[AngieT2]

Sorry to have to write this post, but I feel I must, in case it will save any fellow Villagers heart ache and wasted time.

I moved here from San Diego in June. I first visited the Salon Prof'l Academy for a Manicure and Pedicure. I checked in for my appointment and waited approximately 15 minutes (no apology was given by the student who performed the services nor the front desk staff). The manicure was the 'Chellac" manicure that is supposed to last 2 weeks (minimum). Well... my nails started chipping after two days. Ok..whatever... life was busy and I moved on.

A month later, I decided to give the Academy another shot. This time, another 15-20 minute wait was encountered and I kid you not... One of my nails had chipped within 4 hours of returning home. I called and was told that I could come back in for a complimentary manicure with a different student. Very nice offer and I took them up on it. The 3rd manicure was better and last about a week...no complaints. Also, got to wait for at least 15 minutes for this appointment, too.

Most recently I had a scheduled appointment for a manicure/pedicure at 12:15 PM. At 12:46 PM, someone finally came over to the waiting area and told me that the student I had specifically made an appointment with, was not there and that someone else would be assisting me (keep in mind that they have now left me sitting in their lobby for over 30 minutes!!).

I told the lobby host that I wanted to talk to a manager to see what type of credit would be offered for my inconvenience / wasted time. I would have been tickled pink with a $5.00 credit just a gesture of goodwill. NOPE! "Mrs. Carlson" (as she curtly introduced herself to me) gave me some long, lame story about how she drives to Gainesville to get her teeth cleaned and that she has had to wait up to three hours! Huh? What does her absolute low value of her time have to do with this shabby customer service that I have now experienced three times at her salon/school?

She flat out told me that I just have to understand that appointments are not firm and that wait times must be expected. I told her that of course, I understand that sometimes, 'Life happens' and I get that...BUT, each time I have visited her salon, I have gotten to wait and wait AND wait.

Honestly, the services are cheaper, yes...but the work is CHEAPER.... Couple that with the worst customer service I have experienced in this wonderful, special place (The Villages) and NO THANK YOU. I will do without, go somewhere else, whatever....

...and just to put the perfect ending to this story... When I left the salon, with no manicure or pedicure, I drove out of the parking lot, and at the employee picnic table were no less than 12 students, all standing around smoking. Nice touch... No one can help PAYING CUSTOMERS sitting in their lobby in a timely fashion, but they can stand around out back and smoke in a large group. Nice, Salon Professional Academy...nice....

[jblum315]

Caveat Emptor
You get what you pay for.
There is no free lunch.
Etc., etc., etc.

[Uptown Girl]

If you want to do this school a favor, send notice of your complaint to the head of the company. (You may have to research that, but I believe it's worth it.)

I would imagine they would want to be made aware of the mis-management of whoever is in charge of the floor AND- the "teeth cleaning' remark.

Even if the policy is that you must wait your turn (that is, no set appointments)
often done in schools where the students may take longer to finish a customer,
it is appropriate to call the kids off 'break' when there are customers waiting-
or at least tell you, " some are at lunch presently, but will be returning in __ minutes, are you able to wait?"
THEN, keep track of the customer's wait time, set them up at a table and give a head's up to the next student.

I am a retired registered Barber/Stylist. I taught at a Barber school for a few years before owning my own salon.

These kids are only going to be as good as their effort to emulate what they are taught- and will only learn business integrity if shown by example.
That includes work ethic and customer service. The example from the floor staff of the school must be exemplary.
You have my permission if you'd like to share MY words with them as well.

As to getting a manicure, or any service from a school goes- you understand that you are their practice models. Hopefully, they do the best they can each time. You are experienced enough at getting manicures to know how they should be done. If steps are missed or done badly, raise your hand in the air and ask for an instructor BEFORE you leave the table.

I would expect that all work is being watched (at least peripherally ) by the instructors as each service is being done.
I would expect that all work is checked (by an instructor) before the customer leaves.

If that is not happening, the owners should know.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Uptown Girl

If you want to do this school a favor, send notice of your complaint to the head of the company. (You may have to research that, but I believe it's worth it.)

I would imagine they would want to be made aware of the mis-management of whoever is in charge of the floor AND- the "teeth cleaning' remark.

Even if the policy is that you must wait your turn (that is, no set appointments)
often done in schools where the students may take longer to finish a customer,
it is appropriate to call the kids off 'break' when there are customers waiting-
or at least tell you, " some are at lunch presently, but will be returning in __ minutes, are you able to wait?"
THEN, keep track of the customer's wait time, set them up at a table and give a head's up to the next student.

I am a retired registered Barber/Stylist. I taught at a Barber school for a few years before owning my own salon.

These kids are only going to be as good as their effort to emulate what they are taught- and will only learn business integrity if shown by example.
That includes work ethic and customer service. The example from the floor staff of the school must be exemplary.
You have my permission if you'd like to share MY words with them as well.

