Never Over-Pay for a Venue!!!

<p>I hosted a birthday party at Accolades Boutique in Midrand in July 2016. I paid upfront for everything quoted and agreed to. While we were planning the party two staff members I met with told me that after the party they will reconcile my invoice and refund me the difference. Among things in the invoice were the drinks for 40 people and food for 40 people as well as an amount of R2500 placed aside for decor. Only around 30-34 people came to my party on the day.</p> <p>A week later I sent their accounts department a mail requesting a recon and if I can be refunded my difference. I paid in R30 000 and the invoiced amount for 40 people was abour R26k odd. So either way they owe me. My email was ignored so I called a week later which was two weeks after the party. The accounts guy who answered my call was more concerned about clause this and clause that which talks to guests cancellation. Needless to say I lost it with him and the call did not end well. </p> <p>I then decided to escalate the matter to their MD who I understand is also the owner or one of the owners, Wikus Breytenbach. I detailed the story attaching the invoice and was very polite. You think the accounts guy was arrogant? This was Wikus Breytenbach's response: </p> <p>"Thank you for bringing this to my attention.</p> <p> Our conditions of cancellation is quite clear: that we cannot refund you for any drop in numbers on the day.</p> <p>I hope you find this in order."</p> <p>After ******ing my name! </p> <p>I rep**** bringing his attention to the whole email asking if he even read the whole email. His response was: </p> <p>"I also took the liberty to make contact with our Décor department – and they confirmed that you agreed to the mentioned charge (see copy of invoice from them attached)" </p> <p>I also mention that the invoice he attched showed they owed me a difference of R300 on the initially paid invoice. </p> <p> </p> <p>To this day (September 2016, almost two months later) I have not heard anything from Accolades Boutique Venue, have not received invoice reconciliation, have not received my money back. </p> <p> </p> <p>So, if you really have to hire this venue for anything rather under-pay and settle whatever later otherwise you are in trouble. If the owner can be this arrogant, what are our chances as mere customers? </p> <p> </p> <p>As I wait ... </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>