Nailgate UPDATE - take 3

[u/Cautious_Level_6056]

I received a response…..

Have I really been going there for years?
Yes. About 10 years, off and on. The owner knows me by name, knows my stepdaughter by name, did my wedding nails, and I know her very sweet goldendoodle.

Was this always a tiny one-person salon?
No. It’s roughly 2,000 sq ft with about 10 pedicure chairs, 6 nail stations, waxing, etc. The one-person private salon setup is new.

When was I last there?
August 2025.

Why the gap?
It was honestly a really heavy year, and my toes were not exactly the crisis requiring intervention. If the marriage/divorce saga is of interest, my post history is open for business.

Did I demand a next-day appointment or expect to be squeezed in?
No. I asked if they happened to have availability because I was free. I’m also a sole business owner, so “we do not have room for you tomorrow” is not a concept I struggle to grasp.

Why did I say I was “fired”?
Because it was a joke. I was not on payroll. No severance package is forthcoming.

Why does the gift card matter?
My husband gave it to me for Christmas because this was a salon I actually went to. It was not something I pulled from the depths of a junk drawer next to an expired Bed Bath & Beyond coupon.

TL;DR: “My” nail salon turned out to be more of a limited-membership situation. I missed the six-month cutoff, became a new client, and apparently lost my right to pass Go and collect the disposable flip-flops

[u/ippw]

Oh, well offering the gift card refund and being unable to take infrequent customers seems reasonable given the business change.

[u/haby001 → u/ippw]

Ya seems like it's just one person now so not able to take any extra sessions makes sense.

Still kinda intense response. Wonder if they are packed full every week already

[u/LovetoLOSEtoWin → u/haby001]

Some foreigners just talk to this way from previous culture, very direct, it's not rude per se.

[u/Phoneas__and__Frob → u/LovetoLOSEtoWin]

I work for a health clinic

I thought this was nice compared to what I have to write down because "professionalism"

[u/feralcatshit → u/Phoneas__and__Frob]

“This is a one provider clinic, we strive to maintain the best care for each patient. However, along with your last follow up being 2 years ago and your previous no-shows prior and failure to pay your balance, we will have to recommend you go the fuck somewhere else.”

[u/Phoneas__and__Frob → u/feralcatshit]

Honestly, if only I could

If I was on the other end of the phone, I don't even think I'd be upset if someone told me that either...because like...you right

[u/sans-delilah → u/LovetoLOSEtoWin]

I tend to agree with this. It’s cultural. They’re not being rude, they’re just not being performatively polite as American service workers are expected to be. And to Americans that expect that red carpet type treatment, it seems like rudeness, even though it’s really not.

[u/AaaaNinja → u/sans-delilah]

Sometimes just being direct is respectful in that nobody's time is being wasted.

[u/alfar2 → u/sans-delilah]

I agree - I’m Australian and this read to me as a perfectly normal message. Not rude at all. Just clear 🤷‍♀️

[u/higherthanhugh → u/sans-delilah]

I’m all for this. Somehow I feel rude if I don’t use a stupid number of exclamation points in texts, yet if you had to subtitle me speaking in person you would not use any.

[u/Greeneyednerd → u/sans-delilah]

Where did it say she was not American

[u/These_Imagination_28 → u/sans-delilah]

is it performative to have a little kindness in the way you talk to past/potential customers?? yall are insane using culture as a reason to be rude and saying it’s not rudeness lmaooo

[u/Excellent-Ad4256 → u/These_Imagination_28]

It wasn’t friendly. But to me, rudeness implies being actively negative or inconsiderate.

[u/katubug → u/These_Imagination_28]

This is an excellent example of ethnocentrism. What is rude in one culture can be completely innocuous in another. Giving a peace sign is rude in some countries.

Stating that you are booked until next August and that you can't accept new clients is not inherently rude - it just doesn't contain American norms for niceties so it comes across as comparatively harsh. It's okay to feel that something is counter to your culture, but it's helpful to keep in mind that not everyone feels that same way and that the intention might not be rudeness. I would hope that if I was speaking my second or third language and failed to perfectly perform another culture's version of politeness, that they would give me the benefit of the doubt that I was ignorant rather than an asshole.

[u/Purple-Sister3971 → u/These_Imagination_28]

There is nothing rude about what was said. Being told no is not inherently rude.

[u/imnottdoingthat → u/Purple-Sister3971]

an important lesson for Americans!!! As well as - just bc you don’t like something does not mean it is bad.

