PYNK Studios

steerpiker

I am so annoyed at myself. I can't believe I fell for this! I fell for the promoter-outside-a -hair-&-photographic -studio. Me, a seasoned MSE member who should know better! I just want to know if I can get my money back.
On Wednesday lunchtime I was accosted outside PYNK Studios in Victoria by a "member of staff". PYNK, by the way, is a 5 star L'Oreal hairdresser and Photographic studio. The guy had a notebook and looked like he was asking for directons. He was in fact selling "VIP" invites for £60 that would give me "unlimited" 50% discounted haircuts at the hairsalon for a year, plus a free pamper day at the photographic studio, including a free photo-shoot and a free photo.
I found him intimidating and tried to get away saying I had a hairdresser, etc. He said how could I turn down the chance of having such a cheap haircut by a reputable company, then I said I was overdrawn, so he said I could use my credit card and I said, no as I get charged for withdrawing money. He said he'd give the voucher to me for £55. In the end I had a look at the voucher and thought I could use this salon a few times - anything to get rid of him. He even "escorted me" to the cash point machine.
Anyway, when I got back to work & checked the place online, I saw that the haircuts were originally £70, so I would be paying £35 for a haircut, when I could get a similar one in the same street for £25 - and he'd over-exagerated the pamper day. I also read the reviews about PYNK and they're not very flattering.
In small print at the back (which had been covered up) it said that as this was such a special offer there would not be a refund. But can they get away with that? :mad:
I wrote an e-mail on the Friday morning - 2 days later - to their customer service saying that my personal circumstances had changed and I would not be able to use the voucher and I wanted to come into the salon and get a refund. I've not had any reply yet.
Even though I paid in cash, I think I'm well within my rights to get a refund. But am I going the right way about it? Is it also worth complaining to the Hairdressing Council?
Hope someome can help.

arcon5

You should have walked away, rather than allowing them to pressure you into making a purchase.

But you made the purchase at their place of business and therefore don't have any statutory rights to cancel unfortunately.

steerpiker

I had a feeling that was the case. I hope at least that this will warn other people about this company.
My friends said if I can't get the money back, don't go to the hairdresser but make the most of the free pamper day. I've lost over a stone in weight in the last 10 weeks and hope to lose another 2 stone by next year, so when I reach my target I could book the photo shoot - at least I'll have a nice profile photo on Facebook.

wealdroam

steerpiker wrote: »

...so when I reach my target I could book the photo shoot - at least I'll have a nice profile photo on Facebook.

Don't go to the photo shoot.

With the greatest respect, I don't think you will be able to resist the high pressure sales pitch to get you to buy many many more photos.

arcon5

The only problem with photoshoots is the copyright to the image belongs to them. This is where they make the real money, although usually you get one or two free photos, you have to pay to actually get prints or the digital files -- which can run into hundreds of pounds.

If you succumb to a salesman outside their shop, you have no chance whatsoever inside once inside

If you do go, don't take any money or bank cards. This way you are forced to go away and think about it.

steerpiker

Wealdroam & Arcon. You both scarily know me so well! I wish had friends like you in the real wordl. You are both right.
None of my friends or family wanted to come with me to the "pamper day" after I told them what happend, and I don't really want to go to on my own!
I do need to get my hair cut from time to time, so I'm thinking of going for a couple, and put this down to experience! I should be OK with that - but I'll take your advice and leave my cards at home and take the exact amount of cash in case they try and make me buy their products or something!