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American Laser Centers Complaints - Unprofessional, dangerous, painful and no refund!

Review all American Laser Centers complaints

American Laser Centers

Posted: 2007-05-16 by Anonymous [send email]

Unprofessional, dangerous, painful and no refund!

Complaint Rating:

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!

Comments

United States

Health & Beauty

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American Laser Centers - Unauthorized billing!

American Laser Centers - Canceling a contract

Comments

413 days ago by Leslie [send email]

I have disputed the charges from American Laser Center and GE Money but was denied. I received my first treatments in CA for Hair Removal and Skin Tightening and called immediately to cancel further treatments. I was getting the run around from ALC and finally diputed the charges through GE Money. They also denied my dispute for services not rendered. ALC submitted a fraudulent intranet receipt to GE Money stating the "No Refund" policy which was different from my receipt stating "Cancellation will result in a 10% cancellation fee." This is fraud!

I tried reaching Kevin Pieruch but was forwarded to someone else. I'm waiting to hear back.

408 days ago by Jamie [send email]

OK Ladies, calm down... believe it or not you are with the best Laser hair removal place out there. You have one/tenth of a percent of having an adverse reaction with us and if you did then you weren't telling the technician something... if your tan or something else. Second, when you sign up for for services, the paper you sign Clearly states that there is a 10% cancellation fee if no services rendered, so if you got a treatment and you just decide you don't want to keep your commitment you CAN switch to another service that they offer but it's not likely to get a refund... everything your signing is clearly disclosed. As far as treating blonde, grey, red hair and darker skin types, I for one have red hair and I now have no hair on the areas treated. Those are a 12 treatment series and then a 2 year guarantee. They are higher priced but it is worth it if you stick it out, everyone responds differently and I can tell you that if your having slower results they won't just say oh, sorry we're not going to treat you anymore, too bad... they will treat you until it's gone regardless. Sounds to me like you guys here 1 or 2 things about someone not getting a refund or taking a little longer than what they thought it would and freak out when really the problem is you spent too much and have buyers remorse and are looking to blame anyone but yourself for a contract you signed. Take a look around at other places, I'm sorry but you couldn't pay me to get treatment elsewhere. I had treatment done over 3 years ago and it's been fine, ya it took longer than I wanted it to, but it's gone and really of course it will always take longer than we want it to because we want everything done instantly. Stick it out, you'll be just fine.

408 days ago by Shady Alc [send email]

Well let me start by saying that ALC is a SAD joke. Hopefully everyone believes in KARMA. They will get what they got coming. I'm waiting for the day that they will get their headlines... unfortunately not the ones they want. The headlines will read: ALC is bankrupt because of scams and RICH MORGAN is behind bars. Awwww one day they are going to take away his private jet, his 3 houses, and his 24 cars. He should of stuck it out with Tony Z at the strip club they used to work at. There has never... I repeat NEVER been a single patient who has had their hair gone in 6 treatments at ALC. Not even 25% of their hair gone... don't let them lie to you. Don't believe me? Next time you are waiting in the lobby for treatment ask the client next to you how satisfied they are with the company. There is never NEVER been a doctor on hand at the ALC clinics of the ones I know of. If you are a poor responder you will have to wait for God knows how long to get a response back from the medical staff (where the poor responder reports go). Don't give up on getting your money back, fight for it!!! TRUST ME! Threaten them with going to court or the news. They will give you free treatments even after your 2 year guarantee ends if they have to, TRUST ME! If you are a skin type IV or V or VI which is when you have some color to your skin then chances are your hair might LOOK like it's going away but it WILL come back. Dr. Kathleen Gilmore was explaining this at a seminar until Rich Morgan shut her up. If you get burned make sure you report it not only to the clinic, but also to the news. ALC is a scam... all they want is your money! For those of you out there that are using Care Credit, according to a new policy with Care Credit. If you receive even 1 treatment care credit will not give you a refund. That is why when you sign up and get services through Care Credit ALC will try to squeeze you in an appointment right away so that you don't have a chance to back out. You might still get a refund through ALC but that is after 6 treatments and a 2 year guarantee (which equals to approx 3 years) and then you still will have to fight for it. FOTO FACIALS (DONE ON THE AURORA AKA AMERILIGHT) AND CELLULITE REDUCTION TREATMENTS (DONE WITH VELA AKA AMERISMOOTH) DO NOT WORK! I HAVE BEEN AROUND LONG ENOUGH. NOT1 SINGLE HAPPY CUSTOMER WITH RESULTS: ( When you are going in for a consultation.. they will tell you how they are having this fabulous sale and that you are getting the best deal right now. BULLSHIT! The prices are so high because they want to take as much money from a patient as possible, then when you tell them the price is too high they will tell you how they are going to give you a "Coupon" or "Gift Certificate" to give you a better deal. Bottom line they are able to take up to 70% off the price and throw in complimentary treatments of other services like micro-dermabrations. REMEMBER: THEY GET A BONUS CHECK EVERY MONTH AND GETTING ALL YOUR MONEY GIVES THEM A BIGGER BONUS. Every clinic has to reach a goal every month. They will give you the best deal at the end of the month because they have to meet that goal. The clinic must meet a quota of 60 ,000 to 80,000 every month. The clinics have very young girls as young as 19 working. Unfortunately when it comes time for you getting treatment and you are about to get your get upper lip zapped... did they really sterilize the laser after it was just on a guys genitals? THAT''S ALL FOLKS IM OUT!

