Just venting...

[J_espe]

I really can't stand some people... I groomed a Standard Poodle about a week ago. This was a free regroom, as she was unhappy with the previous clip done by our salon. I spent 4 hours working strictly on this dog to make sure I got EVERYTHING perfect that mom said she wanted.
#15 clean feet and face
#2 comb body
#3 comb legs.
Now, I have only been grooming for 2 years, but I take pride in my work quality. I had everyone else in the salon check him over, see if they would change a thing; nada.
His mom shows up for pick-up, says he looks fabulous, I did much better than the last girl, and gave me a healthy tip. Now, we get an email from corporate telling us that this woman is livid, says the 2nd groom was FAR WORSE than even she herself could have done without training. I "shaved his ear hair too short" and "His feet were not shaved enough. She specifically asked for a #15 on his feet and face due to sensitive skin..
Like, ok, you don't like the groom. Please don't be so shady about.

Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk

[Tawanda]

Ugh. Sorry!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

[HoneyandChewiespal]

Honestly, the Pet-something that started the 'if you don't like it it's free' program has created sooooooo many problems for the rest of us I'd like to scream.
This one sounds like one of those who like to play the system. I had one when I first started grooming. He kept bringing his mini poo in about every three or four days to have something
Touched up'. Always for free. I finally put my foot down and told him that he'd have to pay for a new groom because by now the dog had grown out enough to require a bath a full haircut. He agreed, I did the full groom incorporating all the special tweekw he'd been coming in for. He loved it when he left and was very vocal about how nice it looked. Came in following week to get something touched up for free. Refused to do it. Told him from me and n he'd have to go see me where else for grooming. He tried to yell about the ' not paying my if not happy'. Told him I didn't work for that corp snd he'd have to go there for that type of deal.
Found out afterwards they'd told him to go somewhere else since they were done with him as well.

[Dolly]

This is why it is so important to take before/after pictures of your groom, then present them to your supervisor or anyone else who is questioning your skills. This client is really working the system.....she should be told to never return, but then, you aren't the boss. I would bet my last dollar that this lady has done this numerous times , not only grooming salons, but other service related business's. She is sick.
If she ever came back, your supervisor should make her sign a release form stating that the groom is "acceptable" when she picks up Fluffy.


Happy taking pictures

Dolly's Barking Bubbles, LLC

https://www.dollysbarkingbubbles.com

[Petekids]

Good advice Dolly!

[Brit]

I would like my surveillance camera to also be able to take snaps as well for this purpose. Hope someday invents that if not already.

[ItzaClip!]

One simple thing would prevent this. A sign off sheet where they acknowledge at time of pickup that everything's OK. If you do allow fix it's, it should be no more than 24 hours later and not a full groom. Also only applies new clients or when newer groomer is doing dog( not same as before) as you are just rewarding people for complaining by incorporating such a rule across the board.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

[absolutebichon]

One simple thing would prevent this. A sign off sheet where they acknowledge at time of pickup that everything's OK. If you do allow fix it's, it should be no more than 24 hours later and not a full groom. Also only applies new clients or when newer groomer is doing dog( not same as before) as you are just rewarding people for complaining by incorporating such a rule across the board.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

Neat idea, is that what you do? If so any problems getting anyone to sign?

[KarlaSnyder]

Itza-that's exactly what I was going to say. Think the 'like it or it's free' petsomethings should incorporate this to save everyone a lot of grief.

[cmf07]

Had a client like this (he signed off on the first groom) & without going into detail, I told him before he left that I was not the right groomer for him and to find another groomer. Best thing I ever did as I could tell he would be a complainer & would never be happy. Found out later from the customer that referred him, he's been all over town. My customer apologized for giving my card to him![emoji6]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[leafyseadragon]

I have relatively new client on a six-week schedule that LOVES the haircut at pick-up but complains about it at her next appointment. Not the quality but various lengths. Her legs were way too long/too short, muzzle too long/too short, tail, ears, etc., etc. At every pick up she goes over the dog thoroughly and tells me how I "nailed it this time" or "this is exactly how I wanted it" and she leaves a healthy tip. 6 weeks later she's singing a different tune.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Marshmellow]

I have a client like this .... First groom she wanted everything all off and a very very short schnauzer face with no brows ( like almost none exsitant beard) and actually told me there and then she hated but then rebooked In . every groom since there is something including her telling me its my fault that her (what she proudly told me was a)pale salt and pepper pepper schnazuer . not seen her for ages . . thought she went else where but now she's booked for Xmas and wanting a full Schnauzer cut ... At the moment it has full round face and ears which looks horrible as she was in for a bath last week with instructions not to trim anything but a clipper wide strip from just above its bottom to right underneath with a (what she wanted) 15 blade. Told her I was not going to do that as she has said previously that when I've taken it on a 10 she got clipper rash so because a 15 is shorter I'm not doing it. Soooo wish I could fire this client.... But I can't. She's a friend of the vet I'm employed by. And that makes it harder because on me because I then feel she will go nitpick to the vet . thankfully the vet is quite good at not blaming everything on the groomer , but yeah you will get complainers where ever you go and its a pain in the backside especially when you find they are problem clients who salon hop . but if you can fire them do so . trust me when I say they are not worth the stress. All you need to say is I'm really sorry but I don't think were a good fit for you and fluffy as we just can't seen to get the groom to how you want it. Maybe y
It would be best to find another stylist who can accommodate your grooming needs better than I can ?

[Jenni89]

I like the sign off idea too. It would save so much trouble, and put a stop to the ones trying to take advantage.

I try to always ask if the groom is okay, or if they'd like anything changed on pickup- even if they always get the same cut. So if they come back with something to complain about, I'm like "oh, you said yada yada last time...is there something you want different?" It's funny they never seem to have much to say to that, same as usual *shrug*. Sometimes I just nod and agree, but if they say something that kinda irks me, then I've found sharing a bit of 'knowledge' goes a long way. Had one lady tell me to be careful when doing her dogs nails because she "though it was cruel" and she "hates to see them bleed". That it is like "torture". I keep a laminated info-graphic by my entryway showing the anatomy of a dogs foot- and how the nails can grow so long they can cause serious damage to the structure. I let her know it's a necessary evil, and even we groomers feel bad to quick a dog, and do our best not to. That gave her some peace of mind- or at least some confidence in me. This goes for clients who complain about the eye hair growing too quick, or those that don't understand clipper burn vs irritation, etc. A few moments of my time can really set things straight. As for the ones I cannot make happy (or the ones that can ruin your day), I either let them know I have a specific style (like an artist has a genre or technique), so I do my best but that's that. Otherwise I make it very inconvenient to book an appointment, which prevents a fight, and forces them to move on. I haven't had to outright fire someone yet *knocks wood* but there's all kinds in this field of work.