Deciding whether it's fair to leave without paying if a therapist arrives late depends on the specific circumstances and the policies in place at the establishment where the appointment was scheduled. Here are some factors to consider:
Established Policies: Many massage therapy clinics or spas have their policies regarding late arrivals. Some places may have a grace period, while others might expect you to reschedule if you arrive late. Similarly, they might have policies about what happens if the therapist is late. It's essential to be aware of these policies before making a decision.
Communication: If the therapist communicated their lateness beforehand and you agreed to wait, leaving without paying might not be fair. However, if there was no prior communication, and you waited for an extended period, it's more understandable to be frustrated.
Professionalism: Late arrivals happen, but therapists should strive to be punctual and respectful of your time. If the therapist offered a sincere apology and a reasonable explanation for the delay, it might be more justifiable to stay and proceed with the appointment.
Reason for Leaving: Leaving without paying can have consequences. It might damage your relationship with the therapist or the establishment, and they may not be willing to reschedule another appointment with you.
Discussing Concerns: If the therapist is late and you feel uncomfortable or inconvenienced, consider discussing your concerns politely. This can help address any issues and provide clarity on why the lateness occurred.
Understanding Circumstances: There could be unforeseen circumstances beyond the therapist's control (e.g., emergencies, traffic, etc.). If the reason for their lateness is valid, you may consider being understanding and patient.
In most cases, it's best to communicate openly with the therapist about your feelings and decide on a solution that feels fair for both parties. You might consider rescheduling the appointment for another time or discussing a possible discount for the inconvenience caused. Leaving without paying should generally be a last resort and reserved for situations where the therapist acted unprofessionally or violated agreed-upon terms.