American Barber Institute

I can not believe my experience at this school I received. First off I called for directions because they moved and was yelled at by a woman with a heavy accent. She was so upset that I was calling for directions and kept asking me, «what program sent you?» That should of been my first clue that my experience was going to be questionable. I had no idea what she was saying so I just hung up. I found myself heading over there anyway. When I get there I passed it twice because there is no awning. Just ask LED sign. Okay?
I walk in and there’s about 15 people standing in the front and two rows of barbers all cutting hair. I wait about 10 mins and a black gentleman asks me if I signed in. I sign this form which should be my second reason why I should be leaving. He asks me if I’m paying… Third reason I should of left… Why wouldn’t I be paying? It’s only 7 bucks? Then he tells me I’m next? Collects the cash and puts it in a questionable envelope. There is a mob of people still in the front standing, Cuz obviously there’s no waiting area. I asked him if he was sure I was next. They all looked upset I was being seated. He informed me that the other clients where not paying. Paying customers are always first. (what)
I get an ok hair cut. It’s 7 bucks and its a person just practicing. Not bad. There is no where to hang your personal items. But as I was there I saw that the mob at the door was only getting bigger and rowdier. So i held on to everything under my cutting cape. An instructor went over to collect sheets of paper from these rowdy gentlemen and not money. So I asked the student if it was always like this? He said yeah, and that has been fights with the students and customers. As well as the teachers and customers. He informed me that those clients are from a local hospital and residence to shelters and local streets of NYC. I’m in shock!!! As my student was finishing up his razor work. A woman came over asking how much he was going to pay on Friday for his tuition. He looked so embarrassed. He signed a paper and told her he would go to the office when he was done. He vented a little and informed me how unprofessional the school is. The office is always begging for tuition money. He told me that it’s up to 3 times a week he talks to them about tuition.
My hair cut is done and the student is cleaning me up and there is an argument between the student and customer. Customer is obviously intoxicated. I’m happy I’m getting out of here and I will never go back.
Management: obviously understaffed and need a register, not envelopes. If you didn’t know staff was using envelopes. Now you do. Fix it. Seems dangerous. And re-​hire or train people behind the phones. It also smells real bad. Worse then a gym on a busy day. #facts
Students: just know when you enroll. You will be cutting people that are in some sort of program or shelter. Be safe. Wear gloves. And if you Dont mind being harassed for tuition money.
Clients: if your up for anything once, I would skip this. Save your energy. And spend money on a real barber.