The Nail Spa

I did not have an appointment and walked in to enquire about a gel powder shellac manicure.
I spoke with the owner “Angie” and she quoted a price of GBP 51 and confirmed that they accepted card payment. As there wasn’t anyone else waiting, I was seen to immediately.
The nail spa quickly got busy with walk-in customers and the staff were turning away customers who were just wanting “a basic polish” as the cost is only GBP 15. However, any clients wanting a full set of gel or acrylic were asked to take a seat and wait. This meant that anyone that had an appointment booked was attended to late, with no apology. Conduct overall was highly unethical and unprofessional.
The staff were not aware that I spoke fluent Vietnamese and understood exactly what they were saying.

On paying for the manicure, the manager told me “My card machine is not working, can you please withdraw the cash? Also, the cost is GBP 60 and not GBP 51”.
I was absolutely dumb struck and shocked, I had explicitly asked whether they accepted card payment on entering and she confirmed that they did. Had the card machine genuinely not been working, she would have known this when I asked.
Thankfully I had some cash but not enough to pay the full amount. The manager then proceeded to ask me to make a bank transfer into her bank account and presented me with handwritten bank account details.
This “scam” is clearly something they do often, hence she had her bank account details to hand immediately.

The salon was full and despite being appalled by the service, I just wanted to leave and not make a scene. However, I was absolutely infuriated and outraged by the shocking dishonesty!
The owner had the audacity to quote a lower price and also lie that she accepted card payment.
I would NOT recommend this nail salon to anyone and found the general attitude from staff highly unprofessional.
The cost of GBP 60 for a mediocre gel powder shellac manicure is expensive for a salon that is not credible. The average cost in London is usually GBP 40 to GBP 50 for a full set for the same standard.
This is the first and last time that I will visit a salon that I have not used before.
Being half Vietnamese, I am utterly embarrassed that Vietnamese people are operating businesses in such a dishonest manner.