P.S. HEY EVERYONE GO SEE JAIME (ABOVE) LET HER PUT IT IN WRITING THAT SHE WILL GUARANTEE YOUR HAIR FREE FOREVER!... THAT'S THE KEY WORD FOREVER FOLKS! IT WON'T EVER HAPPEN! SHE' S NOT COMPLAINING BECAUSE #1 SHE DIDN'T PAY FOR IT, THE EMPLOYEES GET TREATMENTS FOR FREE! AND #2 SHE DOESN'T HAVE TO TAKE TIME OFF OF WORK ALL THE TIME FOR APPOINTMENTS SHE'S ALREADY THERE.

BEST OF LUCK ON THE ALEXIS CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT!

406 days ago by Jess K. [send email]

I have olive skin tone and little light brown hairs that cause bumps (aka keratosis pilaris) all over my buttocks, back of upper legs and upper arms. ALC recently burned me on my lower arm, second degree burns, lines that look like I had burned my lower left arm on a BBQ grill. I contacted the clinic and they took a few pics with a very cheap digital camera that didn't show the detail of the burn and gave me a small tube of Aquaphor. I'm like that’s it, no freaking band aids? Neosporin? Gauze? You know the common stuff you would need to properly care for a burn... the manager told me to stop by Walgreen to get the extra stuff... can't get more ghetto than that can you?

Anyways here’s my agenda: already paid, want to get rid of all the hair that causes the bumps and I am most susceptible to get burned based on my naturally olive skin and light hairs on my body. So I gave up and have decided to just pray for an experienced nurse to do my hair removal.

All you law people on this site does anyone know what laser machine ALC uses for hair removal? I think they have created their own and that makes it pretty hard for me to do my research on the laser machine their using.

Thanks for allowing me to tell you my story. I'm angry with ALC but in the long run I want to have much nicer skin on my problem areas.

402 days ago by Leah Nichols [send email]

400 days ago by Maryanne J [send email]
Why don't you guys call problem solvers or ruts to the rescue in michigan? Get it out on the news!!! Thats your best way, along with a class action law suit!

393 days ago by Meena Darly [send email]

I'm glad theres some one taking action against American Laser centers fraudulent activity, they should be thrown behind bars soon... I want to join this class action lawsuit let me know what I should do and who to contact.

I purchased multiple packages for $6000 as they attracted me with big never heard deal, later thought it may not work for me and not sure of what condition my skin might get to after all treatments and if it would work on my light brown skin, so went back the next day (within 24 hrs) and asked them to cancel and refund my money as known to all they said the same of not having a policy but they can refund the AFFIRM package amount of $1000 since this was a pre-sales treatment which came to I know when I asked for refund. I purchased it as they said they can get me treated in another center 20miles away from where I live SanMateo,CA but that center also doesn't seem to have this treatment. I haven't got a refund since 2months of having been purchased these packages.

As I dint wanted to loose my hard earned money I started getting treated on other packages I've gone through 1 treatment so far after reading all the complaints I doubt to be the lucky one to get these 6 treatment work exceptionally just for me.

Advise smb!

381 days ago by Michell [send email]

I have a very similar situation to all of you. I won the "3rd place - $300 discount" back in June of 2005. When I went for my consultation, I was upsold into a big package - nearly $3,700 after discounts, etc. Also, Susan Pineiro, the Office Manager, did a credit check and found that she could offer me 0% financing with CareCredit... which, after having me fill out the paperwork, they took possession of the funds over a week before ever planning to start treatments. When I arrived for my first treatment, I was told by the technician on duty that my skin tone was not suitable for treating--- and then escorted out. I asked to cancel the contract - as they were defaulting on their end by not providing services and then they bring up their NO REFUND policy. I tried to get GE to cancel my account and they upheld ALC's claim that I didn't show for my appointment and therefore, they were entitled to the monies. I contacted BBB in Orlando - ALC sent them a letter telling them I had shown up in a tanned condition not suitable for treatment! Even after the conflicting stories, I find that I am in litigation over the $3,700 (plus finance charges) for something I never received!

