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After being burned by their laser on 4/13/07, I have contacted their corporate office dozens of times with no response . The procedure was so painful, I had to stop stop the treatment. It left burns on my legs.
I had paid over $2,700 for a service package, but will no longer return to their clinic. It was the most painful, unprofessional experience I've gone through. I have demanded a refund on services not rendered but cannot get anyone to address my complaint. The customer service department has transferred my case to the "appropriate department," but I am still waiting to hear from them. I have called almost every day since 4/13/07 (today is 5/16/07), and am always transferred to an unidentified voicemail box. I have left a message every time.
Beware people!
Update on my original post on 5/16/07 - With no success after letters to my state's AG, the BBB, and ALC corporate headquarters, I was contacted by ALC on 10/15/08, after they saw my posting. Here is an excerpt from their email to me, "I was notified by our marketing department for American Laser Centers about your blog, and am currently a member of the Customer Service Team. As a result, of course I am familiar with the refunding policy changes and am responsible for screening eligible clients for refund. I notice in your case you had started treatments, and I am guessing that is why you were denied refund. It used to be only clients that had not received any treatments could be refunded. However, ALC has reviewed their policies under new ownership and are refunding treated clients the unused portions of their contracts if they still wish to cancel services. Since yours was the first posting that I saw online I thought I would contact you first in the hopes that you would want to work with me to get your matter resolved. "
On 10/21/08, the representative asked me for my Care Credit information so they could process a partial refund.
On 1/6/09, I asked for a status of my refund. On 1/23/09, their response was, "I apologize but this still has not been completed." Also, "Accounting has given us 12-16 weeks as timeframes but I know that those are only estimates and that we truly do apologize for this delay."
I checked in again on 6/10/09 - EIGHT months after they said they were issuing a refund. Their response was a request for photos of the injuries I suffered! I'm back to square one.
I'm not holding my breath; it's obvious they never started the refund process at all. The only recourse I have is to keep you all updated on this blog.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
TO the person working at ALC on "Tuesday". you shouldn't be scard. Why should you be scared. ALC may have legal contract protecting client's law suits. But as an employee it does not protect them from EEOC law, State and Federal rights.
Those people are in the wrong and they think they got a game going on. They will be surprise at the end. Very! Don't be scared of nothing and mostly its ALC thats ### up. They will pay one way or another. Let them hire their sorry ###, loud mouth two face, terlet seat wipe ###, used car sales person, to run their piece of ### place. But in the end, clients knows.
Contract can't protect them, just stand your ground, play the fake game and when they lease exspected hey look ...
Don't be scared, just let ALC have their terlet ### material people cause thats all the best that they can get.
Trashy people eat trash, ### people love ###!
ALC is a joke. Would caution anyone using this service. Once they get the money they are always overbooked and can not get your appointments set up to fit your schedule. I had some skin tightening and after 5 treatments has never improved the area I was having treated. All that was left is bumps on my forehead that have never gone away. They only appear professional yet the techs just there to get a paycheck. No training in how to handle a laser. DO NOT GET PULLED INTO THE SCAM ITS A JOKE AND ONLY TAKES YOUR MONEY !
The people there are unsympathetic and rude. They say it is going to work really fast and painlessly. They lie. I have never felt so much pain! And the girls who are doing it just roll their eyes and sigh whenever I show signs of pain. I have been burnt on 2 separate occasions. I have scars. Today it gave me blisters. I have had horrible results. It has been 10 treatments or so and I still have a lot of hair. The 2 year warranty isn't what they claimed.
Every time I go in they come up with another BS reason why it is somehow my fault that it isn't working and that it hurts so much. I have done everything they told me to do exactly how they told me to do it from the beginning. I allergic to the 'post-laser body lotion and today they told me to use it anyway because that (me stopping using it) is why it hasn't been working well. These people are crooks.
Im starting work at ALC on tuesday...im scared.
This is to Paulette:
If thats really your name. If you have the balls to leave your number (not your bull ### 1800 ect... and email..) and stand behind your email offer from ALC than by all means leave us all call your real main office number (the office where they fire and all the owner sit and count their money at) so that we all can visit you and see your real face and operating managers and the owners too, so that we all can come by and talk. Can spit out the real main office number and the owner's number than ### you.
The BIG SCAM HERE IS, hurry sign our contracts/papers and we will burn you. Once you sign those papers and what ever you do DO NOT MAKE THAT VERY IMPOARTANT FIRST VISIT TREATMENT, by contract papers, your money is theirs, so is all the burning and scarring.
