Hairdressers with attitude

Reati

Let me set the scene for your -

It's a somewhat sleepy Saturday before Xmas here in Carlow. The town is busy but nothing compared to the likes of other towns. I am heading to Tesco to pick up some bits when a friend calls me and wants to hang out. We hang around the town for a bit and he mentions he wants to get a haircut. As I am going back to his place, I go with him.

So, we wander over to a particular one and there is 3 people there. 1 finishing getting a hair cut, 2 waiting / queueing. My friend knows the person who runs the hairdressers as he is a regular. Says hello etc and we sit down. I'm take out my phone and start to text my better half - From here it gets interesting

The hairdresser stops what he is doing, walks over to me and asks what am I getting done. I said I'm waiting for my friend to get a quick shave. I was then told that I'm not allowed wait inside the shop for him and I'm to "get out". I ask if he is serious and he delivers this whopper that if I sit there I]in the back unseen from the window[/I people won't come in for a haircut. My friend gets up and says he is leaving. The hairdressers doesn't even try stop him with no apology either. It actually took a few minutes to sink in what happened!

So this is number 3 in the nasty attitude count I've had over the week since coming back to visit for xmas. It really doesn't surprise me when I meet people I grew up with in Carlow say to me "Carlow is dying a death" & "No one wants to shop here anymore". I have lived and travelled all over the world. I just can't get over how bad the attitude is in Carlow when I come back to visit. It's like people go out of there way to give poor customer service.

Love to hear thoughts or other peoples experiences of Carlow brand of service.

in B4 -

If you don't like Carlow, then leave - I will be. I'm visiting friends and family but won't be staying, nor would I ever move back.

It's his shop - Sure but telling someone waiting on a paying customer to get out because they might put someone off coming in is a seriously nasty attitude to have however you look at it. I'd have had no problem with it if the place was packed to the roof, or if there was no space. But it had 2 people waiting.

Everywhere is like that - That's true but Carlow seems to have a higher per capita of this crap than most places.

Hailhail1967

Well that is absolutely madness on the hairdresser behalf obviously but I have lived in Carlow for about 3 months now and find it a fantastic place to live. Never had any problem with the people or locals, the opposite in fact.

I have also lived in a good few places in Ireland and abroad and I would rate Carlow fairy high as regards the people and the locals. Just my experience from a small amount of time living here.

doughef

- From here it gets interesting

no it didnt

rosehip

Was it a Barber? I only ask because there are loads in carlow town and between you and your friend telling everyone and the people in there hearing it, he probably won't be in business long. A very foolish thing to do.

He wouldn't last long in a women's or unisex hairdressers/salon as women who come in for a cut can bring (in no particular order) - the mammy, the granny, the aunt, the friend, the kids, the shopping and occasionally a husband/partner


And i nearly forgot WELCOME HOME REATI !

Reati

It was a Barber. I wouldn't like to see anyone have a hard time but that is a serious attitude to have with customers. It's not all bad in Carlow anyway, the staff in Penny's today were the nicest people to deal with.

Thanks Rosehip - I've must say the place has changed a bit since last time I was here!

Michael Weston

The guy was clearly an ass but, on the whole its a decent place to shop and I wouldnt agree with the generalisation about the town. Give the guys general location so we can be warned. I have a feeling you will say upper Tullow St.

Reati

Michael Weston wrote: »

The guy was clearly an ass but, on the whole its a decent place to shop and I wouldnt agree with the generalisation about the town. Give the guys general location so we can be warned. I have a feeling you will say upper Tullow St.

I value your opinion on the generalisation. I'm not on to start a Carlow bashing thread but I was honestly surprised at some of the people I met and their attitudes. I'm sure the view will change over the next few days when I float around Carlow and Kilkenny. I can compare!

Yes, you'd be correct in your guess.

Carlow2011

I took my kid to get a haircut and there was a price list on the wall that said children €8. The haircut over and the guy said that'll be a tenner thanks. Probably would have given him the tenner anyway but felt robbed.

I would however say that I shopped local this year and had some really positive shopping experiences with amazing service and yes I will name them because they deserve a mention for excellent customer service:- Douglas Jewellers, Shaws but a special mention to the guy in Swans who saved me a fortune. Carlow is alive and well.

