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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:  87 % with 156 votes
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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Comments

372 days ago by Pissedoffnewyorker [send email]
sorry everyone I meant to put the thumb down..... way down. this place should be closed ASAP.
372 days ago by Amanda [send email]
I am having problems with American Laser Center in Lee's Summit, Mo. They also told me I was a winner of a $300 gift certificate. They convinced me to come in just to "talk about what it was and pricing." Melissa, the manager, said we could just see if I could get approved and told me the papers I was signing was for hippa and privacy things. Well now I am in "contract" they say and even though I've had zero procedures done, they say too bad. No refunds. Can anyone help??
368 days ago by Apryl [send email]
After reading all these complaints, I decided not to start treatment, even after I have signed up and paid with Care Credit. I looked at the paperwork I had signed and the wording is really funny, "As of the date of signing this agreement, I understand that all fees paid to American Laser Centers are non-refundable. Cancellation of this will result in a 10% cancellation fee." What does the mean? It sounds like they are saying you can't get your money back, but then suddenly you can if you cancel, minus 10 percent. I'm completely confused.

What do you think the odds are of actually getting my money back? There's no way I want to use them after I've heard how low they stoop to get people in and their under-trained staff. I'm glad I read this before my appointment today, or I'd have been very sorry!
368 days ago by Alex Barros [send email]
I agree 100% I paid roughly $2000.00 for facial hair removal. I signed up Dec.2005 and its now October 2007 and I have half the hair on my face still. I had 14 sessions already!! Not to mention if for any reason you have to cancel and reschedule an appointment you have to wait like 3 weeks till the next one. I am so dissatisfied with the results!! Trust me Im with all you on complaining, and getting a refund of some sort etc. I already have a complaint letter ready to go, just unsure of who to send it to get results.
P.S. I know someone who was getting their chest done and after 8 sessions no results, paid in full, like myself and he decided to stop going.
367 days ago by Mft [send email]
At first I was really steamed to find out that so many people were taken for a ride, but now I look at it as learning a big big lesson...

I "Won" $330 + $100 dollars. I went in for a consult at a Central Coast, CA location. She went on with her shpeal and I stopped an asked when they would grant a refund. "If we harm/hurt you...or you become pregnant...we just do not want to be held liable...a child is at stake..." I went on to open Care Credit...spent $2211...went home.

I talked to my boyfriend (he wanted to know what I would expect, was i excited). I explain everything in detail and he printout that 12 treatments is a long time (since I have dark skin). "What if we wanted to get pregnant??" I thought about and simply did not want to start something I could not finish. The next day I went back into the office...and was told what a lot of you were told "I will have to get authorization for a manager...I will call you by Friday". I let it be known that it does not make sense that she can charge people but not refund...but i wasn't too worry because I knew I had just opened the account and had NOT started any treatment. I then decided to go home and look these guys up...bad reviews.

The next day the clinician calls with a propsition. "Pay half...freeze my cost, and when I have the baby, start again. I was disgusted and asked nicely that she refund my money. The next day she called formy account info and I thought i was in the clear.

Long story short I havetalk to two persons, no results. My first bill in in the mail. Do your research! Scams are out there...and it is not likei have the money for this believe me, but I dont havetime for the run around others have been experiencing. Better Business will be hearing for me and I will be writing letters to the company, but I am going to move on.
365 days ago by Cc [send email]
I totally agree and would join if it does not affect me negatively in any way. the company is very deceptive. Very big turnover of employees, especially professionals. Its the administrators, managers, sales people that stay the most. they make bonuses on the backs of the professionals. They do not like hiring mid level providers like nurse practitioners, physician assistants. I have many dreams needs your money and you can help me. They prefer lower paid aesteticians, depilating persons.

Training is only 2 days. They wanted me to start on patients after 2 days, before full evaluation..because they booked patients. not professional. I was lied to several times, degraded by unprofessional people. And was told they do to refund. They try to get other parts worked on. Even though in their protocol they say refund if 6 treatments and 25% no improvement. I reality the sales person/ manager sold a package to someone for a face part with baby hair/peach fuzz/vermilion hair which is white and does not in any way react to laser ( as per protocol).

What i wrote only scratches the surface. If this is possible...people need to know, because these are astronomical prices to not be refunded. ad or burned.

