Need some advice from my girls...

Ok, so remember the Chinese cooking class I am supposed to teach? It's this weekend. I am stoked. I made recipe cards with all the recipes, even the ones that I'm not teaching (almond cookies and sweet and sour sauce).

Ok, so we took a $5 fee from these ladies back in June. We made sure to tell them all that the money was NONefundable since we had to buy the food for the class.

I had a remarkable 53 people sign up. So, today I was making calls asking what hour they wanted to take their class so that I could put them where they wanted to be and five people cancelled. No problem, but three asked for their money back. When I explained that there were NO refunds because the food was already purchased (we pre-purchased and are picking it up tomorrow afternoon), two of them got really ugly.

So, I offered an alternative. I said, well since you'll be home on Sunday afternoon, I will be more than happy to bring your food by for you so that you can have your money's worth and they (sisters) said the entire point was for them to LEARN how to make it. Duh!

So, do you all think I should do any more about it or just say that they were all told it was nonefundable AND it's written on the darn sign up sheet as well. I am just so disappointed that two people have to act so stupid.

ETA: The other two that cancelled told me to PLEASE let someone else who wants to take the class but didn't pay have their spots. So, I know that someone comprehended the fact that it was nonefundable. LOL

I wouldn't worry about it. If it was clearly stated NON-REFUNDABLE, then that is on them. It was plenty nice of you to offer bringing them the food.

I think it's a shame that they would be so difficult about it... plus, they waited until you called them to say they couldn't make it!

I think that you are right to stand your ground and it's going above and beyond to offer to deliver the food to them.

Keep the money! If they were informed that it's nonefundable...so be it! I wouldn't have even offered to bring them the food. lol!

Yeah it was clearly in writing...No Refunds! I would just leave it be, they will get over it

Oh geez, people are so ridiculous sometimes. I'd say let it go, you were MORE than gracious in offering to give them the food. Hopefully someone else will be able to take their spots- otherwise, more food for you guys in class!

Yup, I'd keep it too. It's $5 people...if you can't make it, just cut your losses. :blink:

Sucks for them. Even more so that they had to get nasty. UNNECESSARY!!

Keep the money and take their food home for yourself
Or send it to a shelter or something, if ya wanna be good about it, LOL!

I have been in your situation before, Paula! Except we were making $15 Quiet Books for church. Personally, I would state that the class is nonefundable and everyone knew that ahead of time. BUT if the women in question are the type to get easily offended that could create some long-term issues. I would probably talk to whoever is in charge and see what they think. They may have some insight that you aren't privy to. There may be financial situations, etc, that you aren't aware of. I know that if a cooking class cost $5 right now, I probably couldn't swing it... but I wouldn't have signed up and paid in advance either. So.... that's a tough one... good luck, though! and have fun teaching!!! I'd come take their spot but I think the gas it would cost me to get down there would cost more than one-on-one instruction with a chef!

Ok, I missed the $5 part! ESPCIALLY since it's a measly $5 that was known to be nonefundable... NO! You're fine.

Paula - keep the $10 for all your troubles. Let them dumb biatches go!

i argee with all the others, just leave it be

I totally agree with everyone else. It was understood that it was nonrefundable and you were more than generous to offer to bring the food to them, so I say just make them deal with it. GL!

I can't believe anyone would make a stink over $5. That's so petty and ridiculous.

First of all let me be jelous because I just paid $80 for 4 cooking classes.
Second, nonefundable is non refundable, and is is writtenn there is NO COMPLAIN. As someone said if was a money issue then they should call ahead, not wait till you call them.

What I do in your situation (but you know I can be a sarcastic biatch when I want) is made this cute little certificates saying "we are so sorry that you missed our lovely class, but to honor the cost of the class (and since is nonefundable) we are going to donate your food the X shelter. We and the homeless appreciate your generosity... God Bless You"

And if you want to be really nice (which I'm not) send them the recipes via e-mail

I so wouldn't worry about it. Why waste all that energy to get so nasty about $5? Sheesh. They knew it was nonefundable when they signed up.

Why do some people think they are entitled to exceptions to the rule? I say DO NOT refund their money... and you're probably better off not having them in your class. lol

Thanks girls! I knew you'd make me feel better.

I was just dumbfounded that they would act like this. A little information about these two sisters - they are LOADED! They own several of the businesses here in town. So, I know money isn't an issue.

Everyone was told the class was nonefundable due to the fact that their $5 was going to pay for the food we're using in the class. I already filled their spots with new people. One of which is a single mom of four who didn't sign up because she didn't have the money. I told her that there were some cancellations and that she could take one of those spots. I don't think I've ever heard someone more excited and grateful in my life! So, I'm going to do what Oriana suggested and write the sisters a thank you note and let them know that someone less fortunate was the beneficiary of their class! LOL

Too bad for them. They can't expect you to give them their money back and I think you were entirely too nice to offer to bring them the food. It was written and if they didn't read it, too bad. Besides, $5, tell them to come on, get over it!

It's $5...come on. If they knew it was nonrefundable, too bad on them! I wouldn't do anything else about it.

Really I dont think you are obligated at all!!! Its 5 bucks they should get over it!! Im a firm believer in karma! Hope they get what they have coming sweety!

Paula said:

Thanks girls! I knew you'd make me feel better.

I was just dumbfounded that they would act like this. A little information about these two sisters - they are LOADED! They own several of the businesses here in town. So, I know money isn't an issue.

Everyone was told the class was nonefundable due to the fact that their $5 was going to pay for the food we're using in the class. I already filled their spots with new people. One of which is a single mom of four who didn't sign up because she didn't have the money. I told her that there were some cancellations and that she could take one of those spots. I don't think I've ever heard someone more excited and grateful in my life! So, I'm going to do what Oriana suggested and write the sisters a thank you note and let them know that someone less fortunate was the beneficiary of their class! LOL

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That sounds like a good plan.

paula, let those crazy fools be! they are apparently think headed morons who think that $5 is the end of the world or they don't understand the fact that you are the one who had to spend money on gas to drive to get the food for the class, spend your time at the market actually getting the food and you are now choosing to spending your time teaching the class. i hate idiots. if anything i would call them back and tell them that there is an additional $5 surcharge for cancelling short notice and if they complain about that tell them that this one time you'll wave the cancellation fee.

ahahahahaha!! i don't do crazy people.

if anything i would call them back and tell them that there is an additional $5 surcharge for cancelling short notice and if they complain about that tell them that this one time you'll wave the cancellation fee.

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I love the way you think, Lizzy.