Makeup artist I hired disappeared after I sent deposit... can I get it back??

I emailed her two weeks ago, saying it's been awhile since I sent the check and I just wondering if she had received it and if there were any problems. Still have yet to get an email back from her. I just got my bank statement and saw that the check cleared and it was cashed on January 26th! Instead of just being worried, now I'm angry. I gave her the benefit of the doubt when she flaked on me the first time, but the second time? Very unacceptable as far as I'm concerned. I've tried calling the business phone, but no one picks up. I would leave a message, but if this woman is seriously avoiding me, I don't want her to know my phone number so she can recognize my number and continue to avoid me. So, I keep calling in case someone picks up. (cont)

I would completely understand if she or her employees contacted me and said that something, god forbid, horrible happened to a friend or family member and THAT'S why no one's gotten back to me. But I feel, at this point, no one ever will get back to me and I'm going to have to eat that deposit. My question is this: it's explicitly stated on the pricing list (but not the invoice I signed and sent with the check) that deposits are non-refundable. If I ever do get ahold of her, what could I say to her to convince her that I should have my deposit refunded? Am I totally stuck here? What would you do if you were me? Thanks in advance, everyone!

First off, I'd be walking my butt into that store and demanding why I hadn't heard a single word from them, but they were somehow able to cash my check with no problems, and then I'd ream them out for being so unprofessional, and then either demand my deposit back, or demand they start doing their dang job.

But maybe that's because I'm on such a tight budget for my wedding, and wouldn't be able to stand for something like this happening.

I would show up at the business

Yes I would go to the store and cause a scene. You can always contact your bank and dispute the check reason being you didn't receive services that was promised. The bank will refund you the money and do an investigation.

Yeah, I would show up too. It's not cool for a vendor to just disappear with your deposit and not return your calls no matter how busy they are. I'm sorry.

Are you trying to schedule something with her, or finalize your order/schedule for the day, or what? Do you have a contract reflecting what you've both agreed to?

I agree with the ladies. If that invoice has an address on it, go to it. Even if she works out of her home, I'd be knocking on her door. That is not acceptable.

The business has GLOWING reviews on this website, as well as on other wedding websites (FH says that he thinks the reviews are probably all fake... thanks, dear!). So I thought I would be working with someone who's really professional.

The only issue is that the business address is a residential address. With the awesome reviews I pored over and the great portfolio on the well-made website, I thought I would have no problems whatsoever.

Believe me, if this woman had a salon, I would have made a visit already, but the only location I know of is a house. Going up to the door of a house makes me really uncomfortable, but I guess if I want my money bad enough, that's what I might have to do.

How much money are you looking at? You could always contact the police and get advise from them or have them escort you to the house. Depends on the amount.

Whew! I swear this website is like a good luck charm! It's like I air my grievances to all of you ladies, and then things seem to work out somehow.

She finally picked up. Talked to her directly. She was apologetic and felt bad that I've been neglected. She said that she's been having email problems due to her internet provider and that it has caused her to not receive some emails. She gave me another email address of hers and asked me to send the correspondence we've had so far to that new email address. She made sure of my name and said that she'd get back to me either tonight or tomorrow and that if she didn't, she wouldn't blame me for calling her again.

At this point, I just feel better actually getting a hold of her now. Talking with her and hearing how sorry she was made me feel less like I want my money back and go off looking elsewhere. I'll feel even better if she emails me back like she says she would. Guess we'll just have to wait and see. Thanks again for your input!

This site is a good luck charm! I went through same thing the other day! I wasn't able to get a hold of my photographer, I posted about it, then I got in touch with him and he sent me his signature (he had my deposit and I didn't have his signature on the contract) and apologized for making me worried about it.