AITA if I refuse to pay my nail tech’s $65 cancellation fee?
So, long story short, I’ve been going to my nail tech for over 5 years. We’ve become really good friends and have even hung out outside of work. I’ve consistently been her client through two studio changes, during the pandemic when she worked from home, and again this past year when she decided not to have a studio anymore. Despite the friendship, I’ve always respected her business. I tip every time and treat it like any other nail salon.
In over 5 years, I’ve probably had to reschedule a total of 5 or 6 times, only half of those within a day or two of the appointment, but always with more than 24 hours’ notice.
At my last appointment, she mentioned she had booked my recurring slot for December 24th, Christmas Eve, at 6:30 PM. My recurring appointments are usually at 6:30 PM after work. I’ll be honest—I was a bit surprised because I assumed appointments would be pushed back to after the holiday. She told me she didn’t have plans for Christmas Eve, so she was still working. I expressed some concern about being able to make it since there was talk of a family Christmas Eve dinner (which I let her know). We talked about moving the appointment to 5 PM, but she couldn’t. It ended with me saying I think I can make it.
Flash forward to December 23rd—I get confirmation the dinner is happening. At 2:30 PM, I texted her saying I’m sorry but I won’t be able to make it. I asked her if she could please move the appointment to after Christmas, giving more than 24 hours’ notice. She responded offering a 12:15 PM slot that day, but I let her know I couldn’t take it because I was working. After that, just radio silence for 2 weeks. I followed up again and still got no response.
Then finally today, she sends this message: “OMG SO SORRY I told you I’m terrible about checking my texts—you HAAAVE to DM for me to see it. What do you meeeaaaann double move. And uhhhhh so awkward part. Remember when we confirmed your recurring? I did inform everyone these appointments would be on Christmas Eve, so I had to be really strict with my cancellation policy. So your last appointment missed was on Christmas Eve. I do need to ask for that $65 fee whenever you’re ready. Sorry, I HATE this part of my job, especially when it comes to friends.”
A few things about this don’t make sense:
I told her I might not be able to make it. I’ll own that I said, “I think I can,” but it wasn’t certain.
Texting has always been our primary communication. I’ve never once sent her a DM in the 5 years I’ve known her.
She didn’t mention any policy when I asked to reschedule. She’s never told me about this policy, and it’s not posted anywhere. I still don’t even know what it is. My understanding is that 24-hour notice is standard in the beauty industry and doesn’t incur fees, let alone the full appointment cost.
There have been other times where I’ve felt taken advantage of because of our friendship: appointments starting late (sometimes over 40 minutes) and questionable safety practices since she moved her studio back to her mom’s house, like reusing drill bits, unsterilized tools, and old nail files.
I’ve been a loyal client for over 5 years and have always supported her business, but I feel like this has gone too far. AITA if I refuse to pay the $65 cancellation fee?
UPDATE: Sent a very strong worded (but professional) message saying I will not be paying the cancellation fee and to cancel all my future appointments. Time to look for a new nail tech!