Salon Prices - what does 'starting at X$' mean? - tipping the owner?

Question

So I went to get my hair cut and all over colored today...NO highlights, and it has been my experience that 'starting at X$' for a cut and color is, the more dye they use, the more they charge. Well they always have to use 2 bowls for me, and the second bowl at many differnt salons has been 10$. This cut and color 'started at 40$' and ended up being 77$. I know some salons charge for them to dry your hair and style, in my experience they ask you if you wanted it styled so that you understand they will charge for it. He cut it, colored it, used 2 bowls, and styled it. Charged me 77$ when it 'started at 40$' His card said 'manager' and he mentioned to someone during the cut that 'this is MY house' so I assumed the 77$ was HIS price for me. And not the regular run of the mill 'starting at 40$' cut and color that his other stylists charge. I didn't tip him, he didn't explain to me the price he just put it out there, so I just didn't tip him. Should I have tipped?

Answer 1

I'm a manager at a cosmetology school/salon and our menus state that our prices start off at X$ and up. When a color service is done, the starting price should include the wash, blow dry and x number of tubes, plus the bleach or whatever (depending on the type of service). All of this should be done initially by the stylist as a consultation (this clears up any confusion between the client and stylist when it comes to pricing). If extra color or chemical was used during the process, the stylist should informed you.

Tipping is based on the quality of service: The actual processing of the hair and the customer service. Customer service is 75% of the whole process.

If you didn't feel that this was done, then no, you should not have tipped.

Answer 2

Ouch! That's harsh! I'd say the next time you read or hear "starting at..." to tell them exactly what you want, and ask how much it will be. That way, there's no question.

As far as tipping, it depends. For what he did, did he do a great job? If so, tip at least a little. If he was a jerk and didn't satisfy you for what you wanted, I'd say no. Tipping is for a job well done. I tip almost all the time, the only time I don't is if they're blatantly rude and I didn't get what I asked for.

Answer 3

Well....It's sorta like buying a car...Ya...the ad says starts at $9000.00 (i'm making up the price)...but if you want a radio, that will be an extra $200...If you want a CD, add $50 more...CD that plays MP3's, add another $200....Leather seats...SURE...For $3000 more...

I guess you'll have to LEARN how to say "How much EXTRA is THAT gonna be?" Or you could just ask to see their menu/price sheet for services.....hmmmmmmmm

Or you might just consider another salon.....

Answer 4

Don't tip if you aren't satisfied. It's a courtesy. Just don't go back there. Well, I hope you at least like the cut and style.