[u/Purple-Sister3971 → u/imnottdoingthat]

Redditors: “no is a complete sentence!” Also redditors: “waaaahhhh you told me no!”

[u/sans-delilah → u/These_Imagination_28]

Yes. It is performative. By definition. Service workers aren’t your best friends.

[u/GreenEggsSteamedHams → u/sans-delilah]

What?! But I thought that waitress really liked me! 😭

[u/SmallPurplePeopleEat → u/GreenEggsSteamedHams]

Back in college I watched a rich friend tip our cocktail waitress hundreds of dollars over the course of the night. He was absolutely convinced that she had a thing for him.

It was hilarious seeing him all mopey and sad once he realized it's her fucking job. Dumb ass even tried to convince us to take him back to the bar so he could ask for the money back.

[u/ThePrefect0fWanganui → u/SmallPurplePeopleEat]

I love this shit because it’s a prime example of some loser dude literally trying to buy a woman, and then turning around and calling women golddiggers in the same breath.

[u/chrownage → u/These_Imagination_28]

I love the fact that you're calling out people being direct as rude when you're one of these people that throw the condescending "lmaooooooo" at the end of your sentences. THAT'S rude.

[u/I_madeusay_underwear → u/These_Imagination_28]

Why do they need to sugarcoat something that’s not even bad? Where does the need for coddling even in basic, reasonable situations come from?

[u/fewbussally → u/These_Imagination_28]

What exactly was rude? While speaking direct or being frank may be a bad approach to customer relations, it is their approach to business. Performative kindness is just sugarcoating things and not necessary unless you would like their business in the future. Which, by offering a refund for the gift card, shows you otherwise.

[u/Primary-Data-4211 → u/These_Imagination_28]

it’s not rude lmao

[u/pyrogaynia → u/These_Imagination_28]

rudeness is cultural. how self-centered do you have to be to think the way you do things is the default?

[u/Errantry-And-Irony → u/These_Imagination_28]

Like everything there's a scale and what some Americans expect as politeness is dramatic af

[u/not_responsible → u/These_Imagination_28]

you’ll think a whole bunch of the world, especially service in europe, to be very rude. I doubt you’ll leave the US tho

[u/RevolutionPlenty20 → u/LovetoLOSEtoWin]

She sounds south Korean. They dont mean anything by it.

[u/Squarehip123 → u/LovetoLOSEtoWin]

I actually appreciate the German and Austrian communciation style. Direct, can feel rude but doesn't waste time and you know exactly what they mean.

Please always get Americans to write your job letters of reference for this very reason. I read a lot and the difference in style and enthusiasm always makes me laugh.

[u/Gweilo_mama → u/haby001]

Sounds like they have regulars that fill their schedule. My hair stylist doesn't take new clients because otherwise she gets booked out so far that her regulars have to wait several weeks to get in for their next color, even when booking at the time of the last appointment.

[u/nameusernamena → u/Gweilo_mama]

Mine as well, I just go to her for trims and bleach since I generally do my own hair. My mom’s been her client for a decade now, so we’ve seen the ebb and flow of her business. She keeps us for comparatively easy appointments, good tippers that generally just get a trim and bleach. No colour, no styling or anything. Plus we buy products from her, so she gets some extra cash.

Edit because I didn’t make it clear: she’s a single-person business, and isn’t accepting new clients due to everything mentioned above and more. She has a special needs child with a terminal illness, and we’re always happy to schedule however she needs, so we stay on the list.

[u/Purple-Sister3971 → u/Gweilo_mama]

Yeah, my solo nail tech is the same. I always have two appointments booked because her books get so full.

[u/poisoningtheparty → u/Purple-Sister3971]

Same with my nail tech who is just a 1 person bussiness(she works out of a friend’s hair salon), she books are her regular clients 2 appointments advance and sometimes 3 if there’s a holiday(ex Christmas coming up) so they have first pick on spots

[u/popcorngirl000 → u/haby001]

Well now I'm mildly irritated that the business did not send out an email when the change happened, so people would know about the new policies

[u/throwawaymentality10 → u/haby001]

Not intense, just direct. Which we should all be little more of.

[u/insolentsandwich → u/haby001]

Unbelievable people think this is rude somehow

[u/lemonhead2345 → u/ippw]

It is reasonable, but the salon really should have contacted their clients to let them know about the policy change.

