August 3, 2011 I had a Retirement Party at Dave and Busters. Before this event I had talked to a planner, we discussed that my job was going to give me $500 towards my party. I told her that I would match whatever they were going to pay and I didn’t want to go over that amount. I reduced the number of guests and we came up with a price of just over by about $40.00. I asked if the room would have pool tables because I knew some of my guests did not want to play the games and was told yes.
After the food was served they would have access to the pool tables. I paid a deposit of $418 and my jobs paid $500 which came to $918 before I got there. My balance should have been $122 but at the end of the party my balance was $453.00. I was outraged, but couldn’t argue because I didn’t have my contract with me.
When I arrived, they had the party set up on the first floor which I didn’t like because it seemed we were isolated from everything. I asked if there were pool tables in there and they told me no. I told them my planner said there would be pool tables in there for us after the food was served. The only rooms that had tables were upstairs so I was asked if I wanted to be moved upstairs I told them yes.
They were very nice about it and everything was moved upstairs. I was told that if I wanted to use the pool tables I could do so for another fee of $75.00. Because I had promised my guests that the tables would be available I agreed to pay for this. That should have put my balance to $200.00 which I didn’t like but had no choice.
When I asked for my bill before leaving I was giving a bill for $453.00, I just about fainted. Once again I couldn’t argue because I didn’t have my contract with me. When I got home I looked over my contracts and the e-mails from my planner to verify what my cost should have been. I was furious because my contract stated my balance was $1039 that included tax and gratuity.
I love Dave and Busters, went there for a Birthday Party for my cousin and the room she had there was pool tables. This is why I requested the room. If I had known that the pool tables didn’t come with the room I would have cancelled the party. On my bill there was also a charge of $150.00 for room rental. I was never informed that I had to pay for room rental, how am I supposed to have a “Buffet” without a room.
Originally, I asked if I could run a tab for about 45 guests and pay for the combo of eat and play and I was told “no”. I could have avoided a lot of misunderstandings if I had gone this route. I paid for 45 guests and of course everyone did not show up. If I were able to run the tab I could have avoid paying for people who did not come.
Not only was it embarrassing for me in front of my guests I was overcharged for a event that was very special to me. How many Retirement Parties can a person have, this was my one and only and it turned out to be a nightmare. Don’t know if I would recommend Dave and Busters to my friends after that. I wouldn’t want anyone to go through what I just experienced. In this time no one has any extra money to give away, at least I don’t and I am feeling like I was overcharged for this event.
