Paying a deposit for hair extensions

Chazolate

Hi,
Just a quick question. I have been in contact with a local mobile hair dresser online to get some hair extensions put in. I have been asked to send a deposit for the hair and I was wondering what would be the safest way to do this? The hairdresser has suggested a bank transfer. By safe I mean how can I legally guarantee that I will receive the service after making the payment?

stormcloudgathering

You could ask for a receipt. It's pretty much standard practice to ask for a deposit for such a time consuming treatment. From my point of view as a business owner it's bloody annoying when someone books a long appointment and then cancels at the last minute. You can't do anything with that time and you've lost the money. If you ask for a deposit clients get sniffy and if you enforce a cancellation policy you never see them again!

Chazolate

I completely understand and expect to pay a deposit, because it is a lengthy treatment and the hair is purchased in advance. I usually get my extensions done in a salon where I would pay the deposit on card and receive a receipt. I do not have any reason not to trust the hairdresser I am just being extra cautious, because I will not being handing her the money personally. Therefore if I send some money to her bank account I would like to know legally where I stand if I do not receive the treatment. We have been communicating via email and have arranged a date for the extensions to be put in, so would this be enough to cover me? If not what can I do before I send the money?