[u/MulberryThrower → u/lemonhead2345]

Yeah, six months is insane in my opinion. Even if we assume that her clients come in every... month? That's like one single moderate Life Event of not going to this salon. This seems a great way to slowly bleed all of your regulars, not to mention not grandfathering people in.

[u/AllYouNeedIsATV → u/MulberryThrower]

There are people who go in every few weeks to fill in growths etc. This is a single person business, they’re busy enough to not care about losing the business from people like OP who go in less than twice a year

[u/bacon_bunny33 → u/MulberryThrower]

If they have this policy it’s because they are busy.

[u/lemonhead2345 → u/bacon_bunny33]

They are busy, but they also significantly downsized. That’s worth an email blast.

[u/readthethings13579 → u/lemonhead2345]

We don’t actually know how the downsizing happened. We don’t know if the current owner is the same owner as before, we don’t know if that person has access to contact info from past clients, literally all we know is they’re super busy and don’t have space to take on more clients right now.

[u/MoodInternational481 → u/lemonhead2345]

Honestly, we only have OPs experience and they might have. I'm a single person salon, I send out monthly newsletters and they usually have updates. I moved recently. I still have to individually text every single client because most of them didn't read the email.

[u/unpleasantexperience → u/MulberryThrower]

well yes? esp with extensions, going longer than 4 weeks usually isn’t recommended and regular returning clients are more valuable to a nail tech

[u/romilda-vane → u/MulberryThrower]

Good private nail techs are booked & busy, with clients that are getting their nails done/filled every 2-4 weeks. They are not worried about missing an appointment from someone who comes 1-2x a year for a special event. This thread is full of people that clearly don’t go to nail salons regularly

[u/feralcatshit → u/romilda-vane]

Their bread and butter are the Becky and Jennifer’s who come every 2 weeks no matter what’s going on in their life.

[u/Primary-Data-4211 → u/MulberryThrower]

the client hasn’t been there in a year

[u/Acceptable-Bat4534 → u/MulberryThrower]

Tbh if you get your nails done, ifs fucking wild to wait 6 months.

Most people would be running to get their nails redone after 4 weeks past

[u/OkSmoke9195 → u/lemonhead2345]

I mean it's kind of the situation you address when it comes up, no? Probably a lot easier being passive about this than proactive if you're overloaded already. Just IMHO 

[u/lemonhead2345 → u/OkSmoke9195]

Being passive means getting to deal a whole lot of annoyed former clients.

[u/OkSmoke9195 → u/lemonhead2345]

One at a time. At your leisure 

[u/lemonhead2345 → u/OkSmoke9195]

Possibly, but they were still selling gift cards 8-9 months ago. It’s a new enough policy that they didn’t think about the ramifications.

[u/OkSmoke9195 → u/lemonhead2345]

Well they're clearly only thinking about them one at a time now which may be a lot easier to handle than an influx of people being reminded about your services.

[u/Few_Cup3452 → u/lemonhead2345]

We dont know they didnt.

[u/Icy_Today1693 → u/lemonhead2345]

why, so they'd all start requesting appointments that arent available?

[u/Spikeybear → u/Icy_Today1693]

Hello, I'm aware you haven't been here in at least 6 months and not sure if you ever planned to return. However if you were planning to return I'm contacting you to let you know that you can't anyway.

[u/lemonhead2345 → u/Spikeybear]

Hi! We’re downsizing and wanted to let our returning clients know that XYZ techs are moving to a new salon. Feel free to reach out to them directly if you would like to book with them.

The owner knows their regular client list. They can contact them separately.

[u/Spikeybear → u/lemonhead2345]

So the owner who now is working alone and is clearly too busy should contact every single client who hasn't visited in 6 months? The op hasn't even been there in a year. What's the cut off of contacting previous customers?

[u/lemonhead2345 → u/Spikeybear]

The owner should have sent an email blast out when the decision was made to cut the other techs. They know they have gift cards outstanding.

[u/Spikeybear → u/lemonhead2345]

And the owner is refunding the gift card. Problem solved. When business' close should they email people who haven't shopped there in a year just to make sure there's no gift cards people forgot to redeem? Do you think the owner knows everyone who has a gift card? Or do you email every single client since the place opened? Then it's well I didn't see the email. It's never ending the place is making it right.

[u/SootSpriteHut → u/lemonhead2345]

But why though? This owner is busy and has enough clients. Email blasts are for generating business, not telling people who haven't asked that you don't want their business anymore.