Again its the company trade mark. The truth is there's no contest, there's no such thing as $300, $500 $1, 200 winner. Its just a way to get you to call them and once they have your info. They'll be calling day and night. As for as the money you think you won, it was ready set into ALC "special" package for "sucker winners. Example, the price set package A with coupon and compare to package B with out coupon, winner's money gift prize, it WILL BE THE SAME! Just don't call them, don't let them fast talk you and what ever you do, do not make that first visittreatment. Other wise that first visit, would be over for the comsumer's money.
### YOU ALC people. ### you family and all those you care about. NBC Dateline do a story on these ### hole, expose them wide open for the scam that they are.
It is both good, but sad to know that I am not the only one who has been deceived by this awful company. I went to the Dallas location and signed a small contract after being told I could cancel at any time. Not only does my contract state that I can cancel with a 10% fee, but the clinic director has told me for months that I will be getting a refun. BUT still, for the past 6 months corporate ALC has refused my refund through care credit. I have creditors calling me everyday to collect on this money I do not owe. And just like your experiences, I have left message after message with a returned call every now and then by some unfriendly customer service rep who doesn't even know what my contract states. they say they will get back to me, but i won't hold my breath. I am going to start the proceedings of a small claims lawsuit against them next week. i also have strong connections to local media outlets (both print and tv) that I am considering. anyone else in the dallas area out there that wants to join me?
I had a phone call saying I'd won third prize in a contest I'd entered online & the following email. I am so glad I told them I wasn't interested.
Good Afternoon Pat
My name is Paulette from American Laser Centers. You entered into our online contest and you were chosen as one of our winners! You have won a $350 coupon that you may use towards any of our laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation or cellulite reduction packages. To redeem this prize, I will need to schedule you for a free consultation. You will meet with our clinic manager who will explain to you the services we provide, answer all your questions and discuss with you how you would like to apply your coupon. To set this up, please provide the following information:
We do not sell or give your personal information; it is confidential.
Full name:
Phone number(s):
Alternate number:
Complete address:
Closest clinic: Please click on this link to determine the most convenient clinic: http://www.americanlaser.com/dsp_map.cfm
Time and day desired:
Choice #1-
Choice #2-
The consult is free and it is only 20-30 minutes long. We are open from 9:00am-7:00pm Monday- Friday and I can fit you in as soon as later on today or tomorrow. Reply back with the best time and date and then stand by for confirmation.
Congratulations and I look forward to hearing from you!
Hey people, I know that its not easy to fork out a lot of money to a company that is nation wide. Sign all the paper work and yes you will be burn. Not just your treatment area but your mind in all the drama and all the lies. This company only protection is the papers you sign. But If you all would just put a little extra more time and call the BBB, FDA, your area/state board and get them to just hear you, read your email ect... Than by the power of the people they will be gone - foreverrrrrr! I have read all the response that sound a bit for the company or all 100% for the company. How can you live with your self and look at yourself in the mirror. How would you like it if it was your love ones that was rob of their money, burn 2nd, 3rd, 4th degree burn? Now let use not forget the poor people that are just hard working service provider that have to come in daily and have to deal with all their "our way or the high way" if you value your job. We all can go on and on but until one action is taken against them, than another and another... well the world may not be perfect but the world would for sure have one less ### hole, blood sucking money [censored] and slave driving machine of a company to its grave. So make a little more time to do so and you'll get your result. As for ALC your customer service ### you and your mother too.
This is to all representative of American Laser Center. Your bull ### customer 1800 -- number is nothing but a waste if time and a cheap image displays for the public. Nothing more nothing but a bull ### cheap hot. Yes a lot of American Laser Center are privaite own ect. But the concept and the "rule of package selling" is all the same. I'm was one of the MD & VA. RN- employee. I've been in the inside I've worked with their managers, estheticains and its all the same. High turn over, every other week, month ect. Client care and the well being of their health is the lease of anyone's concern. ITs the package sellthat matter, even the 7 year old that they'll take in knowing the health ricks involved. So the bottom line is once they have your money, its you who ended up making hours of phone calls, emails and if you're lucky you might see one message or a cold letter in the mail, telling you "at the time you you sign this, you agree to this their for by legal agreement the company have the right to not grant you your refund at this time. But if you wish to give your package money to a friend or family member, please feel free to forward our number and we be more than happy to speak to them and give them "outstanding services. Now if they treat their client like this and you image how they treat their employees? FYI their mangers who sign you up for packages and recommeding "this treatment" and "you need this done" are all non cerified medical, non skin care and non medical treatment back. The FDA & state should shut them all down. People's live and health are a risk hear. Don't by into to it doesn't hurt, you''ll get the best result from us and our our the two years guarantee but ###...yeah come back they'll pitch another sell and more money from you. Yes its all bull ### and a well train front for the public. Sue their ### off and shut them all down!
oh yeah this Allen person don't believe anything he says, if you signed the contract they will do everything in their power not to give you your money back. They want to feed you these lies that they are under new managment and the internet is never updated so issues that have been solved are still on the internet..BULL! Yeah they changed ownership but he is a money hungry mother###er as well. Every manager you will talk to is a ### and the only thing that they are worried about is how deep they can get into your pockets. I can almost guarentee that this company won't be around very much longer...and i hope its over for them very soon.
