Ladies (I presume you gentlemen will not have an opinion), I could use your advice.
I’ve been seeing the same esthetician for several years — A tints and shapes my brows and tints my eyelashes — and she usually does a terrific job so I’ve stayed loyal, even after she left the salon where I get my hair done to go out on her own. It’s less convenient but I like her.
Today I was scheduled for an appointment that had been rescheduled when A got sick a few weeks ago. I’d received an email reminder as well as an auto-generated text confirmation, so I had every reason to expect business as usual.
I show up at A’s studio, which she shares with a Pilates instructor in a funky older house. Something is off. There’s still a painted sign on the curbside stucco ledge advertising Pilates, so I haven’t gone to the wrong address. But I do seem to have wandered into the Twilight Zone. The doorbell is taped over and dangles from a dingy cord. And not only is A not there, there’s no sign of life inside.
Peering through the frosted glass door I see that the studio on the left has been dismantled. In place of benches, free weights and exercise bands there are several washers and dryers — is it turning into a laundromat? A’s room is in the back of the house so I can’t tell if it’s operational. Surely she would have said something…. like maybe yesterday?
I text, and then call, thinking maybe A is working out of her apartment, as she’s sometimes done in the past. But I don’t have that address and she never responds. After waiting a half hour I leave one more message, give up, and head back home with unkempt brows, faded lashes, and no time to get them fixed before we go out of town this weekend.
As of tonight, I still haven’t heard from her so I’m concerned. Has something happened to her? To her beloved dog? Someone in her family? This is most unusual, even though hers is not a completely untroubled life.
But here’s my more selfish question: This is now the second time in recent weeks that our appointment has fallen through. To be honest, it’s becoming a pain in the ass. Should I give her one more try? Or maybe start getting these services done at a salon where there will be back up if someone runs into a personal issue?
What would you do??
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olderfatterhappierdotcom 
I hope nothing serious happened to her, but as this is the second time she’s missed your appointment, it’s time to look for another option.
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Thanks; I’m afraid you’re right.
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In this case, I’d call an out after only two strikes. No ill will toward A; she probably does have an illness or family issue of some sort, and I hope you hear back from her. But you need a simple service nevertheless, and I would hope A wouldn’t object to your arranging to get it elsewhere. Because you would be better off doing that.
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It’s all very peculiar. Not even the fact that she didn’t turn up — things happen — but that the business seems to have relocated, and not suddenly that morning! Surely the professional thing to do would be to let clients know. Yep, time to move on.
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Oooh, SORRY, something has definitely happened. Looks like she closed up shop fast. Money issues, landlord issues, an abusive husband or boyfriend? Who knows. I’d switch to a salon where you can get everything done reliably. If you hear from her you can maybe reconnect but I’m thinking you won’t hear from her.
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Most likely a money or landlord problem. She was subletting from the woman who had the Pilates studio so maybe that was the issue… still; she must have known if they were closing! She’ll probably regroup eventually but I don’t need that kind of drama!! Thanks for commenting, Laura! xxxx
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Time to move on to quote Stephen King ““Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me three times, shame on both of us.” not to mention she didn’t return your calls or text and left you no time to look for service before vacation that is so unprofessional. I hope you find somebody reliable. In the mean time enjoy your vacation.
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Thanks for weighing in! I agree that it’s really unprofessional — surely she knew if her business partner was moving out or if she herself had to close her business. Too bad, because I’ve always enjoyed chatting with her (it’s been 9 years!) as well as feeling confident she’d do a good job. Sigh.
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As this is the second time it’s happened I’d say, regretfully, that it’s time to move on.
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I will agree to look for a more reliable option elsewhere. As you mentioned that she may be going through some personal situations which may have caused her to relocate abruptly and quickly. Money, landlord, abuse, safety etc…? who knows, and it isn’t your business. If she resurfaces later down the line in a more stable situation then reconsider, but yes, move on.
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Thanks for taking the time to write! It seems to be unanimous— and since I still haven’t heard from her it’s now an easier decision. Ah well.
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Agree with the other commenters! I hope she is alright, though!
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I do, too! This is very out of character and I’ve never heard of anyone being ghosted by a service provider who depends on maintaining a client base!
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