[u/lemonhead2345 → u/SootSpriteHut]

Email blasts are for a variety of things including letting customers know that all of the other techs are leaving in the event that owners would like more occasional clients to follow them.

[u/pm-me-ur-kittens-thx → u/lemonhead2345]

Do u really think they're gonna send business to a competing nail tech?

[u/lemonhead2345 → u/pm-me-ur-kittens-thx]

How is it a competing business if the owner is removing them as a customer and putting them on a waitlist for 2027?

And yes, my hair stylist actively sends people to other stylists in the area if she’s too booked up. Her regulars stay with her and others are sent elsewhere.

[u/Icy_Today1693 → u/Spikeybear]

😂

[u/lemonhead2345 → u/Icy_Today1693]

It would let the clients know to look elsewhere or prioritize booking an appointment.

[u/rheasilva → u/lemonhead2345]

For all we know, the salon did do that at some point in the two year period when OP didn't feel the need to go.

[u/octobertwins → u/lemonhead2345]

Contact all clients that have ever come in the salon?!? While, single-handedly, running the salon?

Whaaaaat?

[u/lateformyfuneral → u/ippw]

Just hours of collective effort in the other thread, gaming out various legal maneuvers to take revenge on this nail salon, were rendered useless by a bit more context on the story. Many such cases.

[u/Cautious_Level_6056 → u/lateformyfuneral]

Tragic for the Nail Gate legal team. Hours of strategy, wiped out by one follow-up text.

[u/BlaketheFlake → u/ippw]

My question would be how they plan to refund. Because if they refund a credit card OP still loses a gift since it was bought for them.

[u/krissycole87]

Take the refund and find another salon

[u/Cautious_Level_6056 → u/krissycole87]

That is indeed the plan.
I’ll miss the puppy 🐶 but c’est la vie.

[u/AnastasiaSheppard → u/Cautious_Level_6056]

Check that the refund isn't going back to the cc used to pay or they'll be refunding your ex.

[u/Captain_Tiberius1920 → u/AnastasiaSheppard]

Definitely remember this! 

[u/BorzoiDaddy → u/Cautious_Level_6056]

Good thing poodle mixes are everywhere — you’ll find another one soon enough

[u/Opposite_Radio9388 → u/Cautious_Level_6056]

If it's any consolation it'll not be a puppy for much longer, if you last saw them a year ago. Just a dog, which some people do find less cute!

[u/kalnoreth-i4 → u/krissycole87]

Well ya obviously...that's literally what the SALON is telling them to do 🤣

[u/Giventheopportunity]

Your severance package is the gift card refund lol

[u/blessthebabes → u/Giventheopportunity]

This is solid. I just got an IOU from my last breakup (no really, a piece of paper that said IOU).

[u/Giventheopportunity → u/blessthebabes]

What can you claim it for???

[u/blessthebabes → u/Giventheopportunity]

Well, it was sitting where my deodorant used to be. So, that's a start.

[u/SeinfeldAndSopranos]

I’m a guy with zero interest in pedicure stories or gift card themed story arcs, but I have to say your clear and concise way of writing has me wanting a part 3.

[u/Cautious_Level_6056 → u/SeinfeldAndSopranos]

Honestly, it’s been a shit summer, so this has been an absolutely delightful misuse of everyone’s time. Also, thank you. I’m weirdly pleased the writing carried a pedicure story this far.

I’ll try not to ruin the franchise if there’s ever a part 3 😊

[u/azriel1014 → u/Cautious_Level_6056]

I feel you on the shit summer friend! Thanks for the well written distraction. I’ve been invested. I hope you get the pedicure you deserve soon!!!!!!!!!!!

[u/provvv → u/SeinfeldAndSopranos]

I know! she’s a great writer.

[u/Cautious_Level_6056 → u/provvv]

Awww, shucks. Thank you 😊

[u/xoducexnxtyxspfils → u/SeinfeldAndSopranos]

A stark contrast to the salon owner's texting

[u/alison_bee → u/xoducexnxtyxspfils]

I actually think the salon owner did a pretty great job (especially with the last messaged) considering they’re quite clearly not a native English speaker.

[u/Inevitable_Egg6361 → u/xoducexnxtyxspfils]

The salon owner could be a non-native English speaker.