THIS WHOLE COMPANY IS A SCAM! EVERY SINGLE PERSON THAT ENTERS INTO ANY CONTEST ANYWHERE IS OFFERED $300! THEY LET YOU WASTE YOUR GAS TO RIDE TO THESE CLINICS FOR A FREE CONSULTATION ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT A PACKAGE COST ANYWHERE BETWEEN $1500-$10, 000. SO IF ANY OF YOU WANT TO SAVE YOUR GAS(AND WE ALL KNOW HOW HIGH IT IS) DO NOT GO ANYWHERE NEAR AMERICAN LASER CENTERS! ALSO THEY HAVE A CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT BUT THEY SIT THERE AND WATCH THE PHONE RING...THEY DON'T PICK UP SO YOU WILL ALWAYS GET THE VOICEMAIL! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE IF YOU ARE READING THIS AND SET UP THE CONSULTATION DO NOT GO AND WATN ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY ABOUT IT!
To Allen at ALC,
I have called and left messages to no avail. I have not received a call back and have only spoken to some ### of a woman named Gail in Michigan.
Again, another unhappy customer (sucker) who will never see their money again.
Hello,
I represent American Laser Centers and we apologize that you have received a delayed response upon contacting our customer service team.
As we recently expanded our customer service team, we are fully committed to answering your request for assistance in a timely manner.
This is how our process works right now:
When you call our customer service hotline at [protected], you are directed to an automated voicemail. At the voicemail, please leave your full name, spelling of your last name, phone number, services received, and account number (if available).
Once we have this information the customer service department will gather background information about your service history from your clinic manager and our data systems. We need this information to be informed about your needs when we talk to you and to make any necessary action on our end happen as quickly as possible.
With the exception of the weekends, this information gathering process will take approximately 48 hours until you receive a personal phone call back from our customer service team.
Please understand this process expedites our ability to resolve each issue. We appreciate any and all feedback and hope this helps clarify any concerns about the automated voicemail.
Thank you,
Allen
customerservice@alcpartner.com
www.americanlaser.com
Any class action lawsuit in the phila, P.A. area, for american laser, if so PLEASE CALL me back at [protected] john
I would like to share my sad story to everyone out there. I spent well over $3, 000 dollars at the ALC in Virginia. Their customer services, the phone transferr, the non live voice mail and last but least the office personel "I don't give a ###" attitude. The one office lady kept telling me that its not her fault if I can't get my money back. Its not her problem and she when she speak to me she didn't care to look at me in the eyes. She was more interested checking her messages from her cell phone. These people don't care about you. They charge your account and take you money and give you unwanted service that you didn't really need. I just can't say it enough, they take your money and treat you like ###. You have no rights and no where to get positive response back. Just the bull ### round and bad customer service. Owner you should be a shame of your shel for taking my money and allowing your office people, treat your client like trash. You people make me sick.
People you might as well give your money to the homeless than to waste your time at American Laser Center and give your money to them. I went from their Maryland office to transferr to their VA. office and for each visit it just upset me more and more. I get the run around, I get no return message and the office manager in their VA. store would rather tell me how she was than to provide me the service that I'm paying so such money for. What a joke, where the hell did they find this woman. She talk down to me and her employee, she has no idea what the hell she's talking about nor trying to sell. I can only say from my personal experience go some where else and don't bother wasting your money no time with the VA. loaction. Just save your money. I'd tell everyone I know to go else where. They're just as bad as their customer service.
I would like to share my terrible and miserable experician with ALC at the Sterling, Va. office. the manager there name Paige is one sad and unprofessional manager. She talks fast to get clients to sign their packages and never once ask what the client wants instead she roll her eyes at you most of the time and most of all its wrong to speak to client (me) by telling common sense, think for a minute, like you're stupit or something. She so disrespectful to me and the lady for me. I tried and tried to get out of my contract and the manager kept telling me this will reflect badly on my credit. She is so full of it. Never-never will I spend one more dollar to this company and I will highly recommed people in all greater VA. to go else where than to waste your money on American Laser Center. I feel sorry for the Tech. ladies there. Listen to from first hand experience, you're better of going back to wax than to even look at their direction. Never again I tell you!