Queen-Mise

Michael Weston wrote: »

The guy was clearly an ass but, on the whole its a decent place to shop and I wouldnt agree with the generalisation about the town. Give the guys general location so we can be warned. I have a feeling you will say upper Tullow St.

Which end is upper Tullow St?

Michael Weston

Queen-Mise wrote: »

Which end is upper Tullow St?

Up by Teach Dolmain would be upper Tullow St and Tullys would be lower Tullow St

Real Life

Michael Weston wrote: »

Up by Teach Dolmain would be upper Tullow St and Tullys would be lower Tullow St

i would have thought it was the other way around, dont know why though

Thwip!

Real Life wrote: »

i would have thought it was the other way around, dont know why though

I would've too, if for nothing other than simply the height difference...as stupid as that probably sounds

MyBrokenKnees

Real Life wrote: »

i would have thought it was the other way around, dont know why though

So would I. When someone say top of the town to me I think of that Dublin street being the top of the town Shamrock square being the bottom of the town. So I would put upper and lower Tullow street the same way.

Michael Weston

MyBrokenKnees wrote: »

So would I. When someone say top of the town to me I think of that Dublin street being the top of the town Shamrock square being the bottom of the town. So I would put upper and lower Tullow street the same way.

Lived in town all my life and New Oak estate has always been top of the town to me, We should have a quick vote or meet in potato market and fight it out :););).

Michael Weston

Thwip! wrote: »

I would've too, if for nothing other than simply the height difference...as stupid as that probably sounds

But Shamrock Square is more elevated than Dublin St or down by Tullys

MyBrokenKnees

So forget upper or lower.

Is it close to the L&N or The Buzz's

Michael Weston

MyBrokenKnees wrote: »

So forget upper or lower.

Is it close to the L&N or The Buzz's

Ha ha yeah just say who this dude was

nocoverart

Is that Mick O Toole dude still alive? he nearly cut me ear off when I was a kid.

Michael Weston

nocoverart wrote: »

Is that Mick O Toole dude still alive? he nearly cut me ear off when I was a kid.

He is and nearly broke my neck when I was a kid, put ya sittin on the plank across the stool then shove your head down as hard as he could, Jesus that sound awful actually. But yeah he is still open for business

Thwip!

Michael Weston wrote: »

But Shamrock Square is more elevated than Dublin St or down by Tullys

Dublin Street i'll give you (even though i was referring to tullow street only )

but is it really more elevated than Tullys?

Michael Weston

Thwip! wrote: »

Dublin Street i'll give you (even though i was referring to tullow street only )

but is it really more elevated than Tullys?

I think so anyway maybe I am wrong

Super-Rush

Tully's is way more elevated than Shamrock square.

Michael Weston

Sir Alex Ferguson wrote: »

Tully's is way more elevated than Shamrock square.

Tullys is on a massive incline

maccored

tully is on a hill as the slope continues on down past the tavern. shamrock square would be more elevated.

Michael Weston

maccored wrote: »

tully is on a hill as the slope continues on down past the tavern. shamrock square would be more elevated.

Thats what I would have thought too

Nervous Nigel

The attitude was appalling, but you can see a bit of a point.

A lot of people will avoid a place with too big a queue.

Therefore, if there are people in the queue who aren't getting their hair cut, that can be damaging to the business. More damaging to abuse punters though!

jay gatsby

I'm a regular in the place you're talking about. In the guy's defence there is a sign inside the door stating his policy on people waiting. I can see where you're coming from of course but I would be one of those who would keep walking if I saw a queue particularly in this establishment as he takes his time with each customer.

I'd still recommend him anyway.

Reati

jay gatsby wrote: »

I'm a regular in the place you're talking about. In the guy's defence there is a sign inside the door stating his policy on people waiting. I can see where you're coming from of course but I would be one of those who would keep walking if I saw a queue particularly in this establishment as he takes his time with each customer.

I'd still recommend him anyway.

I will say I didn't see the sign you mention and while I think it's a stupid policy to have, it's his business so he's entitled to run it as he pleases. I'm sure he knows more about running a hairdresser business than me (though I'd still question that!)