[u/keIIzzz → u/xoducexnxtyxspfils]

It seems fine to me

[u/ThePrefect0fWanganui → u/xoducexnxtyxspfils]

Gross. The salon owner is clearly not a native English speaker, but she’s said nothing wrong here and I’d rather read her texts than the blatherings of a bunch of xenophobic dunderheads who think a boring ass yarn
about a refunded gift card is the height of captivating storytelling and literary achievement.

[u/Holiday-Tip-3720]

firing a client is a thing. thats the right verbiage for many industries.

[u/raketkina]

Now I need to know what happened for them to massively downsize from 10 pedicure chairs and 6 nail stations to a one-person salon! Seems like you're not the only one who had a rough year OP…

[u/Flair258 → u/raketkina]

Probably either financial issues, or owner-related drama the employees didn't want to associate with

[u/Salsa_and_Light2 → u/Flair258]

Could be theft, or immigration problems too.

[u/MindlessWander_TM]

"Nailgate" made me laugh. 😂 I don't know, this is kind of weird to me. If the owner knows you personally, I feel like they should make an exception. 🙃 But what do I know, I'm not a business owner. 🤷‍♀️

[u/MadCatDisease666]

This is the desired outcome. Take the refund and move on.

[u/Spiritual-Fall5494]

time to read up on a reddit story

https://giphy.com/gifs/pUeXcg80cO8I8

[u/TheDarkWave → u/[deleted]]

Imagine having your own business and then making your own policies a nightmare for both yourself and customers. I mean, I can't and I'm a fuckin' moron so I'm just as lost as everyone else.

[u/Outrageous-Break3585 → u/TheDarkWave]

I mean, if this person is truly booked until August 2027 then it kinda sounds like they’re doing alright  as a business owner. Infrequent clients  may not like it, but it’s a business model that’s working, lol. 

[u/TheDarkWave → u/Outrageous-Break3585]

It's easy to stay 'fully booked' when your capacity is literally one person every two weeks and you treat returning customers like home intruders. ¯_(ツ)_/¯

[u/Khaosbutterfly → u/TheDarkWave]

Returning customer for the first time in over a year, sooo.

And she didn't treat her like a home intruder. This lady has been polite and communicative with OP.

If she's moved to a private studio model, it makes sense that she would prioritize people who come frequently. And no, it's not easy for them to stay booked out with a wait list so long that they have to turn away new clients and can't offer gift cards lol.

I'm not sure where you got 1 person every 2 weeks tho. She def has multiple people coming every day that she's open. Each client is just rebooking ~every 2 weeks, which is the standard for a fill.

Miss Mamas is killing it lol. 🔥

OP will be fine. She will get her refund and go on to the next walk in salon on an annual basis.

No harm, no foul.

[u/yournailgirl → u/TheDarkWave]

Policies are in place to keep us sane. She’s booked till 2027. She’ll be fine.

[u/Cautious_Level_6056 → u/Spiritual-Fall5494]

🍿 thank you for the investment

[u/calyswit]

Just wanted to pop in and say despite the emotionally tough times you find yourself in, your sense of humor, whimsy, and acceptance is still intact and I guarantee that will follow you far. Wishing you happy times ahead! And yeah, find a new nail salon.

[u/Cautious_Level_6056 → u/calyswit]

♥️

[u/Efficient-Sundae2215]

She said not to confuse you anymore

[u/AlternativePizza3391]

Take the refund and run

[u/Laleaky → u/AlternativePizza3391]

It was a gift. From her ex-husband.

So he gets the refund and no gift for OP. 🫤

[u/groovydoll → u/Laleaky]

I’m sure they’ll give her cash

[u/DoesntMatterEh]

Good for her for offering you a refund. It's a shame you can't get your nails done there because she seems reasonable and the fact she has zero availability means she is good! 

[u/NoEntertainment5924]

Do you know if ownership has changed?

I assume the person you are texting is the ONE person who runs it now??

[u/boxedcakeblues → u/NoEntertainment5924]

Yeah, I was wondering if this is a different person than the woman OP has known for 10 years by name, has a goldendoodle?

[u/Hot_Echidna6767]

18 upvotes in 3 minutes we were aaaall waiting lol

[u/Cautious_Level_6056 → u/Hot_Echidna6767]

Who knew this would blow up?
I was just, well, mildly infuriated by the whole kerfuffle. I did not expect, but fully appreciate, a returning audience 💅🏼🍿

[u/slimethecold → u/Cautious_Level_6056]

"Sorry, it's been over 6 hours, you're now a new audience, not a returning one."