It is a money driven business.
The trainer deviates a lot from protocol. Then disrespects student when asked why.
365 days ago by Cc [send email]
This is strange and funny. The advertisements on the left include American laser for raffle to win $5000 dollars for laser treatment. Why? Are we actually inadvertently advertising for them?
360 days ago by Anne [send email]
Although I haven't completed my treatments yet... actually I've only had one and am having my second one next week, I have to say that I have had results. I have been self conscious of my facial hair for years. It actually is cause for a lot of scarring on my face. I have light skin but I have course dark hair that tends to become ingrown and causes rashes and infections. I have also had sensitive skin all my life and get a really nasty rash every time I shave. It was to the point where I had tweezers strategically placed in my purse, in my car, in every bathroom, in the bedroom and in the living room. I would tweeze the hairs every day and it was getting to the point where I felt like I was completely OCD about it.

Since the first treatment I have had less skin infections and less rashes. To me this is clear proof that SOMETHING is working.

Sure their method of sales is shady and shameful, but so it also was for my used car, and for that vacuum a friend of mine tried to sell me a few years back, and for the bedroom set I bought this year. I mean... what are they selling you? They are selling you cosmetology and beauty at a HIGH cost. Even at its retail value how are these people going to get customers? Most people are scared by a large price tag... so jacking up the price and offering a huge discount is the only way to make people satisfied that they got a good deal for what thy are paying for. I have a friend who owns an art store in a small town. He told me all about the marketing system. And guess what? It's the same for art supplies! Because the cost of paint is SO high (trust me, I know as I was an art major) what he did was jack up the price and then run a huge sale on paint. So people payed market value without feeling guilty about the expense. It's the only way he could survive and I think that's okay.

Yes, my laser removal is expensive... but with a 2 year warranty I'm not ashamed of having it. It was less than a new computer. So I'll put off updating my computer for another 2 years. I'll survive. I get 6 treatments for $2,000 plus the 2 year warranty which, trust me, I will use if I have to. I'm aware of every hair on my face. They won't slip by me.

The hardest part about this procedure for me was stopping the tweezing. I had to basically lock away all of those dang tweezers and I still have insane ogres to pluck. I just try to shave every day, but god it makes me feel so unsexy.

So I want to say thank you to ALC for helping me with my skin condition and with my self esteem.
359 days ago by Ayana [send email]
I am in the process of trying to obtain a refund from ALC. I have sent a letter to GE Money advising them that ALC is in the process of reviewing my account for refund and not to pay anything to them. I am MORE THAN WILLING TO JOIN THE CLASS ACTION SUIT. If anyone has details about the suit, please advise. In the interim I am going on a letter writing campaign and if that fails, then I will pursue legal action.
359 days ago by Formeremployee [send email]
To Ayana,

I am so sorry you are fighting these assholes for your money. As a former manager I understand your frustration with their manipulative practices. The only advice I can offer is to keep harassing corporate until you get your money. There are literally thousands of people just like you who are battling these crooks for refunds. As far as a class action suit goes, I believe there is one already pending for clients and I know there is one for former employees. This company is going down quickly. I hope you get your money back before that happens. Good luck.
359 days ago by Alc Are Unethical Crooks [send email]
I would like to join the class action suit but evidently dont qualify. I had severe burns that went away after 6 months. I asked them for a PRO RATED refund because of both the burns and because my doctor said she didnt want me going back due to the medical conditions I have. I told them this, showed pics, have a doctor letter, they ignore me. Wont even give me a copy of my contract. The manager at that location wont call me back and is rude. The lovely technician stole a personal item from me and does a crap job if you dont tip her. Nice huh?

