Originally Posted by
11Bravo
OK, everyone who is saying booking at an "off" time is destabilizing is concerned about the effect on THEMSELVES. While it might be easier for the OTHER customers, the girl/shop doesn't care. BOTH want to be utilized as much as possible during the working day. No workee, no moneyee. EVERY time I've been early, called to ask about her availability, the ONLY time I'm told to wait is if she's busy. Otherwise, it's "she's waiting for you", the "you" being my wallet. I have NEVER been told that she's available but since the time is not on the hour/half-hour, wait for the clock to chime.
I FULLY understand that 15 minutes is no big deal. So, if you (and that's the 2nd person plural form) are told she's running "a little bit late", time your arrival appropriately, or else have a cup of coffee, sit on a park bench enjoying the sun and wind (like I do), and wait 15 minutes for her to be available. Yes, you might run "over the standard", but it will even out eventually... Geesh.
Let me clear up some misunderstandings.
Many would say yes, others no.
I would not call 3 times over 6 weeks "longstanding". Granted, I am distinctive, but the mamasan and I have had approximately 2 minutes of TOTAL conversation over that time. Bookings are via WeChat - simple "I would like", "OK", "I confirm".
Not familiar with "slow"/"peak" traffic hours, but methinks 11:15AM on a Thursday morning is not exactly rush hour.
Hopefully she does have a lot of clients, but I don't get that impression, and I'm a pretty good judge of opera chorus line/soloists. If I did get sideswiped by a whale, I won't complain. I am honest, everyone knows I have an expiration date.
And that is THE mistake. Told up front, NAP.
As it should be. The girl handled it well, I don't have a problem with her. The shop... Different story. The other time I was shorted (different shop/girl), I did also send a message to that mamasan. She acknowledge her error (having a provider do double duty as receptionist when the mamasan was absent). That I appreciate. This mamasan, no reply. Fine, but she's off my Christmas card list.
Why? Myself, most ladies I know, most mamasans, have NO trouble telling time and can add current time + 60 to calculate the next start time. If it's a 45 minute booking, perfect fit. A 30 minute booking, she's got 15 minutes of slack. If a 60, "hold your horses there, Tonto..."
I don't know, if I punched out at 5:00 and the shop was a block away... why waste MY time AND the girl's time (if she was available). As I've said, why waste YOUR time sitting on a bench and HER time sitting in the break room waiting for your arrival WHEN it's not necessary. I don't have any stats, but I'd bet most girls would say "start now" as I am under NO impression that she is enjoying the anticipation of my arrival alone (i.e. I'd better have my wallet with me). I might remind her of Christmas, but she doesn't want to delay opening that package any longer than necessary...
Nah, not worth the bother, though, truth be told, I DID have to say that just the other week. Another punter was just disappearing up the stairs when the mamasan yelled after him (to the provider), "45 minutes". I followed less than a minute later (BASIC traffic law, leave sufficient breaking space in front of you), got into the room, good massage, and when I thought the "flip" came early, I mentioned to the "first time with me" girl that I had booked "an hour". Bless her heart, she "of little English" got out her phone, translated from Mandarin "60 minutes", and got my nod. She just smiled this knowing smile. She definitely knew time management.
And when there's a match... "Come on down" and play "The Price is Right". The OLD cliche, "A bird in the hand..." (though in my case, it's a bald headed eagle...) And "in the hand" is most definitely a euphemism...
As I said at the top, to many I'm a nice guy, to others, not. If you've made it this far, here's your (again, 2nd person plural) Easter egg: I don't care about the convenience of other punters. You (2nd person plural) are adults, you can take care of yourself. I'm interested in doing my benevolent duty of helping to support an industrious lady to our mutual benefit.
And all of this is tongue in cheek, right? Though honestly, none of you are on my Christmas card list...