[u/Cautious_Level_6056 → u/slimethecold]

☠️ no notes

[u/CourtOfGlass → u/slimethecold]

This made me snort.

[u/Bi-Bi-Bi24 → u/Cautious_Level_6056]

If you get the refund for the gift card in person, you can ask why they downsized so dramatically???

[u/Spicywolff]

Got an answer and a refund. I’d call it a win and walk away

[u/OhGr8WhatNow]

They're willing to refund the gift card so that's pretty nice

[u/Dismal_Flight_686]

This is as much of a win as you are going to get , take the money go treat yourself at another salon

Capacity issues are what they are- she has a full book

[u/Inconsistent-Timer]

The ex bought it so it’s likely a refund would go to whatever card he used, she’ll get nothing. 

[u/musikfreakster → u/Inconsistent-Timer]

That’s what I wondered. Hopefully not.

[u/PurbulentTriest → u/Inconsistent-Timer]

Not for a small business

[u/CaicedoBrickWall]

They must be doing incredible business for a nail salon to tell someone to take a walk

[u/TheGoofiestGoblin]

Did you get a refund?

[u/SVReads8571 → u/TheGoofiestGoblin]

this is the imp question. once it's been processed case closed

[u/MsThrilliams]

Gift card refund is a good outcome!

[u/AlaskanSamsquanch]

Fuck that where’s my outrage? Fuckin reasonable people ruining my good time.

[u/harveytent]

Glad they offered a refund. That is very fair. I asked for an update because I had faith they would see the issue here. A refund is fine. Take your business elsewhere.

[u/Brilliant-Bus-3862]

She explained what happened and offered a refund. It seems perfectly reasonable. 

[u/Professional_Box3711]

I always had to remind myself that I’m not in Germany anymore so I learned to “sound polite” because my directness was apparently coming of as rude as well which for me it was normal way of communicating. I since learned small talk and pleasantries before getting to the point here in the US goes a long way. Which in Germany would be most waste of time and kind of weird I guess.

[u/Few-Seat1091 → u/Professional_Box3711]

I’m American but have bad adhd even treated, and I tend to cut straight to the point because I’ll forget what I needed to say if I don’t 🤷‍♀️

[u/DiscoKittie]

"1-person private solan" says to me your old friend sold it and never told anyone. They aren't there any more, unless their english was also that bad.

[u/Beelzebubx_]

woah i found this post just as the update dropped, honestly they seemed pretty good about the whole thing

[u/ivorella]

Say yes, get the refund, move on.

[u/jubbing]

Weirdly professional but aggresive in a way? But fair, you get a refund.

[u/AllOfTheThings426]

Everyone saying "just take the refund" do seem to be forgetting that she didn't purchase the gift card, she received it. Hopefully they're refunding in cash, otherwise it's not gong to help OP.

[u/Salsa_and_Light2]

Honestly, I think she handled this well.

She changed her policy to eliminate gift-cards and she offered a refund when she noticed the problem

If you lose capacity you have to limit what you do.

And a long-term relationship is nice, but you have to prioritize your regulars.

Once a year mani/pedis don't pay the bills. And when you work on a per-client basis it makes a difference.

[u/Distinct_Walrus8936]

Got the refund, find a new salon? A refund is a fair trade.

[u/justgottamakeit15]

I’m just annoyed you felt the need to answer the asinine questions people asked you. Like why tf does it matter why you had a gap or can’t understand a joke.

[u/shinoda88]

I think this is a valid and professional response at the end. (The first few messages weren't though)

[u/splithoofiewoofies]

A one woman salon but "we" don't take new customers.

[u/alison_bee → u/splithoofiewoofies]

Many US nail salons are owned by couples. Sometimes they both do nails, sometimes only one does.

[u/Gooseegander → u/splithoofiewoofies]

Just taking a stab in the dark here, but it's possible they're a salon that offers other services but only has one nail tech on duty. Lots of nail techs rent a space and work out of hair salons, or salons that offer waxing or lashes. If they're an independent tech their nail business could be a one-person operation.

[u/Particular_Unit6406]

for sure take the refund, I wouldn't waste any more time on her than you have to

[u/Valturia]

Lmao take the refund and never go back there, what a weird ass way to do nail business.

[u/Dunno_If_I_Won → u/Valturia]

It's one person with a 12 month wait list. What would you have them do?