I will be happy to sign on with the class action suit in hopes of getting some justice. I have received information from the Florida State Attorney's office that they are investigating this company as well. I would love to get my credit cleared up and make this debt for nothing go away!

374 days ago by Kim [send email]

For those of you who have not had a treatment yet, how can you say that it doesn't work? And if you paid your money and you haven't received a treatment yet, i know for certain that American laser center will do everything they can to get you an appt., and i know this because i work for them. As for the refund policy, you will receive a refund if you have not had any treatments yet, or if you see less than 20% reduction by your 6th treatment. As for lying to patients and putting them in more debt, we do not force you to sign up for care credit, you can not force anyone to do anything they don't want to do. As for the technicians not being trained, that is a lie, and if anyone says otherwise then they are not telling the truth, you have to be at least a licensed esthetician, then go through training with the registered nurses, take an exam, and get retrained on the lasers every 6 months. And for the former employees, i think it is pathetic that you have resorted to bad mouthing a company that was nothing but good to you, and the reason you are a former employee is probably because you burned someone. American laser will terminate an employee who burns a patient, especially if it was the patient's fault. I think most of the people that want to join this lawsuit, are angry people that are not seeing the results that they want to see, so they are being vindictive. American laser Center can guarantee the hair loss as long as you stick to your schedule, and do not miss the scheduled appts made for you. You can not expect to have great results if you take 4 months off because u want to go to the beach in the summer. It's not the company, it's you. I have worked in customer service for over 10years now, and let me just say that American Laser Center has the best customer service out there. I am not management, i do not work for the corporate office, i am just an employee setting the facts straight, as for just wanting your money, we actually care and really want to help the people that have serious issues. We do not force anyone to do anything, and if you are claiming that you were forced, then you are a very weak individual, and i feel sorry for you. The fact that you have to tell lies just because you are miserable in your life is sad. I just want the truth out there especially for new clients, we treat over hundreds of thousands of clients a year, and never see any real issues. The people that want refunds are the ones who sign up and then go home and think it over and decide that they want to spend their money on something else, and that is fine, but don't bad mouth a company because you are an indecisive individual. For those of you who just signed up, go ahead with the treatments you will be so happy you did, and if you see less than 30% reduction you will get your money back. Oh and for being able to treat white, gray hair, that is not true, we never guarantee hair removal for gray or white hair, and i tell all my patients who ask me if the laser will work on those hair colors that. As for red hair, well i am a red head, and it has worked wonderful on me.

374 days ago by Alc Is Out Of Control [send email]
Seems like the last post if from corporate management. There have been nothing but negative posts on this site, ripoffreport.com and here http://www.medicalspamd.com/the-blog/2007/3/16/american-laser-clinics-part-1-armed-guards-threats.html Get together and file that suit!!!

372 days ago by Kim [send email]

Actually i am not from the corporate office I am from one of the offices in New York City. And i don't think its fair that people are making up lies because they want their money back or because they want people to back them up in their stupid lawsuit. If it is justified then by all means complain, but when you are just a bitter person with too much time on your hands, that all you do is sit on a computer all day and badmouth people that only tried to help you get rid of your hair, then im gonna say something. You went for the consultation because it is something you wanted, and unless they held a gun to your head and told you that you had to sign up, then you are the only one to blame. Go try other hair removal places and then come back and tell me how they are different. It is roughly the same place everywhere you go, but different places have different ways of selling. We do not guarantee 100% hair removal by 6th tx., and maybe that is why the above former employee is now a former employee, because she did not know what the hell she was talking about. How would you like it if American Laser Center turns around and files a slander suit against all you people. You all need to calm down, if you are not happy with the clinic that you are going to, switch to a different clinic.

372 days ago by Melanie Johnson [send email]

I haven't received any treatments yet and changed my mind for several legitimate reasons. I was reading the above email from an employee and it says if you haven't received any treatments, you will receive a refund. I just called the office I signed up with and the clinic manager told me that American Laser Centers has a "no refund policy." So you have one employee saying I will get a refund and another employee saying there is a "no refund policy." Which is it? That in itself tells me the employees are not on the same page as far as the companies policies. That alone doesn't look good for any company. I have not had any treatments, therefore I can't speak to whether the treatments work or not, but I can speak to the fact that there is major confusion among the employees regarding the companies policy on refunds. Also, I was never informed about a "no refund policy" before signing up. I think that is unethical business practices.

