Pretty Nails in Urbana, Illinois

I called Pretty Nails today to see how much they charge for a pedicure. I was quoted “$28”, which I thought seemed like a fair price, and so I headed over. This is my first professional pedicure as I’m admittedly a tightwad when it comes to spending money on myself. However, I’m no longer physically able to do this myself and my feet were in serious need of attention after the winter. I was very happy with the service I received, my feet feel much better, and my toenails look nice. Had it not been for the very last part of my experience before leaving I would have gladly given them “5 Stars”. What changed my mind on that was the bait and switch they pulled with the price. It was the owner (or at least a manager... but with this sort of shop I’m putting money on it that she is the owner) who answered when I had called and who greeted me when I arrived. She even said “Were you the one who just called me?” when I told her the service that I had come in for. So, she knew very well the price that she quoted me when we spoke on the phone. She was also the same one who instructed the lady who took my payment on how much to charge me. I heard the conversation take place right in front of me and “Fourty Five” was spoken, in English, by both women. Maybe they had a legitimate reason for changing the price but, if they did, they did not communicate this with me and I certainly did not agree to a higher price prior to them providing service to me. If $45 is the price of the service you offer that is fine. I’m not even going to say that it was too much for the service provided. However, do not quote me one price and then charge me another if you care to have any repeat business from me or a decent online review. I thought about not tipping but that would have only hurt the poor woman who did most of the work (and I’ll assume in good faith that this is who will get the tip that I left).