[u/MoeKneeKah → u/Dunno_If_I_Won]

It’s 12 months to become a new client. That means she’s booked to the gills. She’s not stressing new clients.

[u/Dunno_If_I_Won → u/MoeKneeKah]

Pretty sure the nail tech thought of that already, but made the decision to run it solo.

[u/EveningAnt3949 → u/Valturia]

You might have missed the part where she can't go back.

It's not that complicated. The company is much smaller than it used to be, and no longer has the resources to work for every potential client.

[u/VivaZeBull]

Omg Bevers BB&B coupons don’t expire

https://giphy.com/gifs/PQxstk5gN7890kyO6X

I hope you took the money!

[u/Canturok]

Pretty reasonable.

[u/Purple_Marsupial_668]

Go in and get a cash refund because if it goes back to your ex's card, you won't get anything

[u/Traditional-Tap-2508]

Take the refund, at least that's a reasonable response. Go get you a good divorce pedi somewhere nice

[u/BroadAwareness3641]

ok? sounds like they downsized, are being reasonable and offered a refund, what's the problem

[u/icyb0ngwater_ → u/BroadAwareness3641]

i don't think OP is saying there is a problem? they just provided an update to their previous post

[u/bybisolipsis → u/BroadAwareness3641]

You are in the subreddit mildly infuriating. It’s just mildly infuriating.

[u/Lone-flamingo → u/BroadAwareness3641]

This is the update. The previous post was from before the refund was offered and OP was left hanging.

[u/Knitvest-enthusiast → u/BroadAwareness3641]

Ahh you don’t think the way shes talking to her is a bit unprofessional?

Like no problem they’re booked and busy and Can’t take on additional clients etc.

But if you’re gonna reject a client who has a gift card, you better use the word “sorry” and not offer a refund on the gift card like it’s optional.

[u/BroadAwareness3641 → u/Knitvest-enthusiast]

no, that's not really that unprofessional. Especially since it sounds like it's one person running a salon so they're probably busy with their clients they are actually seeing

[u/84UTK07]

So your husband bought you the gift card, and you’re now divorced from him…do I have that right? If so, the refund is probably going to post to whatever card he used. So, the next chapter in this saga is whether or not your ex husband gives you the refund money.

[u/Cautious_Level_6056 → u/84UTK07]

Stay tuned 😂

[u/Im_Ashe_Man]

Yeah, this fits mildly infuriating. At least they offered to refund the gift card.

[u/HOPSCROTCH]

I don't understand how it would be preferable for this person to not just do the pedicure rather than refunding the gift card. I'm sorry but is it actually possible for a nail salon to be booked out a year in advance? Signed, a man whose regular pedicure is using nail clippers

[u/IWasGoatbeardFirst → u/HOPSCROTCH]

I had a nail lady like this a long time ago. She rented space in a salon.

All of her clients had standing appointments and her schedule was completely full.

[u/celestaire → u/HOPSCROTCH]

To understand why good nail techs are so in demand, you gotta know about the terrible ones. A bad tech or dirty salon can give you diseases, fungus, or just straight up hurt you. Poorly installed nails can damage your real nails, even to the point of permanent disfigurement to the nail. Then you consider that nail art is actual art - it takes hours to sculpt and cure the base, then additional time to paint and decorate. Elaborate sets take 2+ hours. The tech has normal appointments, but there will also be appointments for events - mainly weddings - which can be high stress and require a certain touch to handle.

And then, on top of all that, a lot of customers want a nail tech they can talk to. It's an hour+ appointment, and some people like to zone out on their phone or chat with their friends or w/e, but a lot do expect the nail tech to be socially engaging and friendly. It's a personality thing as much as a technical skill.

[u/yournailgirl → u/HOPSCROTCH]

Lol yes. Some of us are career nail techs and have steady income and no space for new people. 20 + years and i have to close my books about 6+ times.

[u/Bennington_Booyah]

I'd take the refund and go elsewhere. Once this level of ridiculousness has been reached, it's an uphill battle.

[u/AaaaNinja]

The only issue that I see is something parasocial going on. The relationship you thought you had never existed if you only matter as long as you are a regular patron. The next salon that you go to that makes you feel special might be no different. I think their response was perfectly fine.

[u/beefmomo]

Still a very rude person to people who are trying to patronize their business. I’d take the refund and never go back.

[u/dytinkg]

She said she’s not able to take you and offered you a refund for the gift card and explained why. Take the offer and go to a different salon. You’ll be fine.

