The Deposit and the No-Show Influencer

Start with the written policy. If the policy says deposits are nonrefundable after 24 hours but says nothing about no-shows, the policy is ambiguous. A deposit is generally applied to the reserved time; a no-show forfeits it only if the policy clearly says so. Priya should not improvise a new rule after the fact. She can explain the policy in writing, offer a one-time goodwill credit toward a future service, or refund the $15 if she wants to end the dispute-but she should decide based on written terms and consistency, not the threat of a review. She should also update the policy to state the no-show rule, the late-cancellation rule, and how deposits are applied. Keep a record of the booking, the policy the client saw, and the communications.

Priya owns the photo, but a model release is still needed to use a client's image in advertising, especially a before-and-after. Without a written release, she should remove the photo promptly when asked. Taking it down is not an admission that the haircut was bad; it is respect for privacy and avoids a publicity and consent dispute. Going forward, use a short written release that states where the photo may appear, for how long, and how the client can revoke. Do not use the review fight as a reason to keep the photo up. Respond to the review once, publicly and briefly: acknowledge the experience, state that deposits and cancellations are governed by the posted policy, and invite her to contact Priya privately. Do not argue, reveal booking details, or call her a liar. Save screenshots and the booking record. Privately, Priya should create a simple consultation record for each client-date, service, products, reactions, and consent-and check her booth rental agreement and insurance for record retention and online-conduct obligations. The friend's threat should be documented but not answered with a counter-threat.