The customer service dept wont call me back. The corporate office wont get back to me. Left one message for the Pecoh guy and one for some other person. The regional managet also ignores me. It is in their best interest to refund me becasue the cost to their reputation is going to be big, and super huge if they dont refund me. Not a threat, just telling it like it is. Knowing them they would probably try to come after me for slander or libel. Too bad that will FAIL MISERABLY because it is only libel and slander if what you say is a LIE and unless they refund me I will share my experience with everyone I come in contact with.
359 days ago by Alc Are Unethical Crooks [send email]
Can you believe it? I ask them to give me back $ for work they WONT be doing for me. I am not even asking for a full refund for their crap job, lying, theft, just money back for future appts I PAID for but wont be having. Somehow I dont think that is unreasonable. I will fight these pathetic creatures till my death. The longer they ignore me the more they will pay with their reputation. The 1K am asking for back will cost them a whole heck of a lot more if they continue to ignore me, guaranteed. I could use advice though on how to resolve this asap. Because while its good to let everyone know about these crooks, it is in my best interest to put it behind me so I can focus on my health issues. No mater what though if they dont refund me i will be after them, even if I have one foot in the grave.
359 days ago by Carolyn Vangsness [send email]
I have only had one treatment for facial hair removal, so I can not comment one way or the other right now. However, I have been having treatments for the amerismooth cellulite reduction. several issues here. First my treatment time was 45 minutes per session. No where in writing, of course, but, I did receive 45 the first three times. The last two times my total treatment was 16 minutes. This is their new "protocol". 8 minutes for each area. I am having thigh and hip areas done, and am actually not a big person at all, but do have the nasty cellulite I have never been able to get rid of. So far no results, after 5 treatments. They say you start to see a difference after 4. I'll see how it goes today, and will bring up the issue of treatment time lengths. I totally agree that they are unprofessional in just about every way, you can not get a hold of anyone at corporate to verify anything, they have made mistakes on my treatment times and days 3 times out of 5, possibly on purpose, and they do take you on a ride with special pricing tactics. I say if I can not see any results yet, i dont see how any one else could, considering my size. They have charged me 50$ for the hyradion moisturizing cream when it was 40$, still way overpriced for the product, but, they owed me 50$, and couldn't do a refund, imagine that!!! There have been other little things I could go on about with their practices. Maybe I'll get to join the lawsuit after all. Still have the laser issue with my face, and we'll see how that goes.
358 days ago by C Culpepper [send email]
THIS IS ALL UNTRUE! OF THE MILLIONS OF TREATMENTS THEY HAVE DONE, OF COURSE EVERYONE WILL NOT BE HAPPY. WHAT COMPANY CAN PLEASE 100% OF ITS CLIENTS. THE COMPANY ABSOLUTELY DOES GIVE REFUNDS AS IT IS STATED ON THEIR PAPERWORK WHEN YOU SIGN UP. A FRIEND OF MINE ALSO GOT A REFUND WHEN SHE REALIZED SHE COULDN'T DO THE TREATMENT. AS THE OTHER GIRL SAID ABOVE, IT CLEARLY SHOWS WHAT YOU BUY AND WHAT THE TERMS ARE. THEY ARE ENTERING INTO AN AGREEMENT AS WELL AS THE CLIENT. THE RESULTS ARE AMAZING, AS ME AND AND SO MANY THAT I KNOW HAVE PERSONALLY EXPERIENCED. IT'S NOT AN EXACT SCIENCE...SOME PEOPLE DON'T RESPOND TO MEDICATION, THE SAME IS TRUE FOR HAIR REMOVAL. PLEASE REMEMBER BEFORE YOU BUY INTO THIS CRAZINESS THAT THESE ARE SIMPLY DISGRUNTELED PEOPLE EXPRESSING FRUSTRATION. HOW MANY OF YOU HAVE BEEN DISPLEASED WITH THE "TARGET" RETURN POLICY, YET WE ALL STILL SHOP THERE AND AREN'T TRYING TO MAKE MONEY ON CRAZY LAWSUITS. I HAVE NOTHING TO GAIN BY WRITING THIS, EXCEPT TO SAY THAT I AM SO SICK OF PEOPLE IN THE WORLD GETTING SUE HAPPY JUST TO MAKE A BUCK...HOW STUPID!!
358 days ago by C Culpepper [send email]
AND ONE MORE THING...REGARDING THE 300 WINNERS! THIS IS ACTUALLY BRILLIANT WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT. BECAUSE ANYONE WHO ENTERS CAN POTENTIALLY GET SOME DISCOUNT ON THE SERVICE OF THEIR CHOICE.

ALSO, WHAT NO ONE IS TELLING YOU ABOVE IS THAT THERE IS ACTUALLY ONLY ONE 1500 WINNER AND ONE 500 WINNER IN THE DRAWING. THE GOAL OF THE DRAWING IS TO BE THE BIG WINNER!!!

