Happy Nails ripoff Running a scam operation! Bad service, high cost! San Diego California
Since it was a long one, I copied and pasted the letter that I sent to their corporate office, the letter reads:
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing you as a concerned customer. The other day I received service from your Clairemont location and I have to say that I have been disappointed every time that I have went and this was my 3rd and final visit. I will also be telling everyone that I know (which is hundreds by the day in my line of work) Not to go to your Clairemont store. I urge you to secret shop them because here are some of the things that happened to me over the last 3 times I have went:
Each time I received a spa pedicure, the lady that did it was not paying attention and was either talking to other employees or talking on the phone. During this time they have, cut the nail too short (which caused a ingrown toenail), filed my skin and made me bleed, not given me a massage (only one of the times) and one even got into an argument because she thought the color I was choosing was not okay. They do not speak clearly enough for the customer to understand, even other customers were saying so.
I am a really easy person to please and normally I wouldnt even complain but the last 3 experiences were the worst nail experiences that I have ever had.
The last time I went I walked in and asked to get a Full set and a spa pedicure this is what happened;
They Gave me Gel nails and didnt even ask me, then charged me for them and argued with me about asking me if I wanted them.
They did not have me soak my fingers before doing work on them.
They did not cut cuticles and wanted me to pay $10. Since when did you get away with that? When you pay for a FULL SET it should be included (you guys are the only ones who charge for them to be done and that should be posted somewhere in the store)
The did not cut the nail to make it even before doing the set. (My nails had dirt and they were all uneven, hence the reason for getting them done)
When putting my hand into the gel dryer, the lady shoved it in and didnt even care that it had caught on the way in several times (now I have bumps and Hair! Yes hair! In my nail) even after I expressed to her that it did it, she didnt even look to fix it!
They do not have the prices posted ANYWHERE!
I was charged $67 for a full set and a spa pedicure at which I could have went next door and got the same thing for $25 and had 10 times the service!
I just have to say I am very disappointed in the service and maybe they should retrain the employees to be clearer about things. I am not really sure what I got for $67 dollars because they never said.
I will be reporting this to ripoffreport.com and the Better Business Bureau and everyone that I know that gets their nails done. This could be a really nice spa but when the people that are working there are making it look bad, you could be earning a reputation that will put you out of business. And I know they were saying bad things about me when I went in there because they were all laughing when my technician would say something and look at me.
Amy
San Diego, California
U.S.A.
6 Updates & Rebuttals
Myno
Carlsbad,California,
U.S.A.
Happy Nails was a Beautiful Experience for me!
#7Consumer Comment
Thu, March 22, 2007
Amy, Your letter surprised me and I must say that you sound like you were ready to document every breath and step you took from the second you walked into the salon spa. Are you sure you weren't just having a bad day?
For me, Happy Nails is a place I go to for the ultimate in relaxation, rejuvenation and total body pampering in a very professional, clean and courteous setting. Each service has always been exceptional and I always look forward to my return visits.
One time in particular, I went there with my Husband as I had treated him to a spa pedicure. Not only did the ladies/technicians give him the best pedicure and calf/foot massage any man could wish for, he commented on how wonderful and attentive the service was. Again, we were treated with the utmost respect in a very caring and gracious manner. The excellent customer service and results are the main reasons I keep coming back.
Happy Nails Salon is truly a beautiful Nail Spa/Salon. The decor is unique and stylish with a tranquil contemporary feel and the staff do everything to make you feel comfortable. It's almost like it's their mission to provide you with the best and focused service and attention.
I just love it.
Lorraine - Geek Consumer Advocate :-)
Phoenix,Arizona,
U.S.A.
Hi Amy, sounds like bad training from the school she attended
#7Consumer Suggestion
Sat, January 21, 2006
I've never worked in your state, so am not up to date on their laws for nail techs. I worked on the east coast many years ago.
If a file cuts your skin, that means the tech probably used a new file and did not prepare it correctly before placing it against your skin. This was either due to bad training or carelessness, I can't say which.
For your ingrown nail, let the nail grow back out, keeping it filed (lightly) flat on top and straight across the free edge (white part). That should help it grow out fine again and then it will stop hurting.
A massage is always part of a manicure and pedicure. The tech should always give one to her customers. It should be done after the soak and before the polish is applied. The tech then must use a swab dipped in alcohol and rub it across the nail after the massage, to remove any hand cream from the massage. If this isn't done, the polish won't stick to the nail.
Gel nails didn't come out on the market until after I quit working, so I don't know everything about them, but I know the application is very similar to acrylic. You will never get a soak before getting fake nails, you need the nail dry, lightly filed so the 'shine' is removed and firm to apply them. Only people getting a manicure get the soak to soften up their cuticles, should they want them trimmed. She should have cleaned under the free edge with an orange stick to remove any dirt and trimmed/filed the nail so it was smooth before applying nail tips and gel.
Cuticles are not cut or pushed back with an orange stick unless requested. Some states don't allow it at all. Once you start cutting your cuticles, you have to keep doing it or they will grow too long and cause problems. I'm pretty sure that is why they have the policy they do in place at this store. The tech should have asked what you wanted done with your cuticles though, if it's legal to trim them in your state.
The way she handled you sounds extemely rough and again, that sounds like bad training from the school she attended. I wouldn't do business with someone like that again either, especially given the prices they are charging there.
I hope you find a new salon that treats you well and you enjoy the nails they apply and take care of for you.
Amy
San Diego,California,
U.S.A.
Answer to Rebuttal
#7REBUTTAL Individual responds
Sat, January 21, 2006
The service sucked plain and simple and they are running an scam when the act like they dont know what you are saying! Complaining? Well kind sir, I was very respectful to every person in there and I even saw some of the technicians doing their job.I have been to other Happy Nails and had exceptable service. I am not picky I just expected more for as much as I paid. I am chalking it up as a lesson learned and still telling everyone female I know not to go there.
Jason
San Diego,California,
U.S.A.
Not doubting what happened to you, but
#7Consumer Comment
Thu, January 19, 2006
If you had a bad experience, even once, esp. after the first time you were there, why not go somewhere else. You did not just go 2X, but thrice? I have had poor services in places, and if it is the first time I have ever been there, then that'll be the last.
It really does sound like you were looking for someone to complain about. I am not saying these guys did not do what you say they did, but you do sound like a big complainer. Once again, if the cost was too high, why did you go there again and again????
Jason
San Diego,California,
U.S.A.
Not doubting what happened to you, but
#7Consumer Comment
Thu, January 19, 2006
If you had a bad experience, even once, esp. after the first time you were there, why not go somewhere else. You did not just go 2X, but thrice? I have had poor services in places, and if it is the first time I have ever been there, then that'll be the last.
It really does sound like you were looking for someone to complain about. I am not saying these guys did not do what you say they did, but you do sound like a big complainer. Once again, if the cost was too high, why did you go there again and again????
Jason
San Diego,California,
U.S.A.
Not doubting what happened to you, but
#7Consumer Comment
Thu, January 19, 2006
If you had a bad experience, even once, esp. after the first time you were there, why not go somewhere else. You did not just go 2X, but thrice? I have had poor services in places, and if it is the first time I have ever been there, then that'll be the last.
It really does sound like you were looking for someone to complain about. I am not saying these guys did not do what you say they did, but you do sound like a big complainer. Once again, if the cost was too high, why did you go there again and again????