I am willing to bet that ALC will be bankrupt within the next 5-6 years if they continue the unethical business practices they currently have in place.
Thank you everyone for your in put. You just saved me a lot of time, pain, and money by speaking out about American Laser Centers. I almost fell for the $300 award, $100 off for being able to come in on a short notice, and another 25% off of the package after my free consultation. I did sign off on the papers, but I'm going to see what I can do not to pay the 10% cancellation fee.
Being a freelance journalist I checked them out before cutting any check to American Laser Centers. So thank you for all of your posts.
Heather
I started treatments in spring 2006, paying $700 for lip and chin laser hair removal. I had a great deal of dark, thick hair (with medium to light skin). After about 20 treatments, a little over 75% of the hair on my chin is gone. About half of the hair on my upper lip is gone also, but the hair remaining there is much finer. The remaining chin hairs are still very thick. I have another 6 months left in my two year guarantee. ALC has worked for me, but not completely. I'm on the fence as to whether the price (including the time/gas required for all of all my appointments) was worth it for only partial results.
OMG! I have appt with this company tomorrow. Apparently I won a 3rd prize in a draw... so I will be getting $400 towards any package. Three more of my friends got the very same call and the prize... is it a co-incidence! I think I will still go there and check it out... and not sign any credit-line form.
Btw, I also checked out Electrolysis hair removal at a local place... its not really that painful. Although, its slower than laser... I have a strong feeling now that thats the way I will go. Thanks to all those who put in comments here... it helped me a lot already.
22 days ago by Lawsuit For Alc [send email]
"Dear Angela,
You obviously work for ALC. You claim to have all these degrees as if your a docter or derm...but your just an LE ( Liscenced Esthetician)...get your spelling right! Then a CLT (Clinic Liscenced Tech) and that is a term used only as a ALC clinic tech."
Hey Lawsuit...get YOUR spelling and grammar correct, especially before calling someone out on his/her spelling...it's "YOU'RE" and "DOCTOR". Probably some interesting points and info, but people might ignore that when you're looking like an idiot challenging someone else's spelling and you seem to be having difficulties yourself.
Luck!
Please, please beware of these profitmongers. My mother received laser hair removal on her neck and face and she has 2nd and 3rd degree burns. She cannot go outside or to work, it is that hideous. She has spent over 2, 000 and has been going to American Laser Center for 1.5 years and no results. I warned her not to go there, but she was so desperate to get rid of the hair and she had invested thousands. I am planning to sue the hell out of American Laser Center and I will not give up until justice is served. The center my mother went to is is Brighton, MA and we I took my mother to the center June 10, 08 to show them what they did to her, they looked at her like they saw a ghost, they seemed so scared at what they did. The "manager" Mimi Brophy, claimed that her employee did nothing wrong, and that's just happens without a reason or cause sometimes, ###...she better tell that to the judge. If anyone is in MA, and want to discuss legal steps, contact me at leximoora@yahoo.com
i work for ALc currently and you guys are right. it is all about the money. the services dont work and if you sign up for a contest with us your automatically a winner. everybody gets the same amount for the most part with a few exceptions (1 to 2 at the most). this company is shady. its a dont ask, dont tell company even with the employees. they keep us in the dark as well. if i was you guys i'd sue too.
Natalie - the same thing happend to me.. I had slightly greater amount of hair on my face than most normal people did, and since I was getting most of my other body parts lasered already, I thought hey why not add my face and be completely hair free. I was burned terribly and had to stop treatments. After shaving my face before each treatment (prob went about 8-9 times?), my face is now crazy hairy. It looks soo bad. And none of it was diminished one bit. I used to have one thick hair on my chin. Now its about 30 or 40 hairs. It's so embarassing. I have had people ask me if i have to shave my face. I totally regret starting laser with hopes that were never fulfilled. I look like I have a man's chin. I totally feel your pain. I am sorry this happend to you too. I thought it was only me. I read somewhere that research has never shown for lasers to permanently remove hair, but that electrolysis does. I know that is something that you can pay as you go, so if you need to, maybe try that out. Good luck!
By the way, for the people who post on this site about how their clinic site has the nicest people working there and they've never had problems..Here's the deal.. You won't have problems with them unless something bad happens to you, you are burned, you need a refund, you are unsatisfied with your results, etc. When this happens to you, then the sh** hits the fan. It took me a full year before I realized any of this. I always thought my clinic was nice too for the most part. It's kind of like when you first meet someone. You don;t really get to see their ugly side until you have a fight or you have to address a real issue. Otherwise, yeah they are sweet to you.
GREAT TREATMENTS ! GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE!