I am willing to say in my opinion, the the number of customers he could have lost is fewer (likely 0) than myself, my friend and his friends who will be going elsewhere now.

celticsfan

Reati wrote: »

I will say I didn't see the sign you mention and while I think it's a stupid policy to have, it's his business so he's entitled to run it as he pleases. I'm sure he knows more about running a hairdresser business than me (though I'd still question that!)

I am willing to say in my opinion, the the number of customers he could have lost is fewer (likely 0) than myself, my friend and his friends who will be going elsewhere now.

It wouldnt happen to be the barber either side of the nightclub and permanent tsb would it?

tomlad123

I know what shop you are talking about, I had the same experience. He lost a customer that day

teddymc

Reati wrote: »

Let me set the scene for your -

It's a somewhat sleepy Saturday before Xmas here in Carlow. The town is busy but nothing compared to the likes of other towns. I am heading to Tesco to pick up some bits when a friend calls me and wants to hang out. We hang around the town for a bit and he mentions he wants to get a haircut. As I am going back to his place, I go with him.

So, we wander over to a particular one and there is 3 people there. 1 finishing getting a hair cut, 2 waiting / queueing. My friend knows the person who runs the hairdressers as he is a regular. Says hello etc and we sit down. I'm take out my phone and start to text my better half - From here it gets interesting

The hairdresser stops what he is doing, walks over to me and asks what am I getting done. I said I'm waiting for my friend to get a quick shave. I was then told that I'm not allowed wait inside the shop for him and I'm to "get out". I ask if he is serious and he delivers this whopper that if I sit there I]in the back unseen from the window[/I people won't come in for a haircut. My friend gets up and says he is leaving. The hairdressers doesn't even try stop him with no apology either. It actually took a few minutes to sink in what happened!

So this is number 3 in the nasty attitude count I've had over the week since coming back to visit for xmas. It really doesn't surprise me when I meet people I grew up with in Carlow say to me "Carlow is dying a death" & "No one wants to shop here anymore". I have lived and travelled all over the world. I just can't get over how bad the attitude is in Carlow when I come back to visit. It's like people go out of there way to give poor customer service.

Love to hear thoughts or other peoples experiences of Carlow brand of service.

in B4 -

If you don't like Carlow, then leave - I will be. I'm visiting friends and family but won't be staying, nor would I ever move back.

It's his shop - Sure but telling someone waiting on a paying customer to get out because they might put someone off coming in is a seriously nasty attitude to have however you look at it. I'd have had no problem with it if the place was packed to the roof, or if there was no space. But it had 2 people waiting.

Everywhere is like that - That's true but Carlow seems to have a higher per capita of this crap than most places.

I was down tullow street yesterday. There are five barbers three on lower close to each other and two upper close to each other. You are doing four of them no favours by not naming the one you are talking about!

rox5

Reati wrote: »

So this is number 3 in the nasty attitude count I've had over the week since coming back to visit for xmas. It really doesn't surprise me when I meet people I grew up with in Carlow say to me "Carlow is dying a death" & "No one wants to shop here anymore".

Not surprised tbh. I dont have problems with hairdressers, just people working in shops in general, because for my lunchtimes I am avoiding Supervalu because there is someone who works at the counter with an attitude on here, and I made up my mind not to go there anymore when she made me feel stupid for not knowing what cashback was. First time i have ever heard of that phrase and what it meant when involving visa cards, and she got all annoyed with me, I remember thinking "Jesus, take it easy".

Mister Man

I've a story about a local barber for you all. I actually assume it's the same barber OP is referring too. Although I can't be sure, as everyone in the shop that day were customers, and I didn't notice a sign. Could be wrong however.

