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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.
I used to work for ALC and Yes MS and VA are all owned by Melissa and Brian Horman. They are brother and sister who lied to the state of MD and VA that they are operation under required guideline ect... but the truth is they never -ever did. and will never will. They even have another brother /lawyer to write to clients and employees threatening letters to scare them off to prevent any refund or even any further action that anyone might plan to do so. They are so very nasty, heartless and money [censored] ### holes who will above all take your money and knowing that their employees were never trained and lied to the states about meeitng the states guidelines as well as to thier clients too. People these people should burn in hell and have the state crack down on them soon. Please stay away from ALC!
I recently went to the American Laser Center in Weldon Spring Missouri. I did a web search for thermage for the eyes and somehow was directect to them. I filled out a form 5 minutes later a guy called me . I told him what my interest was he told me what they did was simular. I said whats the difference he said one was coke the other pepsi. so I made an appointment I was talked into 5 treatments 1500 . That was suppose to be my special deal. I did one treatment and was told I would have to come back the next month for the next 5 months. I said so this is going to take 5 months. Then I found a place that really does thermage. It only takes one treatment and the cost is less than 1000. 750 to be exact. Definetly not coke and pepsi. Anyway I said I would pay for the one treatment 500 is what I suggested but I want 1000 back. They won't give me a refund Can they force me to take sevices I don't want.
Here's my story:
I went to ALC on 4/1/09 and met with the "clinic manager" who sold me a pkg. of 6 laser treatments (w/the so called 2 year gurantee). I previously had 2 laser treatments at a doctor's office in Canada (and at a much lower price), but I didn't want to have to sit for hours to get back & forth across the boarder, so I thought I would use a local place even if it cost more). The clinic manager had me apply for a "MedChoice" revolving credit account that had 0% interest for a year. Anyhow, I went in on 5/1/09 for my 1st treatment. I was taken into the treatment room by the lady who was going to do the laser treatment. She said that she needed to ask me a few questions before hand because the clinic manager who sold me the package was FIRED because she did not adequately screen patients and some of them got burns/skin damage because they were taking photosensitive medications and were not good candidates. She asked me several questions, including was I taking any photosensitive medications. I told her YES, I was. She asked me if it was one that I could stop taking. I told her NO, absolutely not, it is a necessary medication and without it I suffer intense gut cramps and can't eat. (I tried that about 2 mos. ago because this medication made me gain weight. Within a few days the intense gut cramps started and it took me 2 weeks of doubling up the medication to recover). I also told her that I noticed some spots on my skin from the 2 previous laser treatments in Canada. I showed them to her and she said they were called "hyperpigmentation" which is skin damage caused from the laser. She said that because I can't get off the medication & already got hyperpigmentation from the laser that she could NOT perform the treatment on me and said she could "EMAIL" their medical advisors at headquarters about it, but thought it would be best for her to ask corporate/headquarters to process a refund for me. She asked me to call their ALC office on Mon 5/4/09 to check on the refund status. I spoke with another woman who accused me of not informing the clinic manager that I was taking photosensitive medication prior to purchasing the package and that if I did not go through with the treatments I would be charged a $300. cancellation fee (which is more than twice the 10% fee listed on the sales agreement). She said that she would "EMAIL" their medical advisors to see if it was ok to have the treatments while taking the medication. I called my pharmacist to ask if the dose of medication I'm taking was low enough that it would be ok to get the treatments. She said NO, it is NOT dose dependent. It is the fact that any amount of the medication is in my system that I am photosensitive and should NOT have any laser treatments. Later the lady at ALC called me back and said their ALC medical advisors said that if I could quit taking the mecidation 3 days before and 3 days after the treatment & get this in approved in writing by MY doctor, they would go ahead and do the treatments. I told her that there was NO WAY I was going to go off this medication and suffer for 2 weeks of agony until the levels got built back up in my system. Again she brought up the $300.00 cancellation fee, and I corrected her stating that the papers said 10%, but that it was not right to charge me this fee since I was not notified of a contraindication with my medication prior to purchasing the package. Then she went on about how long it takes to get a refund and how I'd better make payments to the credit card agency in the meantime. I told her that I'd already called MedChoice and put in a verbal dispute over the phone. They told me I didn't have to pay anything while this is in dispute. I looked at the back of my first bill from MedChoice that they said I could "disregard". Well in the fine print on the back it says that in order to preserve my dispute rights that they need to receive a dispute statement in writing sent to a certain department. So I wrote up a 3 page dispute letter and sent it by CERTIFIED MAIL today (it costs more but important to verify they received it). Then I did some internet research. I found that in my state (WA) there are laws written regarding the use of laser on humans. In WA they are the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). Having worked in local government, I was familiar with the WAC & RCW's so I googled them up: WAC [protected], WAC [protected] & RCW 18.71.011. In essence, for my situation, what they say is that the use of laser (which penetrates human tissues) is considered practicing medicine and a person has to be licensed to practice medicine. In order to practice medicine under RCW 18.71.011 there must be a PHYSICIAN (MD) or PHYSICIAN'S ASSISTANT (PA) on the premises to do an examination, take a history, make an appropriate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment. There was no one but myself and the "clinic manager" in the building at the time of my initial appt. and she was not an MD or PA, and was NOT licensed to practice medicine and therefore sell me the laser treatments. In addition the WAC's state that during the time of my initial treatment, an MD or PA MUST be "on the premises to be able to treat complications, provide consultation, or resolve problems if indicated". There was no one other than myself and the laser technician in the building at the time of my 1st visit for treatment. According to the WAC & RCW's they were in violation of the law both times I was there...no MD, PA, not even a nurse on site.