BUT JUST FOR ENTERING MANY PEOPLE GET SOMETHING TO MAKE A GREAT SERVICE A LITTLE MORE AFFORDABLE!!! WHY DON'T WE ALL BAN TOGETHER AND GET PISSED FOR GETTING COUPONS IN THE MAIL... AGAIN... HOW STUPID!!! THEY ARE RUNNING A BUSINESS - LAST TIME I CHECKED BUSINESSES WEREN'T NON-PROFIT!!
358 days ago by Anne [send email]
It's the sad truth... People never take the time to compliment, but if you rub someone the wrong way, not only will they complain, they will try and spread a wildfire and burn down the whole village.
358 days ago by Alc Are Unethical Crooks [send email]
C Culpepper and Anne are clearly employees. Because like Anne said, no one takes the time to compliment, even those who may be satisfied. This board is NOT for employees to defend these incompetent crooks. Its for real complaints by actual clients. Also, all caps is NOT necessary, its improper etiquette and shows one is yelling. Your post will get read, you dont need to scream. What's SAD Anne, is getting screwed over, you're totally focusing on the wrong thing. It's like a drunk running over an innocent person on the side walk. Go feel sorry for the drunk because now they are in jail. So logical. Lastly, this ISNT about cost or their little contest. Its about the fact that most of us wont take their crap services for FREE now that we know what we got ourselves into. Its about getting painful long lasting burns. Its about my doctor saying I should NOT continue and they ALL ignore me, wont give me back a cent for services I wont be having.

It's RUDE & UNPROFESSIONAL. This is disgusting and how anyone with average intelligence doesnt see that is beyond me. Oh, and if they would have responded to me and treated me with respect, I would not be spreading the "wildfire" as you call it. That is THEIR choice by ignoring me. The longer this lasts, the bigger the wildfire lady, this 1K is going to cost them through the nose!!!!
358 days ago by Anne [send email]
I'm NOT an employee!!! www.myspace.com/xstatic_anne . There I am - Joe Schmoe average girl - 27 stay at home mom. So bite me.
358 days ago by Anne [send email]
Oh here - If you really want to know all about me, here's my online journal as well:

http://xstatic-anne.livejournal.com/

There you are - read away - I like gaming though and I swear and stuffs so watch out.

And by the way. I didn't say that everyone doesn't have the right to complain. Some of you do and for very valid reasons. I think it's absolutely crazy that some people got burned and the company did nothing to compensate... That right there would be grounds for a lawsuit as far as I'm concerned. For those who's skin types didn't work out and they didn't get the results, I'm sorry that really sucks and I feel sorry for you, but unfortunately that's the way it works. You sign a contract. You gotta read what you sign. People took the leap of faith hoping for results and probably didn't read the contract or at least they signed it then and there thinking it's what they wanted because ALC does pressure people like a car salesman as I said before, and then they got home and went - oh shit! But if they are like me, the laser company was smart and got them in for their first session right away - hence making the refund policy inactive. Smart smart.

All I was trying to say, was that it does work for some people - myself included. And that my success story is buried under a lot of wildfire. Some which is valid but a lot which was not. I read all 4 pages. A lot was of angry scared women who wanted to back out after not getting results on their first treatment.
357 days ago by Genevieve [send email]
I'm sorry ALL CAPS and Anne, the language in the contract is hardly clear. Tell me how these two sentences are not directly contradictory: “As of the date of signing this agreement, I understand that all fees paid to American Laser Centers are non-refundable. Cancellation of this will result in a 10% cancellation fee.” How is it possible to be non-refundable, and yet still have the option to cancel? Others have claimed that this is a matter of reading the fine print --there is no fine print. Just those two confusing sentences above, a marked-up drawing of a human body, and managers who, in my case, blatantly lied when I asked if I could get a refund when I pressed her on the language of those two statements (she later said no, and then when I pushed for a refund from the corporate offices, they claimed there had been "a computer glitch.")

Moreover, regarding the "no refunds" policy that is being challenged by the class-action lawsuits mentioned up thread, most every state has some type of Consumer Protection Act that makes it illegal to have non-refundable policies for services that were never begun. Though there might be some "sue-happy" people dissatisfied with their results (and there the 2 years' guarantee would seem to suggest "or your money back"), there is also a very legitimate legal issue here. Particularly for those who never began any sort of treatment.

Yes they are a business, and yes their procedures do work for some people. But it becomes questionable when a business uses deliberately confusing and contradictory language and policies to attempt to convince people that they can't get a refund. Though it's unsustainable in court, and when hard-pressed they do give back your refunds, there's too much of the company that relies on this exploitative system. It's playing the legal system in a way that is quite unethical. It's not at all surprising that the CEO of the company is a lawyer, by the way --he knows what risks to leverage here, what loopholes they can cover themselves up with. Until some more serious measures are taken against the company, it's up to the consumers to know their rights.

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