No charging the tip at hairsalon?

[pl71]

Today I went to my hair salon. I've been going to this place for over 10 years. I have long hair and only need a cut about every 6 months so I don't use the same stylist each visit, I just use whoever is available. It's a mid-range salon. My cut/style cost me $45.

I was very happy with the service, like usual. I picked up some products the stylist recommended but when I paid for both the service and the products with my credit card I wasn't asked for a tip amount like in the past. I asked when I could add the tip amount. I was told that they no longer allow credit or debit card tips, cash or personal check to the stylist only. Huh?

I did not a single dollar with me and don't carry a checkbook. They told me that there was a nearby ATM I could use, but my ATM card is expired. I rarely ever use cash and didn't think I'd need it for a haircut. I was so embarrassed. I asked when they had changed their policy on tips and they said that it happened in January. If the change was that recent I just don't understand why they didn't mention it when I made the appointment.

The stylist had done a great job and my hair is long and thick so it takes a lot of time to cut and style and absolutely desires a good tip. I promised the stylist I'd get cash and come back, I'm sure she didn't believe me. Luckily my bank was open and located about 1 mile away. I did come back and the stylist had gone out to lunch so I left my cash tip (33% of the service change) at the front desk where they said they'd make sure she got it.

Is this normal for hair salons? I eat out a lot and tips are always allowed to be charged at restaurants. This salon had always allowed it before, I have no idea why that would change. I really wish they had told me when I made the appointment, I would have made sure I had cash.

I just can' t understand the logic of the new rule. Am I really the only one who doesn't carry much cash? Am I wrong for being upset with this change? It seems really strange to me.

Was it appropriate to only tip on the service and not the products? Hopefully she doesn't think I shorted her because of that.

 

[gracie1]

I noticed a sign in my salon in December that starting January they were not accepting tips on credit cards either. They actually put an atm in the salon, but who wants to pay a service charge to use an atm? Some banks mandate that if it's not their atm. Maybe it takes them to long to get the money from the cc company??

 

[DebbieB]

Today I went to my hair salon. I've been going to this place for over 10 years. I have long hair and only need a cut about every 6 months so I don't use the same stylist each visit, I just use whoever is available. It's a mid-range salon. My cut/style cost me $45.

I was very happy with the service, like usual. I picked up some products the stylist recommended but when I paid for both the service and the products with my credit card I wasn't asked for a tip amount like in the past. I asked when I could add the tip amount. I was told that they no longer allow credit or debit card tips, cash or personal check to the stylist only. Huh?

I did not a single dollar with me and don't carry a checkbook. They told me that there was a nearby ATM I could use, but my ATM card is expired. I rarely ever use cash and didn't think I'd need it for a haircut. I was so embarrassed. I asked when they had changed their policy on tips and they said that it happened in January. If the change was that recent I just don't understand why they didn't mention it when I made the appointment.

The stylist had done a great job and my hair is long and thick so it takes a lot of time to cut and style and absolutely desires a good tip. I promised the stylist I'd get cash and come back, I'm sure she didn't believe me. Luckily my bank was open and located about 1 mile away. I did come back and the stylist had gone out to lunch so I left my cash tip (33% of the service change) at the front desk where they said they'd make sure she got it.

Is this normal for hair salons? I eat out a lot and tips are always allowed to be charged at restaurants. This salon had always allowed it before, I have no idea why that would change. I really wish they had told me when I made the appointment, I would have made sure I had cash.

I just can' t understand the logic of the new rule. Am I really the only one who doesn't carry much cash? Am I wrong for being upset with this change? It seems really strange to me.

Was it appropriate to only tip on the service and not the products? Hopefully she doesn't think I shorted her because of that.

I always pay cash but I noticed a sign at the front desk of my salon about 6 months ago saying effective a certain date that tips could no longer be charged. I wondered if that hurt their tips. I would not tip on products.

