Let's All Dance Studio

Review: I asked the owner of this studio, [redacted], to teach 3 group classes for a church organization. He agreed to teach the classes without asking or discussing compensation until after the first class. During the first class, he mentioned to the group that he was opening a studio locally and his normal rate was $55 for a class. Before the second class and after the church had advertised his involvement, he asked for payment details. We had an uncomfortable conversation via text message and at the end of that conversation, it was agreed that I would pay him for 2 sessions at a rate of $55 for each date and that he would "donate" his time for the class that had already been taught. I paid him in full for both remaining sessions, via personal check, at the beginning of the second session (of three). After the session at which I paid [redacted] the church decided that they were no longer comfortable with his style of teaching and I alerted [redacted] that the church group had decided that they did not want to have him teach the third and final class. I requested a refund for the amount agreed to for that class ($55) at that time. It was one week before the final session was to be taught. [redacted] stated that he would have his wife (who I assume is also his business partner) take care of sending me the refund. Two and a half weeks later, I contacted [redacted] again since I had not yet received my refund. Two days later his wife, [redacted], sent me an email stating that I owed them money! This is wrong and shady business. [redacted] agreed to certain terms and is now trying to say he did not agree to those terms. I am due a refund for the remaining class, as agreed. [redacted] was introduced to this group through me and would not have had a chance to promote his business to the class members had I not brought him in. He agreed to the lower cost and rates knowing that the benefit of him being able to market to the group for his studio was great, especially since he is trying to open a location closer to Modesto.

Product_Or_Service: Dance Lessons

Desired Settlement: DesiredSettlementID: Refund

I am due a refund for the remaining class, as originally agreed. The total owed to me is $55. I would like this money as soon as possible as I've already waited 3 weeks.

Business

Response:

Initial Business Response

Contact Name and Title: [redacted] Owner

Contact Phone: (XXX)XXX-XXXX

Contact Email: [redacted]@gmail.com

When the client first contacted our company regarding 3 private group salsa lessons, she asked if we would be willing to "cut a deal". [redacted] agreed to give her a discount off the normal group rate for private lessons. After teaching the first lesson, no payment was made. When [redacted] inquired as to why there was not a payment made, the client became upset. [redacted] explained that she did not originally ask if the lessons would be done as charity, but asked for a break in cost. The client then became agitated and stated that because it was a church function she would have to pay the fee from her own pocket. After further discussion she agreed to pay the discounted fee, in which was made by check at the following lesson. However, she seemed very upset when handing him the check. The client canceled the last group lesson a few days before it was scheduled. She said that the group of students wanted to continue practicing what they had already learned. Contrary to what was stated by the client that made the report, the group was very happy stating that they looked forward to the last lesson. One of the head members of the church in charge of the event took his time to write an extensive e-mail to our company. He expressed how much everyone enjoyed the lesson and [redacted] style of teaching. It is for this reason that we believe the client canceled the last class on her own terms, possibly because she did not want to pay the fee. We have a no refund policy however we will allow rescheduling lessons with advance notice. The client also showed her vindictive character by slandering our company on her face book as well as that of another dance company. Our company stands behind our word and business dealings 100%

Final Consumer Response

(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)

I do not accept this response because it is full of untruths.

The company and I had never agreed to any terms before the first session was taught. I had asked them to "cut a deal" with me for the sessions, but they did not follow through and therefore I believed that they knew it was for a non-profit group and would take the marketing opportunity as their payment. It was not until almost two weeks after the first session that any talk of monetary payment was brought up. That conversation via text was uncomfortable, but I was not upset. I simply answered questions about the group (how they did not pay a fee to take the lessons, how I would be the one making payment from my own money, how the group had already advertised Hector's involvement, etc.) and try to get a resolution as to how much [redacted] Company wanted for the sessions. During that conversation I did not make any offer or suggestion as to how much compensation should be paid, [redacted] was the one that offered the fee that we agreed too ($55 per session) and that the first session (already taught) would be "donated" due to the miscommunication about payment. I was satisfied with the "deal" that was struck as it seemed fair to both parties considering the delay in making the arrangements.

In regards to the delivery of payment, I was not upset when I handed him the payment. I did not stay for the session, which he may have misinterpreted as being upset but being an experienced dancer, I had no need for his beginner class teaching and had made other plans for that evening with my family. I made sure that the Church Leader was aware of this and that the group was all set and in good hands with [redacted] I made a special trip to the dance session simply to deliver the payment so that [redacted] would not have to wait for his money via the mail. The check clearly indicated that the money was for both remaining sessions. I can provide a copy of the check to the Revdex.com, if necessary.

After the session, I was contacted by the Church Leader asking me for information about if there had been an issue because [redacted] had been "a bit weird" and "stern and pointed" in his teaching style during this second session, as if he were agitated. This was a change that both the Church Leader and his wife noticed as a change after the first session. The Church Leader also mentioned to me that [redacted] seemed cold and unappreciative to the invitation that had been extended to him and his family to be involved with the church's ice cream social prior to the second session. I simply told the church leader that I was sorry for the change in behavior and that I did not understand why [redacted] would have acted that way. It was my personal thought that considering he had his payment, and an advance, in his hand before the session started, [redacted] should have taught the class happily and with the same politeness as the first session. My best guess is that the letter indicated by the company was the invite to the ice cream social. The Church Leader would need to be contacted to clarify these details.

The Church Leader was the one to bring up canceling with [redacted] for the last class and he based it mostly on the fact that [redacted] was not as friendly to the students during the second session. The Leader asked me to deal directly with [redacted] since I was the one that had originally set up the sessions and would require a refund for the third session, as it was prepaid. It was not my decision to cancel the third session with [redacted] it was the decision of the Church Leader. I am willing to have the Revdex.com discuss this with him, if necessary and can provide his contact information.

I sent this cancelation notice to the company more than 6 days before the session was to take place. Again, at that time I was told that the refund would be "taken care of" by [redacted] wife, indicating no issue with it being sent to me.

The group, nor I, have any need of services from a person/company that has treated them so poorly. With no refund policy in place, the company surely has the right/ability to refund the monies already paid for the third session ($55).

As for the comments about being vindictive, I did not slander this company, nor any other company, on FaceBook. I am not a vindictive person. I simply shared that it was in my opinion that my friends and family no get into a business relationship with this company based on my dealings with them. I did not mention any other company in my post. I can and will provide the Revdex.com with this posting if they would like to review it.

This company does not stand behind their word, and dealings. They are dishonest and have twisted events, timing and details. In fact, after receiving the notice of my report from Revdex.com, they texted me and harassed me for making this report. They called into question my family and personal situation rather than remain professional and mature. I have retained these texts if the Revdex.com would like to review those as well.

I again would like to request that I receive my $55 refund for the third session that was not taught per the agreement made by [redacted] company.