IF YOUR IN THE IRVING TX AREA YOU NEED TO CHECK OUT THIS CLINIC AND CUSTOMER SERVIE THEY KNOW HOW TO TAKE CARE OF PEOPLE! [protected]
I Have had nothing but wonderful services with American Laser centers. The Las Colinas Clinic in Irving TX has wonderful customer service and explains the treatments well !
They spend alot of time with met to make sure i am getting the results that I am looking for. they make me feel very comfortable while i am there and it is a very Clean Clinic.
I would recommend this location to anyone!
*******I am sooo happy to have found this website!***********
Please READ!
This is soooooo crazy! Like many here, I too purchased a full face package in year 2004. Paid $3, 500+
My story is a little different ...ALC has not only affected me financially, but also my personal life. My self esteem has gone done tremendously---TO THE FLOOR!
I only had peach fur, could hardly see hair on my face but "won" a "hair romoval package" at a local event.
Because it is required to shave before treatments, the hair on my face are thicker, and I am sooo upset and DEPRESSED! I have to hide my face with my hair and I can't even see my self in the mirror. I feel so embarassed! I can't believe my hubby knows that I have to shave my face.Not only that but my face breaksout when I get the laser.
I should have never EVER gone to ALC! I regret it with a passion.
Four years and they always say the same thing... ITS A MYTH... YOUR HAIR CAN"T BE GROWING MORE OR THICKER!
THen they had me go to the doctor and CHECK MY HOROMONES WHICH TURNED OUT TO BE FINE!
These people have switched management like 6 times in the last 2 years.
Then they tried telling me... well we got the new laser machine, we can offer you a "buy a treatment for one part of your body and get the other one free plus we will give you microderm treatments free"
I looked at the woman and said " ARE YOU INSANE? WOULD YOU GO TO THE SAME PLASTIC SURGON TO GET A TUMMY TUCK IF HE MESSED UP YOUR BREAST LIFT?"
The only reason I keep going back is because I have the hope of ONE day working! but I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO NOW?!
Last year I had paid money to continue the laser treatments.
WHat should I do? CAN I STILL GET MY MONEY BACK? BUT.// WHAT ABOUT MY SKIN? MY FACE? MY CONFIDENCE?
I cant believe this is happening to me? I have to shave EVERY DAY like a MAN!
=0(
AMERICAN LASER DESTROYED A GIRL THAT WAS FULL OF CONFIDENCE AND SMILES!
I would never imagine doing any harm to anyone ! I can only imagine how many lives they have destroyed!
Please help ! SHould I SUE? keep going for treatments in hope of it one day NOT BURNING MY FACE AND ACTUALLY TAKING THE HAIR OUT? should I ask for my money back?
++++++++++++++Please Help!++++++++++++++++
This is MY MANUAL BOOK FOR KICKING ### AGAINST AMERICAN LASER CENTERS:
In May 2008 I went to American Laser Centers in Santa Rosa, California.
I was told about this company because my friend gave me his $300 coupon he won at a fair.
Long story short. I too signed the contract. The next day I was feeling I was being charged too much for only 6 appointments = + $5, 000
I talked with a friend who said you should not be paying in advanced.
His example was: If you go to the dentist, get a haircut, dr. appt = you pay as you go-- NOT in advanced.
I called to cancel my laser appointment. No work or services were ever done to me.
I was then told I had to pay the 10% administration fee. (I was furious! = + $500)
I told the laser people under the California law according to the “State of California Department of Consumer Affairs, The Consumer Transaction with Statutory Contract Cancellation Rights there is a three-day no fault cancellation.”
[http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/legal_guides/k-6.shml]
American Laser Centers would NOT honor this Law!
I then consulted my friend who is a business person.
That DAY I DID THE FOLLOWING—
This is The MANUAL BOOK FOR KICKING ### AGAINST AMERICAN LASER CENTERS:
(REMEMBER: ALWAYS BE professional and business like in your letters.)
1.) Called my CareCredit number [protected] CLOSED the account over the phone. WRITE DOWN YOUR CONFIRMATION NUMBER!
2.) Called GE the actual bank for CareCredit. http://www.geonlineservice.com
TOLD them I had no work done.
I sent a certified letter to dispute my account. Included in the letter is my: name, account number, day I signed contract, copy of the contract, include your confirmation number from closing your CareCredit account!
GE Money Bank
P.O. Box 981438
EL Paso, TX [protected]
3.) Contact BBB. I contacted the BBB in my area SF, CA. I was forwarded to the office in Michigan where headquarters of these American Laser people are Located.
Contacted BBB of Detroit & Eastern Michigan
3055 Southfield Road, Ste. 200
Southfield, MI [protected]
[protected]
I sent a certified letter. In the HARDCOPY letter to the above BBB Address with a copy of your laser contract and a letter explaining what happened to you.