Next call was to the WA Dept. of Health which is in charge of the Medical Quality Assurance Commission who oversees medical providers. They sent me a COMPLAINT form which I filled out today, basically stating that ALC employees are practicing medicine without a license according to the WAC's and RCW's. I faxed the complaint form along with a complaint statement, my 3 page letter that was sent certified mail to MedChoice credit card address, and a copy of my "Treatment & Financial Agreement" signed by the clinic manager & her business card (which has no MD or PA title) . I also sent hard copies of the same in their pre-paid return envelope. My next steps are to contact ALC for their Claims department (I'm looking for their mailing address so I can send complaint & demand for refund by certified mail- if anyone has it please let me know!), contact Better Business Bureau, the WA State Attorney General (complaint about trying to charge a cancellation fee & practicing medicine w/o license), and contact the attorney who has been working on the ALC class action lawsuit. Here is a link to the attorney's website www.quatlaw.com/ so you can sign up for the class action lawsuit too. So far I have had no laser treatments at ALC and have not had to pay since I'm disputing the charges...but there's a balance on the credit card account and until that's completely removed through the dispute process and I'm assured I won't be charged any cancellation fees by ALC, I assume that I need to fight this debt aggressively until it's resolved. SO, I recommend you all do the same. Do a google search for your state laws regarding the use of lasers on human tissue, contact the proper authorities if an MD or PA is required to do an exam, take a history, etc. Submit a complaint to your Atty. General, contact the BBB, make WAVES! Fight Back! I'm thinking they don't know who's cage they rattled and they should have been nicer to me and just given me the damned refund (LOL).
I am in the same boat as everyone else, they lied to me and when I cancelled two days later I NEVER received a refund, it's been almost a year. They never answer their phone it's impossible to reach anyone! I'd like to join the class action lawsuit if not to late please email me at
keliamparan@yahoo.com
AVOID THESE SCAM ARTISTS! RRRRRRUUUUUUUUUNNNNNNN From them!~
I worked for ALC in a high up position for several years. I am not disgruntled. I knew that it was a sales motivated position when I accepted it. I chose to move on to another career and left on good terms. HOWEVER... while I was there I did witness a lot of shady sales tactics, not unlike most places that are sales driven, but shady none the less. I recently recarpeted the whole ground level of my house, the sales rep came out and even "called her manager" to get me the absolute best price possible. Now being that I am a sales person myself I didn't think that I was falling for a sales scheme, and accpted the HUGE discount that she so graciously got for me at 50%...only to see a commercial the very next day that the company was (and had been for 2 weeks) running a 65% off special. I was suckered. But that is sales.
When it comes to results...the corporate companies use sub par lasers (or light sources I should say...they are not an actual laser) because in most states there is no requirement for what level of training you ust have to operate one. Therefore these less agreesive lasers prove less likely to cause serious burns making it less important to have properly educated staff persons operating the machinery. Some of the privtely owned companies have purchased and are using higher grade actual lasers like the light sheer diode. This will give results. Do not be fooled by the guarantee. This guarantee states NO WHERE that you will have permanent hair removal or even 100% reduction. It merely states that if you still have hair after your package ends you can continue to treat for 2 more years (only if you have followed the protocol). It is tricky wording and often misrepresentaion in the consultation that causes so many of these posting. Unfortunately most buyers are not taking the time to make sure that they are completely informed prior to making their purchase.
If you pay with a credit card you can call the credit card compnay to stop pay.
