[DougB]

Originally Posted by 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....

You wanted a $5 credit for waiting a couple minutes? How much of a credit do you ask for after waiting an hour to an hour and a half at the doctor's office?

[Villageswimmer]

Originally Posted by 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.

I went once for a haircut. Didn't have to wait long, but had the same experience--a very long and drawn out haircut. I made the decision on the spur of the moment and should have realized I would need to devote more than 2 hours. It was irritating, but, again, I should have thought it though. This is how these students learn.

The cut itself was ok. What I had the most trouble with was the constantly blaring music and the noise bouncing off the high ceilings and black walls. Not exactly the environment one might expect with an establishment serving primarily seniors.

I didn't really save any money. I felt sorry for my student (she was young with several children) and I tipped her way more than the haircut cost.

I haven't returned. Life is too short.

[kittygilchrist]

I had been to the Gainesville salon a few times so knew I didn't have the patience to be a practice client. It's just not for everybody, especially not for ladies who want a luxurious experience.
Flip side, this is a serious technical school with federal financial aid. I would encourage anybody who finds affordability of services a consideration to have a service done for next to nothing. No one will be offended if there is no tip given.

[bkcunningham1]

The ladies' salon at Big Al's, across from The Markets at Marion, gives free haircuts on Sundays. Now that is a good deal and they have decent stylists.

[big guy]

Originally Posted by 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....

I am now in the habit, when I make a hair cut appointment, of asking where the stylist was trained. If the answer is, "in Florida", I take no chances and book my appointment with someone else. They learn poor work ethics and very little about cutting hair. They never check a haircut and my hair was always longer on one side than the other. I went to Salon Professional Academy once and was shocked that a student could complete a service without the instructor checking her/his work. After visiting many salons at all prices but never a good haircut, I now go to Victoria's Salon on 466 and have gotten the best haircut since coming to Florida 6 years ago.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by DougB

You wanted a $5 credit for waiting a couple minutes? How much of a credit do you ask for after waiting an hour to an hour and a half at the doctor's office?

Hmm... I won't wait that long at a doctor's office. Really. 45 minutes is my limit, and I have walked out. of course, usually when you tell them that they'll stick you in an examining room for the rest of the wait! So bully on me!

[buggyone]

" I would encourage anybody who finds affordability of services a consideration to have a service done for next to nothing. No one will be offended if there is no tip given. "

The hair and nail services at the Salon Academy are less than at beauty parlors or the day spa - but next to nothing is quite a statement. There is no requirement for a tip but how cheap would a person have to be not to give a tip for a hair styling or nail job?

The students have to pay to attend that Academy. They have personal expenses. They are training to be productive workers.

Now, just a comment - nothing pro or con about it. Has anyone noticed all the tattoos that the majority of the students at the Academy have on their bodies? One that was really comical was on a young lady's forearm from the elbow to wrist. It was a cartoon giraffe done very artistically and was cute. However, I do have to wonder how many young people think 40 years plus into the future when getting a tattoo and how it will look with saggy skin, wrinkles, and maybe a few pieces cut out for skin cancers.

[kittygilchrist]

Originally Posted by buggyone

" I would encourage anybody who finds affordability of services a consideration to have a service done for next to nothing. No one will be offended if there is no tip given. "

The hair and nail services at the Salon Academy are less than at beauty parlors or the day spa - but next to nothing is quite a statement. There is no requirement for a tip but how cheap would a person have to be not to give a tip for a hair styling or nail job?

The students have to pay to attend that Academy. They have personal expenses. They are training to be productive workers.

Now, just a comment - nothing pro or con about it. Has anyone noticed all the tattoos that the majority of the students at the Academy have on their bodies? One that was really comical was on a young lady's forearm from the elbow to wrist. It was a cartoon giraffe done very artistically and was cute. However, I do have to wonder how many young people think 40 years plus into the future when getting a tattoo and how it will look with saggy skin, wrinkles, and maybe a few pieces cut out for skin cancers.

Dear Buggy,
I guess I don't understand your comments. Do you think the services cost too much or too little? Do you think customers should pay a tip when tips are for excellence, and the school makes clear the customers are there for mutual benefit of those not yet excellent? What is the relevance of tattoos?

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by kittygilchrist

Dear Buggy,
I guess I don't understand your comments. Do you think the services cost too much or too little? Do you think customers should pay a tip when tips are for excellence, and the school makes clear the customers are there for mutual benefit of those not yet excellent? What is the relevance of tattoos?

Kitty, I think the tattoos were an add-on to the poster's comment. However, it's an interesting topic for debate. (I'm going of topic) Tattoos are certainly becoming more common, and even in beauty pageants they have been accepted. Would make a good new thread for debate. I know several people my age here in TV who have gotten them.I'm tempted but chicken.

[kittygilchrist]

Really, CF, I'll get one if you will. or we can just talk about it. I'd hate to think I coulda had a tat and died without one, wouldn't u? maybe a girls day at the tat parlor?

[SpicyCajunPugs]

It is very apparent that a teaching salon is not the right place for the OP to go to if she wants immediate service and a luxury experience. But I think these places are perfect for people on limited budgets and who don't mind the wait or environment. I really don't understand where the tatoo comments come from unless she has a prejudice against them, but that shouldn't be used to judge a salon's services, IMHO. "you get what you pay for".

[DougB]

Originally Posted by big guy

I am now in the habit, when I make a hair cut appointment, of asking where the stylist was trained. If the answer is, "in Florida", I take no chances and book my appointment with someone else. They learn poor work ethics and very little about cutting hair. They never check a haircut and my hair was always longer on one side than the other. I went to Salon Professional Academy once and was shocked that a student could complete a service without the instructor checking her/his work. After visiting many salons at all prices but never a good haircut, I now go to Victoria's Salon on 466 and have gotten the best haircut since coming to Florida 6 years ago.

You sure the hair is longer on one side? Maybe your head is just larger on one side.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by DougB

You sure the hair is longer on one side? Maybe your head is just larger on one side.

I had to click on this, just to see what you would possibly say!!!

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by kittygilchrist

Really, CF, I'll get one if you will. or we can just talk about it. I'd hate to think I coulda had a tat and died without one, wouldn't u? maybe a girls day at the tat parlor?

Now you've thrown me into that nether land. I so want one, and I'm so chicken.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by CFrance

Now you've thrown me into that nether land. I so want one, and I'm so chicken.

PS: I want the one Anthony Bourdain has on his shoulder.