AND: GO ONLINE TO: http://www.bbb.org fill out the online form AND Write the hardcopy letter.
4.) Sent a certified Letter to:
Care Credit, INC:
P.O. Box 1710
Costa Mesa, CA [protected]
TOLD them I did not have any work done.
Tell them: “Please close my account. I want to Dispute the amount. I want a refund please.” (BE NICE and business like.)
INCLUDE your: Name, account number, name and location of Laser store, your contact numbers, copy of the contract. Anything else you can tell them.
5.) I wrote a letter to my Attorney General. (If you live in a different state than CA—do a Google search for the Name of your state you live in and “Attorney General”
AND: YOU can send online COMPLAINT form—
PLUS then mail in a hard copy letter including YOUR copy of the laser contract.
For CALIFORNIA Send letters to:
California Department of Justice
Office of the Attorney General Edmund G. Brown, JR.
Public Inquiry Unit Office of the Attorney General.
P.O. Box 944255
Sacramento, CA [protected]
6.) I sent a certified letter to State of California Department of Consumer Affairs.
State of California (YOUR State should have a Dept. of Consumer Affairs. Google search it to find it!)
Department of Consumer Affairs
Consumer Information Center
1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N-112
Sacramento, CA 95834
CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS ONLY: (800) 952.5210
Tell them about your unethical business contract with the American Laser Centers!
7.) I sent a certified letter to the location of where I went to American Laser Centers. I told them to: Cancel my contract and services.
8.) I emailed the office manager of American Laser Centers of the location that I went to. Look at your paperwork for the business card and the email address. Tell the office manager you want to cancel your treatments and services.
9.) I emailed Customer Services at American Laser Centers:
EMAIL: CustomerService@alcpartner.com
PHONE: [protected]
10.)I went to Small Claims in my area for extra help. Do a Google search with the name of the county of the state that you live in and “small claims” for the location. BRING ALL YOUR PAPERWORK including your contract!
MOST IMPORTANT: Keep copies of all your letters, your certified mail receipts, correspondents, emails…!
BE Business like!
Good luck! Think positive!
Please write your letters!
P.S. At first I did not want to write the letters. I was feeling like I was causing too many problems. That was until I was told I had to pay $500 + for no services or treatment.
Do your BEST!
In May 2008 I went to American Laser Centers in Santa Rosa, California.
I was told about this company because my friend gave me his $300 coupon he won at a fair.
Long story short. I too signed the contract. The next day I was feeling I was being charged too much for only 6 appointments = + $5, 000
I talked with a friend who said you should not be paying in advanced.
His example was: If you go to the dentist, get a haircut, dr. appt = you pay as you go-- NOT in advanced.
I called to cancel my laser appointment. No work or services were ever done to me.
I was then told I had to pay the 10% administration fee.
(I was furious! = + $500.00)
I told the laser people under the California law according to the “State of California Department of Consumer Affairs, The Consumer Transaction with Statutory Contract Cancellation Rights there is a three-day no fault cancellation.”
[http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/legal_guides/k-6.shml]
American Laser Centers would NOT honor this Law!
I then consulted my friend who is a business person.
That DAY I DID THE FOLLOWING—
This is The MANUAL BOOK FOR KICKING ### AGAINST AMERICAN LASER CENTERS:
(REMEMBER: ALWAYS BE professional and business like in your letters.)
1.) Called my CareCredit number [protected]
CLOSED the account over the phone.
WRITE DOWN YOUR CONFIRMATION NUMBER!
2.) Called GE the actual bank for CareCredit. http://www.geonlineservice.com
TOLD them I had no work done.
I sent a certified letter to dispute my account.
Included in the letter is my: name, account number, day I signed contract, copy of the contract, include your confirmation number from closing your CareCredit account!
GE Money Bank
P.O. Box 981438
EL Paso, TX [protected]
3.) Contact BBB. I contacted the BBB in my area SF, CA.
I was forwarded to the office in Michigan where headquarters of these American Laser people are Located.
Contacted BBB of Detroit & Eastern Michigan
3055 Southfield Road, Ste. 200
Southfield, MI [protected]
[protected]
I sent a certified letter. In the HARDCOPY letter to the above BBB Address with a copy of your laser contract and a letter explaining what happened to you.
AND: GO ONLINE TO: http://www.bbb.org fill out the online form AND Write the hardcopy letter.
4.) Sent a certified Letter to:
Care Credit, INC:
P.O. Box 1710
Costa Mesa, CA [protected]
TOLD them I did not have any work done.
Tell them: “Please close my account. I want to Dispute the amount. I want a refund please.” (BE NICE and business like.)