370 days ago by Nicole Lindblom [send email]

I used to work for American Laser, but it is like you said the sleaziest company I have ever come in contact with. Every month they would threaten you to make at least $5000.00 in sales or you would be terminated. They made us sign a sheet stating that we had to sell that much or we could be terminated. They also made us "make up" sales to present to clients while they were in the treatment room. Any sales amount would be fine as long as we got something. It was all about the money and not about the safety and the results of the client. They also threatened that I couldn't have my surgery performed that I needed because I was still in the 90 day window of employment. I am now pregnant, and my assistant manager told me that I couldn't have the time off for my prenatal appointments which is illegal. Both the assistant manager, and the manager wanted me to perform a treatment on a person that was too tan, and when I refused to do the service, they became extremely angry because now the client could get her money back because she hadn't had her first treatment. After that incident they threatened my employment as well. The clinics are under pressure to reach $60,000.00 a month and if they don't make their quota they get axed. It's at the point now where there is so much bad circulation going around about the company that their sales are dropping, at least at the clinic I worked at. The whole entire time I was there I felt like I was belittled and harassed, and that they didn't care about me in any way shape or form. I was just another number to them, a disposable employee.

370 days ago by Genevieve Yue [send email]

Dear Kim,

You sound like a reasonable person, but I don't fully understand where the "you will get a full refund if you haven't begun treatments" part comes from. That is the case with me, but the local office is still demanding payment. The manager of the clinic actually told me what you said, that I could cancel the treatment before beginning it. Half a day later when I did decide to cancel, she told me that she cancelled the treatment, including the 10% cancellation fee. A month and a half later, when I got a debt collection call from Care Credit, the manager said that the "request" had been denied. So meanwhile, as I wait for someone in customer service to call back, the late fees on the Care Credit account are mounting. It seems to me that if this manager misrepresented American Laser's policies and had me sign paperwork based on false information, the burden of responsibility falls on her, not me.

370 days ago by Genevieve Yue [send email]
Whoops, put the thumb the wrong way last time. Also wanted to ask everyone: what have you all been doing while your balances mounting on Care Credit with late fees? Especially those of you who never started treatment at all, are you paying off the debt or holding out for a full refund?

368 days ago by Dani [send email]
I just "won" a 300 dollar gift certificate from a raffle I entered yesterday and made an appointment for a 'free consultation' at American laser centers. Thank God for all of you and your comments, because when they call to confirm I will give them a piece of my mind. You just saved me a lot of money and trouble. Thank you!

367 days ago by Tammy [send email]

I will be joining the law suit as well if I am unsuccessful at getting my money refunded. Thank goodness I have not had my face burned by the lasers! I changed locations because I could never get an appointment at the one I signed up with. When arriving for my second laser treatment for photo facial at the new location the nurse/tech re profiled my skin type because the other center failed to send over my files. Turns out I was profiled wrong and I could suffer extreme burns and scaring to my face because of it. I will not be completing treatments and will request my money refunded. I will report how it goes.

366 days ago by Megan [send email]

Thanks for posting your experiences. I also won $300 off any treatment at ALC from a drawing at a bridal show. I was contacted a few days later and they were very pushy about scheduling an appointment for the next day. This made me feel uneasy, so I came to the internet and did a little research. After finding this site I immediately canceled.

Thanks for saving me and good luck getting your money back!

365 days ago by Genevieve [send email]

I'm glad to hear that this board is helpful to people. After reading this board and others, I've felt encouraged to know that many people share similar experiences as me.

Whether or not you've been negatively affected by American Laser Centers, I want to encourage everyone to spread the word. If you heard about American Laser Centers through a radio station, a print or internet ad, at a raffle, whatever, contact the person in charge of advertising to let them know that they are dealing with an unscrupulous business partner, and that by promoting American Laser Centers, it takes away from their own credibility. Write reviews describing your experiences on websites like citysearch or yelp. Be vocal, be persistent, and help other people from getting stuck in the same miserable situation that so many of us have already found ourselves in.

It's also a really good lesson in researching a company before you commit to spending a lot of money with them. Businesses like this thrive on consumers not knowing better, so by knowing your rights, you may be able to avoid getting scammed.

364 days ago by Jeni [send email]
I work for ALC and want to say that most clients are happy. We have many that sign up for more tx after they start their first tx. I have experience the great results myself so I wonder about these comments. If you work with the center, they will work to get results for you. There are special protocols for people who are not getting the typical quick results. Best of luck to you all.