptive during my visit and then I spent the duration of the appointment feeling awkward and assuming he thought I was being a CF.

I would have felt better about it if he'd have acknowledged the agreement and said they're sorry but they just aren't able to offer that now. Instead it was just awkward.

[Muh2020]

No, you weren't being a cf.
I wouldn't bother gracing them with my custom anymore.
should they contact you in future, I would tell them why I'm never returning.
rude bastard.

[101stNC]

Can you believe I actually felt guilty. Absolute mug I am.

Thank you for clarifying that I'm not a CF!

[IntermittentParps]

They're in the wrong. Bad communication and mixed messages: he says he believes you, but they're not in a position to honour the discount? If she was clear at the start that the agreement would time out after a certain period had elapsed, fair enough; but I don't think she said anything like that, did she?

[Inspiralcarpetry]

I would definitely send a friendly text saying you paid full price this time, but please could you have the promised discount next time?
I'd offer to prepay over the phone so you've got it all set up before you go!
I don't like confrontation either but there needn't be here. Just send the text and see what they say.
If you miss this next opportunity, I personally think you'd need to leave the issue completely as too much time has gone by.
I'm also kind of surprised that the clinic is open and beauty salons aren't yet. Can't wait for eyebrow help and a lovely massage!

[LuluBellaBlue]

Medicetics by any chance?
I’d email and complain, he shouldn’t of charged you full price

[101stNC]

@IntermittentParps

They're in the wrong. Bad communication and mixed messages: he says he believes you, but they're not in a position to honour the discount? If she was clear at the start that the agreement would time out after a certain period had elapsed, fair enough; but I don't think she said anything like that, did she?

No she didn't.

I've just looked at the text and the exact words are:

I spoke to (husband) and we are willing to extend the offer to you to another month when you come as you are a loyal customer to us

[makingmammaries]

I would look for a new clinic in that situation.

[101stNC]

Medicetics by any chance? No it's a different place

[Nitpickpicnic]

Never do that ‘oh, just checking I’m still ok to get a discount’ thing. Your text from her was a contract. You can feel free to smile and remind people about contracts. It’s a real legal thing. Nothing to be embarrassed about.

Now you ring the number the wife sent you a text on. No matter if she or he answers. If it’s her you tell her the story you told here- with no ‘silly me’ nonsense. Tell her you felt uncomfortable showing him your phone due to the new protocol, but are just checking that your contract with her can be put into the system so no more mix-up from him next time. Emphasise that it was all a bit uncomfortable.

If he answers, ask him if he’s had a chance to ask his wife yet about the previously agreed price. Tell him you are keen to re-book but need to feel comfortable that communication is working better now between the business owners. Say you think it’s best if they discuss it, and come back to you ‘tomorrow’ with a solution to the mix-up.

Trust me. Better to be direct about these things, rather than doing a face and hoping they get the message. Especially with all that botox