INCLUDE your: Name, account number, name and location of Laser store, your contact numbers, copy of the contract. Anything else you can tell them.
5.) I wrote a letter to my Attorney General. (If you live in a different state than CA—do a Google search for the Name of your state you live in and “Attorney General”
AND: YOU can send online COMPLAINT form—
PLUS then mail in a hard copy letter including YOUR copy of the laser contract.
For CALIFORNIA Send letters to:
California Department of Justice
Office of the Attorney General Edmund G. Brown, JR.
Public Inquiry Unit Office of the Attorney General.
P.O. Box 944255
Sacramento, CA [protected]
6.) I sent a certified letter to State of California Department of Consumer Affairs.
State of California (YOUR State should have a Dept. of Consumer Affairs. Google search it to find it!)
Department of Consumer Affairs
Consumer Information Center
1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N-112
Sacramento, CA 95834
CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS ONLY: (800) 952.5210
Tell them about your unethical business contract with the American Laser Centers!
7.) I sent a certified letter to the location of where I went to American Laser Centers. I told them to: Cancel my contract and services.
8.) I emailed the office manager of American Laser Centers of the location that I went to. Look at your paperwork for the business card and the email address. Tell the office manager you want to cancel your treatments and services.
9.) I emailed Customer Services at American Laser Centers:
EMAIL: CustomerService@alcpartner.com
PHONE: [protected]
10.)I went to Small Claims in my area for extra help. Do a Google search with the name of the county of the state that you live in and “small claims” for the location.
BRING ALL YOUR PAPERWORK including your contract!
MOST IMPORTANT: Keep copies of all your letters, your certified mail receipts, correspondents, emails…!
BE Business like!
Good luck! Think positive!
Please write your letters!
P.S. At first I did not want to write the letters. I was feeling like I was causing too many problems. That was until I was told I had to pay $500 + for no services or treatment.
Do your BEST!
i almost forgot. everyone who calls them or enter their drawing WILL WIN NO MATTER WHAT! even a couple of weeks ago i called to complain and before i could let them know i want my refund they told me congrats you have won blah blah and i'm like wtf are you stupid or do you think i'm stupid. that's how they reel people in so never believe them. for me i didn't believe in it but thought that it was a good deal and since the rep who talked to me acted so friendly even saying she was using her family/friends discount for me i believed her. yea what can i say i have a soft spot for girls. well i learned my lesson.
wow this page has gone a long way. i can remember when i first posted on here it was still at page 5 or 6 now it's upto 11. Well this has been an extremely painful experience but finally it has been resolved. basically in oct of 2007 i signed up for a treatment but decided i didn't want it anymore so i went to cancel the next day. for those idiots out there that said "oh it's your fault for not reading the fine print" or blah blah. well you know what the fine print said that you can cancel with a 10% cancellation fee. however, when you actually call and tell them you want to cancel they would tell you that you can't. so i went in to hand them a cancellation letter but to no avail. Then i was pissed off because i was getting the run around so i went on the BBB website to complain. Months after Months of no response so I just gave up and didn't care anymore and consider it a life lesson to learn. Then surprising I received a response from ALC through the BBB asking for my info to give me the refund. Then just last week i received my refund. It took them over 8 months but i finally got my refund. So for those that haven't received their refund yet don't give up. report to the BBB because they do make a difference.
a good business should be one to give their customer a choice. having a happy customer leave is much better than an angry one because the happy one will still refer others to your place. for me i will never refer anyone to them but more or less tell everyone i know about the pain and suffering they have caused.
I am SO grateful I found this website before it was too late. Just received a call from a lady who claimed I won $300 towards a lazer-hair removal. After reading these reviews, I WILL NOT be "redeeming" that $300 gift certificate. Sounds like a bunch of ### scammers to me.
GOOD LUCK to all of you who are fighting against the ALC. I sincerely hope they get what they deserve.
To all posters
I represent American Laser Centers and we apologize that you have received a delayed response upon contacting our customer service team.
As we recently expanded our customer service team, we are fully committed to answering your request for assistance in a timely manner.
This is how our process works right now:
When you call our customer service hotline at [protected], you are directed to an automated voicemail. At the voicemail, please leave your full name, spelling of your last name, phone number, services received, and account number (if available).
Once we have this information the customer service department will gather background information about your service history from your clinic manager and our data systems. We need this information to be informed about your needs when we talk to you and to make any necessary action on our end happen as quickly as possible.
With the exception of the weekends, this information gathering process will take approximately 48 to 72 hours (if not sooner) until you receive a personal phone call back from our customer service team.
