Nov 19, 2011 03:26 PM
16248 Views
I had to call thrice to Lakme Salon, Vashi Sec 10(Near Chintamani Jewellers) just to get an appointment. The first time I was told, as there is no electricity, they are unable to book my appointment, but noted my number so that they could call me later.
I had called at about 11 am Thursday morning for an appointment on Saturday. When I didn't receive a call until 5 pm, I called again to fix an appointment. The phone was abruptly disconnected as the person who answered the call said she's checking the details. I wanted to avail of hair spa(which I had already prepaid for 6 sittings), this was to be my 3rd sitting, for root touch up and for pedicure(again prepaid for 6 sittings and this was my 2nd sitting). Lakme Vashi has a free pick up and drop facility. My appointment was scheduled for Saturday 11:30 am.
When I did not receive a call until 11:15 am, I called to find out if the pickup has left, I never keep the guy waiting, as I am conscious about not only being on time for my appointment but also that there would be others availing this service. Imagine my surprise when they said the pickup is delayed and that if I wouldn't mind, my appointment is now moved to 12 noon. I agreed. When I didn't receive call until 11:55 am, I called again to find out if the pickup has been sent, they told me to hold while they called the driver and and told me it would take another 10 mins. I get a call shortly asking me to wait outside my building gate as the pickup is on its way. I go down immediately, but still have to wait for 10 mins before the pickup makes its way to my building. There is another lady in the car, while talking to each other, we realize we have hair appointment with the same guy Shoaib. The lady says she has a flight to catch that evening, so I tell her to go ahead and that I will finish my pedicure. but alas, a trainee, Naved, handled me while the lady(read big tipper) was given personal attention by Shoaib. I don't say a word, however, after root touch up, I request for pedicure. I see operators catering to walk in customers immediately, but I am made to wait. I wait for about 15 mins and go and request the owner how much time it will take for my pedicure, imagine my surprise, when she tells me as I am "late" the operator is busy with someone else and I will have to wait for further 10-15 mins. Well I wait for 30 mins, still no call. When I ask the owner again, she tells me she is "sorry". I have a feeling as I have already prepaid for my pedicure they are complacent, walk ins means new business as they have already pocketed the money for my services, they are not interested in giving me the time. I tell her to cancel my pedicure schedule as its already 1:40 pm and by the time I wash my hair and do hair spa then pedicure, it will be after 3 pm and I had not had my lunch. Ofcourse once I take this stand, I get apologies all over from all the operators and the owner again. I think the 20% of discount that I got for prepaying for the services is so not worth the time I have to wait for getting the service.
Its just not my day today I guess, as when I am about to pay for my services, the paper runs out of the machine which is used to swipe credit card, the owner doesnt know how to change paper and this involves all operators and more drama. I am literally counting till 10 now to hold my temper. I requested the owner to refund me for my pending services told her I am so not interested in the Salon now and that they need to jazz up their organization.The owner tells me there was a bridal apptt and the bride turned late by an hour, so instead of penalizing her, they penalize me.and by bridal appointment, I mean just a new customer enquiring abt services and ready to pay(that means more business) at the end, I was a given. as I had already prepaid for my services.
Moral of the story. if you have prepaid for next 6 or 8 sessions at Lakme Salon Vashi, forget getting a professional timely service.It will most likely be hurried as they want to get it done with if done at all that is.