As to getting a manicure, or any service from a school goes- you understand that you are their practice models. Hopefully, they do the best they can each time. You are experienced enough at getting manicures to know how they should be done. If steps are missed or done badly, raise your hand in the air and ask for an instructor BEFORE you leave the table.

I would expect that all work is being watched (at least peripherally ) by the instructors as each service is being done.
I would expect that all work is checked (by an instructor) before the customer leaves.

If that is not happening, the owners should know.

Well said.

The place is a school. It takes forever to get things done and mistakes are made. I have a friend who posts on here who had her hair colored and had to hide until it grew out..or wear a wig. It wasn't fixable.

If we want professional services we need to go to those already in the profession who have graduated from Beauty School.

I go all of the time to those in real business and they are professional beauticians and so far none of them have made me look younger or beautiful. It doesn't help to ask for your money back.

I know these things.

[buggyone]

Mrs. Buggy always goes to Tuscany Spa in Lake Sumter Landing for her manis and pedis. The Shellac treatment always lasts about a month.

Costs more than Salon Professional Academy but is a relaxing atmosphere rather than a cavernous building with loud music.

Anyhow, did the OP say she returned to Salon Professional Academy time after time after not being satisfied? If I was not satisfied with their service one time, I would not return. Remember, these are students and you are the live subject.

[LuvlyJubly]

Originally Posted by jblum315

Caveat Emptor
You get what you pay for.
There is no free lunch.
Etc., etc., etc.

I agree with you, you do indeed get what you pay for!

Once I am there in TV I shall be looking for a good salon.

Cheers for the heads-up!

[DandyGirl]

Originally Posted by jblum315

Caveat Emptor
You get what you pay for.
There is no free lunch.
Etc., etc., etc.

[Uptown Girl]

I respectfully disagree.

Shabby haircuts, bad coloring and less than perfect manicures/pedicures can come at a pretty high price from some 'professionals' in this business.

I OFTEN made many a new and long term client, (male and female) by fixing hair disasters created by others- usually ridiculously high end salons.

Price is not necessarily an indicator of quality. Or talent either.

[Schaumburger]

Originally Posted by buggyone

Mrs. Buggy always goes to Tuscany Spa in Lake Sumter Landing for her manis and pedis. The Shellac treatment always lasts about a month.

Costs more than Salon Professional Academy but is a relaxing atmosphere rather than a cavernous building with loud music.

Anyhow, did the OP say she returned to Salon Professional Academy time after time after not being satisfied? If I was not satisfied with their service one time, I would not return. Remember, these are students and you are the live subject.

I have been to Tuscany Spa in LSL several times while visiting TV; it is a very relaxing place! I may go back to Tuscany when I am in TV next month. Tuscany is not a cheap place but I am worth it.

[LuvlyJubly]

Originally Posted by Schaumburger

I have been to Tuscany Spa in LSL several times while visiting TV; it is a very relaxing place! I may go back to Tuscany when I am in TV next month. Tuscany is not a cheap place but I am worth it.

It is good to hear someone's recommendation, Tuscany Spa sounds a very nice place and I too shall give it a go when we are there (hopefully by November). I do not mind paying for quality and I am sure it will be much cheaper than the prices I have been paying here in the UK. As you said...... "I am worth it", me too!
Counting the days, cannot wait!

[kittygilchrist]

Going to a school to have services should imply that one is willing to be a test case. If you have pennies to spend and don't mind having someone learn from their mistakes on your head or toes, this is the place for you.
If you want flawless great service, pm me, I've got a winner of a salon and fabulous hairdresser.

[Golf View]

I too have experienced the arrogance of the manager of the salon school. I wasn't unhappy with my service but very concerned about the extremely loud noise and the impact on the student's hearing over time. Told to mind my own business and he didn't want to customers to hear the exchanges between teacher and student!

[dillywho]

Originally Posted by Uptown Girl

I respectfully disagree.

Shabby haircuts, bad coloring and less than perfect manicures/pedicures can come at a pretty high price from some 'professionals' in this business.

I OFTEN made many a new and long term client, (male and female) by fixing hair disasters created by others- usually ridiculously high end salons.

Price is not necessarily an indicator of quality. Or talent either.

You are so right! Thank you. Price and/or "professional" does not equate to quality. Some of the best I ever had was at the beauty school back home. Some of the worst I have ever received was here at a totally ridiculous price.

[asianthree]

a gell or shellac polish requires, a base, color or not, top coat, with a led light of 30seconds to 2 minutes per coat, and a swip of polish remover at the end...if this process was not used its not gell or shellac...there is a new polish called CDC that totes the wear of gell or shellac without a light...i have it, used it but does not last more than regular OPI for me...So if the student using the product that is supplied to them is using the product with the requirements for application..it is not the fault of the student maybe bad product..have had it happen with a bad base coat...but if you are being told its gell or shellac and there is no light involved...than its only going to last as long as regular polish does....

[Lynn222]

Went there once and never again. The wait was unbearable just for a haircut. Every snip of the scissors had to be approved by a teacher.