Cactus Salon is a huge name on Long Island- they have locations everywhere.
I have been there 3 or 4 times for different salon services- I always thought they were a bit over-priced for what it is (just a generic salon- there are much nicer places on Long Island to go that do a better job and are less expensive)
Anyway- my mother purchased a $100 gift card for me 2 years ago to Cactus Salon. I had used it once but then I put it in a drawer and forgot it was there until I was cleaning one day and found it. I went to the salon and got a manicure, pedicure, eyebrows- really treating myself because I was about to get it all for free (of course I would have left them an amazing tip)
Then they told me that even though there was $72 left on the card, I couldn't use it because it was expired. This was not a coupon or a promotion- it was a card that was purchased with CASH. The girl at the front desk was so rude to me. I called the corporate office and there was nothing they could do- the policy was that gift cards expire after 13 months! It is the most ridiculous policy I have ever heard!!!! Then they told me I could purchase services of equal or greater value of the gift card in addition to the value of the card (basically $144 of services or more) and they would honor it.
NO THANKS. A gift card that was paid for should be equivalent to money. I don't even have that kind of money! I was forced to pay for the services I just received and didn't have enough to give the girls good tips.
It left such a sour taste in my mouth. They have lost a customer forever.