i bought a spreets voucher for Ruben Hair Design and attended the appointment I had made 3 months earlier. the voucher entitled me to some beauty services (which were carried out proffesionaly and without an issue) and to hair services, inc colour and foils, treatment, cut and blowdry. after discussing colour and style options, the manager/ haridresser told me that I would have to pay $137 extra to have those services (even though they it clearly stipulated in the voucher - which she herslef had organised with spreets - that they were included). she said that other customers had also questioned the voucher and she had involved her solicitor in the matter. after refusing to pay the extra $137 for services that were supposed to be included in the spreets voucher i had purchased, she said she wasn't going to bother arguing with me any more and if i wanted she would give me a refund in days to come. when i asked her to provide me with some form of receipt stating that i was not provided the services in case i needed to follow the matter up, she initially refused and told me that i would 'just have to trust her'. the experience was awkward and disappointing and i felt completely ripped off. not only was she going to charge me for services that were already covered in the voucher, she was going to charge me retail prices for them! she obviously realised too late that the deal she offered was very cheap and decided to renege on the offer after people (some who apparently came from shepparton, 2 hours away) attended the appointment. i also thought it quite convenient that they made me do the beauty side of it first, considering the events that unfolded. it took me 3 months to secure that appointment and the beauty therapist told me they sold 1000 of those vouchers. that's a lot of disappointed customers. the whole point of those vouchers is to bring new customers in. and just as they can help spread good reviews, they can also spread bad ones.

Approximate cost: $137

disappointing experience at raquel's after years and years of loyal patronage. felt like a valued customer on numerous visits but when i went there for a last minute service the day before my wedding, without an appt, they wouldn't fit me in even though there were no other customers waiting at the salon at that time and i was only going to take a few moments. pity, because i was very happy with their services and was happy to travel a fair distance to visit them after i moved away from the suburb.

Approximate cost: $30.00

super clean fish shop, with the crispiest chips and tastiest fish. the best fish and chip shop in deer park in my opinion. plenty of parking out the front, with a few other convenience stores around it. service is friendly and fast. the food awesome - never overly oily, or limp and it doesn't taste like burnt oil. this fish shop is like the old school corner fish and chip shops that were around when we were growing up. excellent.

Approximate cost: $5.00

2 'slices' restaurants - the one in caroline springs has the better location. it's right on the lake and provides nice views. the restaurant itself is like an overpriced la prochetta. $9 for a smoothie?? the food menu is your standard pizza, pasta, seafood, foccacia, salads, and they also do standard breakfasts til 4pm.

Approximate cost: $18.00

my personal favourite pizza shop in melbourne. generous toppings, the tastiest bases, friendly service and happy to accomodate any special requests. easy parking out the front. grab a pizza and walk over to the park around the corner. deeeelish!

Approximate cost: $12.00

tried this pizza shop after buying a coupon deal. pizza was great, service was great, the idea of a classic italian pizza shop is great. unfortunately, instead of just letting us enjoy the pizza, the owner spent the whole time looking for reassurance that we'd visit again without a coupon and that his food was good. it was. it really was. but it would've been a less awkward meal if he just let us enjoy his great pizzas.

Approximate cost: $16.00

hidden gem in the west, hidden on acres of olive grove! awesome homecooked meals and desserts at the cheapest prices around. free oil and olive taste testing for each person on arrival, free parking and friendly service. only open for breakfast and lunch on weekends. annual olive festival in november. definitely give this one a try.

Approximate cost: $15.00

busy little pizza shop in the west. lots of parking out the front. fast and friendly service. pizzas are pretty standard.

Approximate cost: $10.00

authentic rustic italian deli with fantastic range of wines, cheeses, deli items, fresh bread, newspapers and possibly the best coffee in the area. service is friendly and down to earth. they make great panini's too if you're after something quick. a little on the pricey side, but you get what you pay for and the quality is fantastic. lots of parking back and front with easy entry into the store from both sides. limited seating out the front.

Approximate cost: $12.00

have had mixed experiences here. service can be brilliant when it's quiet, but as soon as it gets busy it can be a struggle to get the staffs attention, especially if you're sitting outside. on occasion have had to wait for over 20 minutes just to get the menu. breakfast is awesome though and they make fantastic coffee. it's the sort of place where you can sit with a book for a couple of hours and you won't feel rushed. easy to find parking.

Approximate cost: $15