*EDIT* - Sorry for the essay! Got a little carried away :O

I went into the barber shop across the road from the Library (Beside Cafe Roma) for a cut before work around Christmas. My hair is fairly long, and I was looking to get it tided up, and shortened quite a bit.
Sat down, two people waiting before me, and one in the chair just finished. I wasn't in a major rush, and knew the two ahead of me wouldn't take too long.
About 15-20 mins in, another guy had come in, and I was meant to be up next. To my shock, as I got up to sit into the chair, he said "I'm taking this lad first" - This guy wasn't a regular, I assume, as he didn't even say a word to him. I asked him why, and I was given the answer "Your hair is longer"
Thought that was a bit stupid, but I let it go, as I wanted to get the hair chopped and get to work on time. So a few mins later, finally, I'm up.
I explain to him what I wanted. I've given the same description to barbers in Carlow and even hairdressers in the salon across the road and I've gotten what I asked for everytime.
However, he then said in quite a ignorant toon, "How much do you want off, I can't read your mind"
So I litterer took my hand, and showed him how much to take off on each section of my head.
So I assumed, there's no way he can f**k this up now. I was wrong.
He began by washing my hair, which was grand, I guess, although it was extremely uncomfortable. The way he was doing it was just odd. He didn't turn the chair around, but rather, bent your entire body, so your head just about gets over the sink. He then managed to get a load of the water all over my shirt, that I now had to go to work in.
He went on, and started cutting away. About mid way through what he classed as a haircut, he took a call. I wouldn't be annoyed by this, if he stopped cutting my hair, and just took the call. Nope, not at all, went on cutting with one hand on the mobile phone, and another on the scissors. Ridiculous.
In total the haircut took about 10 mins. When he said, "How, that's €13 please." I was actually shocked. He more a less cut the sides of my hair, and just decided that'll do. Not only that, but he decided to wash my hair again, just before he stopped, and didn't dry it. He took the hair dryer out for a few seconds, but again, seemed like he decided that'll do.
I didn't have time to argue, or tell him to actually cut my hair, so I just paid and left.
I walked out of the shop, with more a less the same amount of hair I walked in with, just a little less on the side, looking like a idiot, and not only that, he had left my hair close to dripping wet.
I was in no way ignorant to this guy. I have no idea why he just decided to we a complete wanker, but he really wasn't happy with me. I can understand that I have long hair, and that takes a bit longer, but no reason to charge me full, cut a bit of my hair and then send me packing with soaking hair. (No joke, one of the girls asked me was it raining outside when I walked in because my hair was so wet)
I will never set another foot into that barber. Honestly the worst service I've ever gotten!

Be well and win

Mister Man wrote: »

I've a story about a local barber for you all. I actually assume it's the same barber OP is referring too. Although I can't be sure, as everyone in the shop that day were customers, and I didn't notice a sign. Could be wrong however.

*EDIT* - Sorry for the essay! Got a little carried away :O

I went into the barber shop across the road from the Library (Beside Cafe Roma) for a cut before work around Christmas. My hair is fairly long, and I was looking to get it tided up, and shortened quite a bit.
Sat down, two people waiting before me, and one in the chair just finished. I wasn't in a major rush, and knew the two ahead of me wouldn't take too long.
About 15-20 mins in, another guy had come in, and I was meant to be up next. To my shock, as I got up to sit into the chair, he said "I'm taking this lad first" - This guy wasn't a regular, I assume, as he didn't even say a word to him. I asked him why, and I was given the answer "Your hair is longer"
Thought that was a bit stupid, but I let it go, as I wanted to get the hair chopped and get to work on time. So a few mins later, finally, I'm up.
I explain to him what I wanted. I've given the same description to barbers in Carlow and even hairdressers in the salon across the road and I've gotten what I asked for everytime.
However, he then said in quite a ignorant toon, "How much do you want off, I can't read your mind"
So I litterer took my hand, and showed him how much to take off on each section of my head.
So I assumed, there's no way he can f**k this up now. I was wrong.
He began by washing my hair, which was grand, I guess, although it was extremely uncomfortable. The way he was doing it was just odd. He didn't turn the chair around, but rather, bent your entire body, so your head just about gets over the sink. He then managed to get a load of the water all over my shirt, that I now had to go to work in.
He went on, and started cutting away. About mid way through what he classed as a haircut, he took a call. I wouldn't be annoyed by this, if he stopped cutting my hair, and just took the call. Nope, not at all, went on cutting with one hand on the mobile phone, and another on the scissors. Ridiculous.
In total the haircut took about 10 mins. When he said, "How, that's €13 please." I was actually shocked. He more a less cut the sides of my hair, and just decided that'll do. Not only that, but he decided to wash my hair again, just before he stopped, and didn't dry it. He took the hair dryer out for a few seconds, but again, seemed like he decided that'll do.
I didn't have time to argue, or tell him to actually cut my hair, so I just paid and left.
I walked out of the shop, with more a less the same amount of hair I walked in with, just a little less on the side, looking like a idiot, and not only that, he had left my hair close to dripping wet.
I was in no way ignorant to this guy. I have no idea why he just decided to we a complete wanker, but he really wasn't happy with me. I can understand that I have long hair, and that takes a bit longer, but no reason to charge me full, cut a bit of my hair and then send me packing with soaking hair. (No joke, one of the girls asked me was it raining outside when I walked in because my hair was so wet)
I will never set another foot into that barber. Honestly the worst service I've ever gotten!

