Makeup Artist Gets Lambasted For Trying To Charge Client $350 Extra After Finding Out She Was Bride
"A $350 difference for a couple of sprays to set the makeup??? That spray better be made of God's tears."
A makeup artist with nine years of experience felt blindsided by a recent appointment made by a client. OP accepted the booking without knowing the client was a bride.
OP charged her clients $150 for regular party makeup, while her rate for bridal makeup was $250. This client booked an appointment for regular party makeup, so OP provided her with the $150 quote.
OP arrived at the 10 a.m. appointment and noticed people other than the bride observing the process. One of the individuals, whom OP assumed were her client's relatives, discussed the wedding that was to take place.
OP had a lightbulb moment and realized her client was the bride. In OP's mind, this was supposed to be a bridal booking that she hadn't charged properly for.
OP was upset about being misled regarding the occasion but continued her work without a word. The bride paid OP the $150 fee they had agreed upon when they were finished.
She informed the bride that the payment was $350 short. The client asked what OP meant by the sudden upcharge.
OP explained that she did bridal makeup because the client was a bride. The client bristled and stated they had agreed on simple party makeup, accusing OP of ripping her off for the same amount of labor and time.
The bride said OP used the same products she would use for a bride, and the nature of the event shouldn't change the pricing.
Affectionate_Lie0OP told the bride she couldn't dictate her rates. The bride refused to pay, called OP a scammer, and asked her to leave.
Affectionate_Lie0Examining Professional Ethics in Service Industries
Dr. Amanda Roberts, a business ethics scholar at Yale University, highlights the importance of ethical standards in service industries, particularly in the beauty sector. Charging extra fees without clear communication undermines trust and can damage a professional's reputation.
Understanding the ethical implications of pricing transparency can guide professionals in making fair business decisions that respect client expectations and foster positive relationships.
The client's mom threw $200 in OP's face and told her to get lost. Her friends sided with OP's client, stating she shouldn't have charged her more because the client specifically asked for regular party makeup.
Affectionate_Lie0
A sympathetic commenter suggested OP should have removed the client's makeup when she refused to pay.
NoEntertainment2543
Research in the Journal of Business Ethics indicates that transparency in pricing is crucial for client satisfaction and loyalty. The study reveals that clients are more likely to return when they feel respected and informed about the services they are receiving.
In the beauty industry, where emotional investment is high, maintaining integrity in pricing can significantly impact business success.
Another commenter stated the client was wrong to lie about the nature of the event, but OP should have renegotiated the price when she discovered the client was a bride.
bookynerdworm
OP said she notified her makeup artist friends to be wary of her client.
Affectionate_Lie0
The Client-Professional Relationship
Building strong client relationships is essential in service industries. According to Dr. Helen Fisher, a psychologist specializing in relationship dynamics, trust plays a crucial role in client satisfaction and retention.
When professionals communicate openly about potential costs and changes, it fosters a sense of partnership, enhancing the overall client experience.
However, the bride did book OP for the regular party makeup package. Her being a bride shouldn't have changed anything.
bubbly_fairy30
She didn't book an appointment for the bridal makeup package because it wasn't the style she was going for.
Affectionate_Lie0, ApprehensiveIssue340
Moreover, understanding client expectations can help professionals avoid misunderstandings. A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that clear communication about services leads to higher client satisfaction rates.
Implementing strategies such as pre-service consultations can help clarify expectations and establish trust from the outset.
OP doesn't even use different makeup products for her various services to justify the increase in her rates.
Affectionate_Lie0
She tried to equate it with how pricey wedding cakes are. If OP were a cake designer and a client asked for a regular cake, but OP found out on the day that it was for a wedding, would she charge the client more on the spot?
Affectionate_Lie0, Boredpanda31
OP was voted the a**hole by Redditors. She refused to accept that she was wrong and claimed her rates were justified because of the "principle and responsibility" attached to bridal makeup but failed to elaborate on what she meant.
The client didn't misrepresent anything. She asked for the regular party makeup package, which was the style she received, except for the special setting spray OP used — the fact that she happened to be a bride shouldn't have made OP see dollar signs.
The big question is, what did OP change in her process to justify the $350 upcharge for bridal makeup?
AdventurousGas1435
OP stated she uses a different setting spray for bridal makeup.
Affectionate_Lie0, TheAshenDemon4
Redditors found OP's setting spray explanation laughable.
mrsorzhova728
OP was wrong about what she tried to pull. She should have listened to her friends.
dayjuhwayjuh
Why did OP use a product the client didn't ask for and try to charge them for that? Even then, $350 extra is a bit much.
Tight-Relationship65
Practical Recommendations for Professionals
To enhance client relationships and maintain ethical standards, beauty professionals can adopt transparent pricing practices. This includes providing detailed service breakdowns and ensuring that clients are aware of any potential additional costs upfront.
Conducting regular client feedback surveys can also help professionals gauge satisfaction levels and identify areas for improvement, ultimately leading to better service delivery.
Psychological Analysis
This incident underscores the tension between business practices and client expectations in the beauty industry. Professionals must navigate these dynamics carefully to maintain trust and satisfaction. Transparent communication about pricing and services can significantly enhance the client experience and foster long-term relationships.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
In summary, ethical considerations in service industries are paramount for fostering trust and client satisfaction. Research emphasizes the significance of transparency in pricing and communication, which can lead to stronger client relationships. By prioritizing ethical practices, professionals can enhance their business integrity and foster loyalty among clients.
