Disappointing
I recently used a coupon for a mani/pedi/facial and massage.
The staff, though very nice, are poorly trained and not up to the standard a Spa requires. The manicure and pedicure were sloppy with polish left on the cuticles and too thick. There was no discussion about skin concerns and I got the impression everyone gets the same facial mask and treatment regardless of whether the skin is oily or dry. There is no towel, robe or covering on the clothing during the facial. The massage is only for the upper body ; I was expecting legs to be included as well.
The upstairs carpets in the hallway are dirty, rippling and the place is rundown. Not a great expeerience although the staff were very pleasant and warm. But not good estheticians!
Comments
If you want a full meal pay full price
This is a comment from another board I want to share:
For small business owners, BEWARE!!! Dealfind, Living Social, etc. are NOT on our sides. They are 100% on the customer sides, because the customers are the one who give them money. I have seen and heard a lot of small business owners complained how Dealfind is taking advantage and screwing their lives! 2 of them actually declared bankruptcy at the end. I think small business owners need to think their margin really carefully and DO NOT take the offer to make your coupons never expired. BIG MISTAKE!
The bottom line, you have to cover your butt!
80% of your customers will NEVER go back to your place, WHY? Because 80% of them, who bought 4 coupons, are only looking for cheap place to eat, do nails, do hair, and don't really looking for the next best thing. Restaurant owners, since Dealfind always run restaurant deal WEEKLY every Thursdays, their clients will always buy the new thing.And will your restaurant be in customers' mind? NO!
I was one of Dealfind victims. When a customer lied and told a bunch of completely fabricated story, Dealfind went to his side and pestered me 3 times! Accusing me doing something that I didn't do. When I tried to explain my side of story, they cut me off and clearly stood on the customer side.
You are right, if you want to get out from the deal, you need a good lawyer and CHEAP! It is not worth your time and money to fight this big organization.
I honestly feel sorry for small business owners, who want to advertise their business, and yet, got jacked.
You have to be smart. Ask a lot of question. And remember! 50% of your coupon value is going toward their pocket and PLUS! you are paying the credit card fee, not THEM! For example, for $19 deal, you only get $9.
On the other hand, I have to admit that Dealfind, Living Social are very smart advertising tools. So, small business owners, when you really want to get a good advertising but don't want to pay a lot of money, you can use Dealfind. However:
1. Do not make your coupon never expire! Make at least 6 months or a year
2. If you can negotiate, for example, 1 person can only buy 2 coupons. Honestly, 10% of your customers are really looking for the next best thing. I have repeat customers from those 10% who keep coming back and introducing my business to their friends.
3. Gratuity. Add 18% to your service is a MUST! Like I said, 80% of dealfinders, are literally dealfinders. They will not spend more than what they are allowed. Maybe $5 or $10, but VERY RARE. and TIPPED poorly!!!
4. Goods and Service = During Dealfind suffering era (for how long your coupon may be), you HAVE TO give your best. So you can get that 10% customer retention. For any difficult customers, take notes, put mark on their name, so when they are coming back to Dealfind to $#*!ing and complaining, you have proof. And again, Dealfind WILL NOT care to your side of the story, but at least you have put up a good fight! Trust me! Even after a good deal, you still find customers who will try to get everything for free!
5. MARGIN MARGIN MARGIN, be generous when you provide this information to Dealfind, let say your cost is 25%, say 35% to Dealfind. So at least, you are not 100% burnt!
6. In the mean time your dealfinders come to your business, use this opportunity to market your products and services. Maybe give them a deal, or whatever you may think of. Your goal to use Dealfind is to get customers at your door.
7. Be prepared! The first 3 months, you are going to be hectic! Allow a space. Don't worry, Dealfinders have at least a year to redeem their coupon.
8. SMILE, BE NICE and PROFESSIONAL. If you are nice and professional, you will find less annoying customers, trust me.
As for me, I will not be using Dealfind ever again. I rather make my own "dealfind".
Hope this helps!
That's quite a rant!
Coupon offers are an opportunity for a company to showcase their service or product to potential future customers. Noone is under any obligation to sell their product or service in this manner. Companies know they are not going to make money this way (or they ought to) because it is a form of advertising and making consumers aware of what they sell.
To suggest that someone who " want(s) a meal pay full price" misses the point of the coupon program. I want to know if the service/product is worth buying and I can know that by how well the service is provided at the reduced price. This week I went to Westboro Spa adn Hair Studio on Churchill Avenue where I had a wonderful facial. I used a coupon that I bought online and I will return, pay full price and I highly recommend this place. No shortcuts were taken and the esthetician was well trained, skilled and professional.