Tried that guy once and never went back, too dear, too slow. There's a reason why there is rarely any one in there. I can get the same cut in the one opposite Reddys for a fiver and Tara and the girls there are much nicer and friendlier. (Nicer on the eye too);)

iano.p

Mister Man wrote: »

I've a story about a local barber for you all. I actually assume it's the same barber OP is referring too. Although I can't be sure, as everyone in the shop that day were customers, and I didn't notice a sign. Could be wrong however.

*EDIT* - Sorry for the essay! Got a little carried away :O

I went into the barber shop across the road from the Library (Beside Cafe Roma) for a cut before work around Christmas. My hair is fairly long, and I was looking to get it tided up, and shortened quite a bit.
Sat down, two people waiting before me, and one in the chair just finished. I wasn't in a major rush, and knew the two ahead of me wouldn't take too long.
About 15-20 mins in, another guy had come in, and I was meant to be up next. To my shock, as I got up to sit into the chair, he said "I'm taking this lad first" - This guy wasn't a regular, I assume, as he didn't even say a word to him. I asked him why, and I was given the answer "Your hair is longer"
Thought that was a bit stupid, but I let it go, as I wanted to get the hair chopped and get to work on time. So a few mins later, finally, I'm up.
I explain to him what I wanted. I've given the same description to barbers in Carlow and even hairdressers in the salon across the road and I've gotten what I asked for everytime.
However, he then said in quite a ignorant toon, "How much do you want off, I can't read your mind"
So I litterer took my hand, and showed him how much to take off on each section of my head.
So I assumed, there's no way he can f**k this up now. I was wrong.
He began by washing my hair, which was grand, I guess, although it was extremely uncomfortable. The way he was doing it was just odd. He didn't turn the chair around, but rather, bent your entire body, so your head just about gets over the sink. He then managed to get a load of the water all over my shirt, that I now had to go to work in.
He went on, and started cutting away. About mid way through what he classed as a haircut, he took a call. I wouldn't be annoyed by this, if he stopped cutting my hair, and just took the call. Nope, not at all, went on cutting with one hand on the mobile phone, and another on the scissors. Ridiculous.
In total the haircut took about 10 mins. When he said, "How, that's €13 please." I was actually shocked. He more a less cut the sides of my hair, and just decided that'll do. Not only that, but he decided to wash my hair again, just before he stopped, and didn't dry it. He took the hair dryer out for a few seconds, but again, seemed like he decided that'll do.
I didn't have time to argue, or tell him to actually cut my hair, so I just paid and left.
I walked out of the shop, with more a less the same amount of hair I walked in with, just a little less on the side, looking like a idiot, and not only that, he had left my hair close to dripping wet.
I was in no way ignorant to this guy. I have no idea why he just decided to we a complete wanker, but he really wasn't happy with me. I can understand that I have long hair, and that takes a bit longer, but no reason to charge me full, cut a bit of my hair and then send me packing with soaking hair. (No joke, one of the girls asked me was it raining outside when I walked in because my hair was so wet)
I will never set another foot into that barber. Honestly the worst service I've ever gotten!

I have gone to this lad since he opened and always found him good ontill last week his price is gone up by 3euro and the cut was the worst i ever got plus he was so rude to my child who needed to use the loo i wont be back in there again.

Thundercats Ho

(guy on tullow st upper)
I was buying a voucher for someone for christmas. Standard haircut & wet shave.
So i asked the GF to pick it up when she was up town.
She got it ok, but he charged €30. Thats right €30.

How much is a haircut? The most i've seen it is €12, and say another €12/€13 for the shave.
i got the same voucher last year, and it was €25.
I went to that guy twice before, when he opened, and didn't have a problem with the haircut (the attitude was a different story), but the tales i'm hearing on here ensure i will never be back in his door.