MMD: I was wrongly given an OAP discount for my haircut, should I have paid full price?

MSE_Kelvin

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

I went to a new hairdresser who wrongly charged me what I now know is the discounted OAP rate for a haircut (I am 56, but evidently look older) - at the time I just thought it was quite cheap. I went again, and was again charged the cheaper OAP rate despite not being asked my age. I knew it was wrong this time as I'd looked at the price list. Should I have offered to pay full price?

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Owain_Moneysaver

Certainly not!

You've just been insulted, two cheap haircuts is the least you can expect.

Pollyflinders

Owain_Moneysaver wrote: »

Certainly not!

You've just been insulted, two cheap haircuts is the least you can expect.

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Have to agree!

REJP

Depends how honest you are. If I was in your position I would realise the only way the hairdresser can afford to be kind to pensioners is if people pay the right price for the ordinary haircut.
So tell them you are not a pensioner and feel good. Keep quiet and you are stealing.
Think about it. Or find another hairdresser.

elsien

I had similar in the cinema when I asked if they did senior tickets for parent and got given one myself. I kept quiet because I was seriously miffed, although it made parent's day.
That's what happens when you have 12 year olds serving behind the till.

onwards&upwards

Yikes! If somebody assumed I was a decade or more older without even gently asking I probably wouldn’t have even gone back!

BobblyBob

Agree with REJP. Hairdressers (and most other local businesses) are not exactly overpaid. OP, if you become a regular customer, how long could you keep up this pretence? Hairdressers are notoriously chatty (at least mine is) and you could easily spill the beans in an off-guard conversation, ending in embarrassment for you. Hairdressers offer seniors discounts in good faith, based partly I think on the assumption that seniors have a) not much money and b) not much hair. I am a senior but I am not short of either a) or b) and I feel a bit guilty about taking the full discount from my barber, so I always leave a decent tip. However if a wealthy organisation (eg Amazon) made an error in my favour, it would present me with considerably more of a moral dilemma!

Pinkrickshaw

Yes, own up to it.

Crabbit

Yes. I had similar sort of experience when about 55. Young hairdresser thought "retired" meant pensioner (or I just looked old - impossible!). However, I turned down pensioner's rate, explained & we both laughed. Still got 2 years before I qualify aged 66! Honesty pays - honestly!

Jeremy_Boden

I gave up work in my early 50's & took some tiny private pensions (about £20/month).
So I was technically both retired and a pensioner.
Don't use hairdressers so this particular conundrum doesn't apply!

Didn't get my State pension until I was 65, though.

Plymbloke

If they assume but don't ask and apply the discount incorrectly it is not morally your problem lmo. Maybe grey hair = oap In their system? It could be their policy to avoid offending when they are uncertain and you haven't asked for a discount.