Would I pay twice?

[YouBelongWithMe]

We have a mobile hairdresser who comes to our house every six weeks. Longstanding arrangement, has been for years.

Usually we get our hair done on a Friday but we had to switch the day for this visit. I have stupidly got mixed up - I thought it was tomorrow but it was today. Only realised when she was on her way - cue massive panic as we weren't in. I sent the payment immediately and apologised profusely. It was absolutely my error.

She has said she can fit us in an evening next week. We never cancel, don't worry, we will make it work was her response.

Would you expect to pay again? Obviously this is reasonable given she had zero notice tonight, so I'm fully prepared to write off tonight's money. But I actually can't afford to pay twice, so I need a sense check of whether or not the general assumption would be that I've already paid and am cashing it in next week, or I need to say we can't do next week and just leave it.

I don't want to ask in case it is really obvious and I look presumptuous and/or make her feel bad for asking for the money twice.

YABU - of course she'd charge twice, you need to make it clear she shouldn't come next week

YANBU - she is obviously rescheduling which is very kind of her, tip her generously but no assumption of paying twice.

I would offer to pay but hope because your an otherwise reliable regular she would say no need.

Tell her thanks for trying to fit you in but you won’t be able to afford it for another 6 weeks

I don't think she's expecting to be paid twice. I'd give her as generous a tip as I could manage.

Why don't you just say, thanks, but I can't afford to pay twice, so will leave it until next time?

Hopefully, she will then clarify whether she is expecting you to pay or not.

This is a good idea. Don’t just pay! Find out what she thinks.

I’d pay twice if you can afford to/need the cuts.
If you cant afford to (fair enough!) then give her notice now so she can hopefully fill the gap.
there’s great sprays out there by the way to cover greys and you’re like me and need to in the gap between appointments!

I don’t think she expects to be paid twice. I’d just call her and ask. Messages much harder to convey to tone either way. Calling is easier to be warm and friendly and understanding

Just what normas said message thank you for putting me in but I can't afford to pay twice so need an appointment in x many weeks..op totally understand both sides here and honestly it's happens. You being very honest and I'm sure the hairdresser will understand xx

Sorry, I did call her as soon as we got home. She was very warm and friendly and the impression I got was absolutely that she'd come round one evening as a favour because we are such regulars. My gut is that she doesn't expect it twice, but that's kind of why I'm checking because I'd hate to presume and put her in an awkward situation.

We are probably more friendly than other hairdresser / client relationships.

It's not relevant to this situation at all, but to give you an indication of the relationship, my husband uses one of his family membership discounts on her, at the gym he works at.

I should be able to just ask her, shouldn't I 🤦‍♀️

Echoing other posters about saying you can't afford it twice and so can you just book for next time instead please?
That leaves her able to take either option of booking you next time or saying you gave already paid so you wouldn't need to pay again.

Yep.

Ask her and if she only wants paying once then give a big tip this time.

My sister is a mobile hairdresser and she has had some people who messed her around 3-4 times in a row. They got blocked.
She has other regular clients who she has gone to for years and on the odd occasion they’ve forgotten or the kids are ill etc she’s just rescheduled them as she knows how reliable they usually are.

if you’re the regular reliable client I don’t think she’d charge you, if you’re the client who regularly cancels or forgets she’ll charge you again. X