[u/Lopsided_Package9033]

If I owned a salon and had more business than I could handle, I think I would hire someone to help, at least part time. Seems foolish to turn away clients who have a ten year history of paying and who, if you piss them off, might never return. Imagine if your circumstances change and you can't get that client back. 

[u/scotch_and_honey → u/Lopsided_Package9033]

Yeahhh but OP said 10 years on and off. The last time she went was 1 year ago. If she only pops up a few times a year, her presence is not as valuable as a client who reliably visits every month. The nail tech is prioritizing the latter and that's okay. It's just business, not a personal slight to OP at all. She's getting a refund so in my opinion this issue was resolved amicably.

[u/LesbianWhoLaughsAtU]

did they ever bother to tell you about all these changes or did they just expect anybody caught in the crossfire to get bent?

[u/Willing_Day_2010 → u/LesbianWhoLaughsAtU]

They probably had signs posted or informed people that came in within the last year?

[u/passionfyre → u/LesbianWhoLaughsAtU]

OP said it was a much larger nail salon before. So maybe seeing well over a hundred clients a week. Typically they would not save customer details to message them privately. Usually a business would put info like this on their business page/instagram/google maps listing etc

Also people who go nail salons usually go every 2-3 weeks, its super unlikely to have a year long gap like OP did. Considering all this, the business handled this very well. Refund the gift card, OP goes somewhere with availability

[u/Massive-Rain-6938]

Thanks for the story. As a dude with no general interest in pedicure sagas, this hit.

Good job, OP

[u/Cautious_Level_6056 → u/Massive-Rain-6938]

Happy to be of service my good sir.

[u/Inevitable_Space_568]

funny how they talk about the "policy" but they're a one man show. uh, you can change the policy lil bro...

[u/essenza]

Weird, especially if they never notified you about the changes.
Get your money back and take your business elsewhere. Leave a review.

[u/passionfyre → u/essenza]

Tbf most people (who typically go to nail salons) go to get their nails done every 2-3 weeks, max monthly.... not yearly lol. And what would the review be? 'Owner was fully booked and couldn't accommodate me so they refunded my gift card?'

[u/feralcatshit]

Hey, just wanna say I’ve throughly enjoyed this low stakes drama 😂 I was super curious about the high stakes divorce drama so I snooped your profile and just wanted to say, I have Eds as well. Diagnosed 6-7 years ago, I know how shitty it is. Just wanted to say hi and tell you thanks for this light hearted saga!

[u/Cautious_Level_6056 → u/feralcatshit]

Many hugs my fellow zebra ♥️thanks for following along this objectively wild ride 😂

[u/NewRootsLol → u/Cautious_Level_6056]

I'm actually surprised how calm you are. If so many strangers made fun of my divorce (a traumatising experience for most) because of a completely unrelated post, I would be upset. But you're a warrior, that's all I want to say!

[u/Meal__Team__Six]

>"Policy that-"

No, it's HER policy.

>"We're unable-"

No, SHE is unable.

One person operation by the insufferable distancing-themselves-from-all-responsibility business type.

[u/theycallmethevault]

Did I miss take 2?!

And who’s never heard of a customer being “fired” before? That’s a weird thing for people to ask about.

[u/Cautious_Level_6056 → u/theycallmethevault]

Fear not! Take 3 is because I’m clearly inept at posting. You are fully up to date.

[u/theycallmethevault → u/Cautious_Level_6056]

Thank you!!! I was concerned. And still concerned that people have never heard of firing a customer. It’s like they’ve never heard of people being trespassed or just told not to come back before. (Not saying that should have happened to you! Not saying that at all, not even a little bit.)

[u/Cautious_Level_6056 → u/theycallmethevault]

I so appreciate your investment in this saga. And I realize it’s Reddit, some will get it and some will not, the FAQ was the best I could do 😂

[u/Existing-Medium-1642]

This is wild🍿
It’s like they DO NOT want your money💰

[u/yournailgirl → u/Existing-Medium-1642]

Happens When you’re overbooked. Have had to do this several times throughout my career. The money is irrelevant.

[u/Popular-Drummer-7989]

Go get a refund for that card and take your business elsewhere

[u/poopoopeepeesub69]

Hopefully you actually get a refund because that’s crazy

[u/Mike_for_all]

At least they are offering a refund, I’d not go back there even if they have a spot tbh.

[u/Kindly_Flan_11]

I like the cut of your jib, Kate.