 

[lynxstch]

I go to Holiday Hair..and I always put the tip on my visa..I never carry cash!~

 

[taylor3297]

I only tip on the service not on the product. Think of it this way, do you tip at the grocery store if you buy your shampoo there?

 

[DebbieB]

Found this regarding fees, it might have something to do with it. They have to hand back 2%-3%.

http://money.cnn.com/2012/07/17/smallbusiness/visa-mastercard/index.htm

 

[cluvsdisney]

I only tip on the service, not the products. I have been to a few salons/spas over the years that do not allow customers to charge the tips. I always ask about their policies when I make the appointment some places don't take all types of credit cards and I encountered one place where they didn't take them on Sundays. I have no clue why - I think it might have to do with who is working that day.

 

[Buckalew11]

I'd be more concerned about whether your hairdresser ever saw that tip...


And 33%? That's a super nice tip.


DISers have the smartest kids and they are the best tippers at their hairdresser's.

 

[clutter]

My salon told me in October that they would not be able to charge the tip starting in January. A while back, my old salon would no longer allow you to swipe the tip. For them, I'm sure it was not wanting to pay the bank fee on the tip. But I think some regulation changed in January.

(Unless, of course, we're all going to a salon owned by the same chain, lol.)

 

[zurgswife]

My first thought was paying tax on the tips. If the tips are in cash they don't necessarily have to claim them.

Though the fact it seems that many salons started this practice recently the fee might be a reason.

 

[Kbella's mom]

I would have been in the same situation as you! I charge everything so I don't ever have much cash on hand. My salon usually allows me to charge the tip and then gives me the amount in cash to put in a tip envelope.
Thanks for the warning on the possible change. I have an appointment next month so I'll be prepared.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

We went to a salon back in NY and they changed their policy after about 6 months of going, prohibiting tips on a card. We switched salons very soon after. It's poor customer service/convenience and I'm sorry, you are there to service me.

It's not all that much different then a restaurant requiring server tips to be paid in cash; it's just not customer centric or convenient.

 

[penn19]

My last salon was like that. Hated it. I don't carry much cash and I always had to remember before the appointment. Of course now the stylist I go to only accepts cash or check for the whole thing. She has her own space that she rents out so I guess she can set her own policy. I have asked her about getting Square ( I think that's what it's called) but she doesn't seem interested.

I forgot my checkbook one day and I had to go find an ATM. And pay the fee. Very aggravating.

 

[DISshopkeeper]

DISers have the smartest kids and they are the best tippers at their hairdresser's.

 

[wishwash01]

What I do at my salon is ask for them to add the tip amount to the charge card but get the money and then give it to my hairdresser

 

[WhateverLolaWants]

My salon changed their policy last March or so. They will allow you to leave a tip on the credit but for a $1 extra. (You leave $20 tip, stylist gets $19). I used to never carry cash but I have to make sure I have it available for when I get my hair done.

 

[Belle0101]

The salon I go to is like a PP, cash or check, made payable to the stylist, only. I tip only for the service.

 

[tvguy]

A lot of small businesses have been hit hard by the continuing economic downturn and are looking to cut costs whatever way they can.

I have posted before that we have had issues at my work with those who don't carry cash, or think to get a cash advance getting stuck out in the middle of nowhere at midnight and needing cash for gasoline, or food. or to get chains installed in the snow, and not having the cash.

But I do think there is some merit to the thought that some who worked in tip positions want to make sure there is no paper trail of their tips because they don't report them on their taxes.

 

[nephthys43]

My salon changed to this too. But they have an atm right there. If I've forgotten my cash, I'll pay the fee.

I tip about 33% too. It takes her longer to blow out my hair than it does for her to cut it. The joys of having over 2 feet of hair.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I have been to salons that do that. I just don't tip them if I am BRAND new and I didn't know. Sorry...

Oh and I would only tip on the service and not the products either. You already pay a markup on the products.

I will make sure to ask the salon when I make my appts. today just to be prepared. I like my salon I go to now and I would not want to stiff my hairdresser! I HATE being ill prepared for stuff like that.