Please understand this process expedites our ability to resolve each issue. We appreciate any and all feedback and hope this helps clarify any concerns about the automated voicemail.
Thank you,
Nicole
customerservice@alcpartner.com
www.americanlaser.com
http://www.hairfacts.com/medpubs/lasergen/overtreat2.html
Hello ya"ll. I too was a former employee. I agree with previous comments about the sales pressure in the clinics. I worked for several months only to find that employees in this company don't stay long. I was made to try and push, upsell every customer that came in for a treatment. Threatened that I would lose my job if we didnt as a whole sell at least $2000 a day. My poor manager was constantly nagged by her super (Kathy Walsh) almost everyday threatened to replace her. I sat on a conf call, I felt so sorry for the managers. Its all just one huge BS sales pitch, Talkin about burnin lavendar candles an stickin money in your bra for good luck. Then some crazy lady named Nicole Vitalli would come on and scare the living hell, tellin everyone to start [censored]tin diamonds or get replaced. I later learn that was vice president of operations. My clinic manager was always in the office past 9pm, and at the end of the month, I can agree with above comment about her having to call customers at their homes till 11pm at night trying to sell them some over priced BS package. I knew only after a couple of months that I didnt want to stay cause there was no way I wanted to advance in this company. I agree with the training, hell, my trainer spent half of our time outside smoking. Refunds? LOL! Now thats funny! If you want a refund, stop calling the manager. They have no say in your refund. Our area super was Kathy Walsh. She covers Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tenesee, and Alabama. If you want a refund go straight to the cheese at [protected]! This lady is a real con so watch out. She can sell sh-- in a paper bag. I dont know how she got her job, but she keeps it by scarring everyone under her. So good luck, an yes, i'd join your law suite!
I just signed up with ALC today! Today was my consultation and I told the office manager I wanted to go on one more consult with another med spa before I made a decision but the office manager said she could give me 25% off the procedures if I signed up today so I felt as though it was getting a really good deal and I didn't want to pass up the offer. (The other consult isn't until next week.) The other thing that sold me was the 2 year guarantee. But, after reading all of these bad reviews about ALC I feel scared and uneasy about the place and I already am financing with Care Credit so I don't know if I can back out. My first appt is next week? Do you have any advice.
Dear Melany,
There is no such paperwork that states a "No Refund" policy. The financial Treatment states that you can cancel but you must pay a 10% administration fee. The company is now under new ownership, and since then they have established a 1-800 number for such refunds. But to get an actual refund is like pulling teeth. They will give you the run around like no there!
But I feel sorry for those of you who want to cancel after having a treatment...Say you purchased bikini line for $1379.70-25%-$300 3rd place-$100 call center=749.75 for 6 tx & a 2 year guarantee.. Sounds great! But if you want a refund and had only 1 tx...they will charge you for a full single treatment at $339.70, plus take your 10% off original price...That would only allow you a $344.83 refund. So you lost a whopping $404.92! Be careful!
I will add this, if you've been burned...DON'T GO BACK! SUE!
Dear Angela,
You obviously work for ALC. You claim to have all these degrees as if your a docter or derm...but your just an LE ( Liscenced Esthetician)...get your spelling right! Then a CLT (Clinic Liscenced Tech) and that is a term used only as a ALC clinic tech. These CLT's only train for 2 days at a clinic, then are directed to start right away on clients without their knowledge. Its insane to think that in only 2 days, they get the training needed to apply lasers to anyones face. I was an employee held in high regard, and I know for a fact that some people do get burned.
Keep in mind, none of the lasers used by ALC is a laser at all. They are all IPLs. I find it funny that they call themselves American "Laser" Centers when they don't even use a laser. People tend to look at lasers in a totally different light than that of an IPL. I'm sure if they told the truth and named their company American IPL Centers, they wouldn't have much of a draw. Everyone on here talks about the forms being signed. Well, truth is, what your signing states that they are using lasers on your body. That alone is false.
I also know for a fact that ALC claims to treat all skin types and hair color. When in fact, skin type six should never be approached with any type of hair removal device that homes in on the pigment of the skin. White and blonde hair is never gone. But they will sure make us sell you a package and laugh all the way to the bank!
For those of you that would like any questions answered by a real past employee...feel free to contact me and I will help anyway I can!
I find all of you to be quite silly, who signs a contract that right on it say's no refund policy. I actually went to this company and yeah laser hair removal is pricy but if you can't afford it, don't buy it! I have gotten four treatments and my bikini and armpits are almost done. I love the staff, I have grown quite fond of the girls there so these messages rub me the wrong way. I think that people have a hard time admitting they made a bad decision, which is what you all sound like to me. I don't think the class action law suit is gonna help you all signed a contract, you probably should have read it first!