Customer Service Question, Dog Grooming Services...?

Question

Recently I took my toy poodle to be groomed. They quoted the fee to be $25.00. Fair enough. However, they looked at my dog and said that the "prices are subject to change." I told the girl, alright, just CALL ME if the prices do change before anything is done. She said okay and that was the end of it. When I returned to pick my dog up, the girl stated that the price is now $44.00 because it was such a "delicate cut" (I always have it groomed like the classic show poodles with the puffs). She did not call me.

So, my question is this, as a customer, am I obligated to pay the inflated rate despite her not calling to inform me as requested?

Answer 1

When it comes to grooming and Vet care, its hard to give a specific price because things may change once the dog is in there.

I took my dogs to the vet back in January. One dog had an infection so I knew it would be costly for her exam and meds. I called, told them the age of both dogs... what shots they have had (I was getting all their shots updated) what was wrong with my girl and asked for a quote. Well she quoted me I think $170 something. So we brought them in, had everything done. The Vet looked at her and gave her meds and updated shots and did the same for my male. When I walked out the receptionist quoted me $350. Biiiig difference, right? They did everything that the lady had quoted me for, but for some reason the price was doubled. They would not work with me, could not tell me why it was so much. I think they even charged me $100 just to look at her cooch and tell me it was an infection (which I knew). Anyways.... I had to pay. The services were already done, I had no choice. But I did let the vet know that I would never bring my animals back there again, ever.

So anyways... the point of my rambling is the receptionist made a mistake in not calling you. But the services have been rendered and theres nothing you can do now except let them know for that mistake you will be finding your dog another groomer.

Answer 2

Dispute it, since she was informed to call you ahead of time. Speak to a manager or the owner. At the very least, they should be able to give money off the next visit.

Answer 3

I personally think this is a good price for a show Poodle cut, but that is not the problem.  She didn't call you.  This is what I would do.  If you decide that they have done a great job, and plan to go back in the future,  I would ask if you could be credited for the $19.00 towards the next cut. If you do not plan on going back, I would ask for a refund.  It all depends on what you plan on doing in the future.  If you decide to continue going to her, now you know what to expect with the price in the future, but I would still ask for a $19.00 credit.  People do make mixtakes, and maybe she wasn't trying to scam you, just got so busy that she really did just forget to call you.  If I found a good groomer, I would stick with them, even if their was a price problem.  If it were to happen again, say you went back and they quoted you $44.00, and than charged you $55.00 when the dog was picked up,  I would say bye bye.

Answer 4

The quoted price would have been for a simple, clipped, trim.

A lion trim takes much longer and to be honest I wouldn't do a toy poodle in lion trim for less than $60 and then only if it came every 5 weeks so I think you were undercharged.

Answer 5

It comes down to what nineteen dollars is worth to you. Unfair as it is, if you argue it you might not win and it might not be worth it in the end, but its your money, so i would at least ask them about it and confront them. One thing is for sure: dont bring your dog back