Pros 
Cons A Rollercoaster of Reviews: What Customers Say About 101 Quick Cut
101 Quick Cut, located in Kiosk 104, Heath Road, Werribee, boasts a 3.0 rating, but digging into customer experiences reveals a far more complex picture. While convenient for some, with facilities like wheelchair access and being ‘good for kids’ touted, a recurring theme of dissatisfaction emerges, particularly concerning customer service and operational practices. The convenience of their opening hours – spanning from 9am to 8pm on weekdays and weekends – seems to be overshadowed by issues impacting the overall experience.
Here's a breakdown of common praises and complaints:
- Positives: Several customers appreciate the affordability and the professionalism of some hairdressers. One reviewer specifically notes, "All the hairdressers are very professional and doing their job honestly. We must praise them for their work. Best in price too." Friends recommending the salon and stating it’s “good” are also highlighted. A key takeaway is knowing what haircut to ask for and having patience.
- Negatives (Core Issues):
- Cash Only & Change Issues: A significant and repeated complaint revolves around the insistence on cash-only payments. This isn't just about the method of payment, but how it's handled. Customers report difficulty getting change, specifically when offering $50 notes, forcing them to seek change elsewhere. The presence of a machine refusing to return change from rounded amounts ($20 or $50) is described as bordering on deceptive - and even being 'rorting the system'. The question of tax compliance is also raised by a concerned customer.
- Customer Service: A Major Pain Point: Rude behaviour is a frequently cited concern. Instances include a hairdresser ignoring a school-aged boy, deeming him “too young,” and whispering to colleagues to avoid his haircut, deeming it too time-consuming. One customer experienced a hairdresser dismissing their requests, complaining about a simple style (“finger length on top”) being too difficult and even implying the customer was “hard”.
- Inconsistent Standards & Hygiene: Concerns regarding the quality of haircuts, especially with new stylists, are common. Alarmingly, multiple reviewers reported hygiene issues, specifically the use of trimmers without proper cleaning between customers.
- Sudden Service Refusals & Communication Barriers: Several complaints detail abrupt refusals of service, particularly for children. A 7-year-old, previously served for years, was turned away with no explanation. Another customer reported arriving shortly before closing time (7:35 pm on a Friday) to find service refused despite other customers being served. Coupled with this is a reported language barrier, with staff using a language some customers cannot understand.
Operational Quirks and Increasing Frustration
Beyond the core service issues, 101 Quick Cut presents several operational quirks which visibly frustrate customers. The most frequently mentioned issue, as previously highlighted, is the cash-only policy and the associated change problems. This is often seen as an inconvenience in a modern society geared towards card payments.
Here’s a table summarizing the operational challenges:
| Issue | Description | Frequency of Complaint | Impact on Customer Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash-Only Policy | Only accepts cash. | Very High | Significant inconvenience |
| Change Difficulties | Reluctance or inability to provide change, particularly for larger denominations. | High | Frustration, perceived unfairness |
| Exact Change Requirement | Machine requires exact amounts, no change given. | Medium | Increased inconvenience |
| Age Restrictions (Sudden) | Unexpected refusal of service for children (previously served), with no clear signage or communicated policy. | Medium | Disappointment, wasted time |
| Communication Barriers | Language difficulties with some staff members. | Low-Medium | Misunderstandings, frustration |
Furthermore, the recent $5 price increase is considered unjustified by some customers given the perceived decline in service quality. The feeling that the salon has "lost its reputation" is a recurring sentiment.
Specific Incidents: A Deeper Dive
Reviewers often detail specific incidents vividly illustrating the problems. One customer detailed a hair cutting for a number one on the side where the hairdresser "could not do it right and whine about she is doing a graudual length her way instead". Another reports waiting an hour only to be told a 7-year-old couldn't be served, receiving no apology, and being directed to Consumer Affairs for further complaint.
The refusal of service close to closing time also generated significant anger. One reviewer stressed the point of travelling from a distance, only to be turned away with half an hour of business hours remaining, while staff continued to serve others. This incident, coupled with prior experiences of “mannerless” behaviour, underscores a perceived lack of respect for customers’ time and commitment.
What the Future Holds: A Call for Improvement
The volume of complaints regarding customer service, the cash-only policy, and hygiene practices paints a grim picture for 101 Quick Cut. While some customers continue to find value in the affordable pricing and the skills of certain hairdressers, the negative experiences significantly outweigh the positives.
Providing clear communication on age restrictions, offering alternative payment methods, addressing staff behaviour, implementing stricter hygiene protocols, and ensuring a consistent level of service are crucial steps to revitalizing the salon’s reputation. Without swift and demonstrable improvements, 101 Quick Cut appears to be rapidly losing customers and jeopardizing its long-term viability. The once-positive word-of-mouth referrals are being replaced by warnings to avoid this Werribee establishment.