If you paid by Care Credit (who has now limited it's funding to ALC companies due to so many unsatisfied customers) you can call them directly to have them discontinue payment.
If you paid thru Chase call Chase directly, they will also stop payment.
Be informed. Most credit card companies will fight for a refund with you.
If you are years into this and still have no results you have no recourse. You continued to treat knowing the results you were getting therefore it is like eating an entire meal then complaining that it wasn't cooked well enough...no restaurant would give you a refund, and neither will ALC.
The high amount of turnover is due to the high level of intimidation when it comes to sales. EVERY staff person there is a sales person. EVERY discount can be gotten at any time and is never as low as they would go.
Good luck to everyone that is pursuing a refund... but I doubt you will ever find resolution.
I think I got the worst rip-off..I was led to think that they have a 50% discount which they never ever have and might never ever have again..I signed willingly to a full body laser treatment for 9, 000$..which later on I found out will become 13, 000$ with the interest rate. They opened a credit account for me with 9000$ even though i did not have any credit. I was given 4 year span to give back the money to a company that does not have online banking "chase health care"...who might be sleeping in bed with them cause they are very suspicious. Sometimes they do not even send me the bill - but i have to send the check to them on time anyway.
I went there 3 times already for laser treatments and I have not seen 1% improvement - on the contrary I think the hair has grown denser and thicker. So decided to look online for information on them and found thousands and thousands of complaints everywhere. I am now stuck with 13, 000$ in debt for nothing. How can a company like that even survive till now? they are just ripping off people's money for a promise of services - but no services. It's like they have toy laser machines - made for children to play with - just to waste people's times going there for hours and hours of non-efficient zapping. I need to get my money back - every single cent of it - but i do not know how.
AMERICAN LASER is MADOFF'S YOUNGER SISTER!
These sorry behind cowards hoodwinked me too! I saved up my college refund check money so I could get treatment on my neck and chin. I was concerned I wouldn't be a good candidate but they convinced me I would be fine and that I just needed more treatments than most they said...i bought it hook line and sinker!
Long story short 2 yrs later, the AL in West Palm Beach, Fla. told me I didn't see results b/c I did things to void my contract. Even thoughevery 3-6 months they changed managers and staff, I just figured they were trying to weed out bad staffers. I always made appointments, but when I complained they'd tell me i wasn't getting results due to missed appointments!
Finally I got hung up on by the AL manager, she sabotage my chances of getting a refund buy telling corporate I used NAIR/VEET, which was a lie and corporate cared not to investigate.
They never answer the phone and the ble moon you do get some 1 they tell you its not their decision and its just a complaint line...oh yeah...ABSOLUTELY NOOOOO REFUNDS!
I chose AL b/c the had multiple sites and I travel alot, but the took advantage of a college girl when scrapped her pennies for a lifetime investment in herself. THEY ARE UNETHICAL, UNPROFESSIONAL, AND JUST LIKE ALL OTHER WHITE COLLAR CRIMINAL...profiting from honest working citizens trying to better themselves.
I feel terrible for the people who spent thousands of dollars.
If I can still be added to the class action suit contact me at libra42@hotmail.com
OMG..someone by the name Cindy called me today and told me i had won a $300 gift card towards any package at the American Laser Center. They make offers like these to trick us the "customers" into actually believing them and singing up with them. What a SCAM! so please, i hope nobody falls for their bull ###!
Thank you all for sharing your stories with us!
Omg, this is so scary! I'm sooo glad and sooo thankful i did research on this company before i got involved with them! I'm supposed to go to my free consultation tomorrow but after reading this I'm definitely not going! I'm so sorry for all of the people that were fooled by this heart-less people, I hope something good comes out of all of this! But thank you for sharing your experiences with us, by this you have prevented a lot of people from going through what you guys went through! Thank you.
I never got treatments for $500 package. I tried to cancel and they won't do it a center level says corporate issues refunds. However they won't issue it. I am on board for lawsuit. Keep me in the loop too!
I am having a great experience at American Laser Center in Wisconsin. Anna is great to work with, and she has great staff that is friendly and knowledgeable. I will definitely continue with their services!
Thank you Anna, Jodie and the rest of the staff!
I, too, fell for the scam of American Laser Center. Now I am approaching the end of my "2 year guarentee" which is a lie! They have added in treatment dates which I never received in order to get me out of there quicker since the treatments are not working. And this is not the first time they've lied to me either. I am fed up with them tricking me into a proceedure that I find out I was not a good candidate for because of my hair and skin color (of course, when I went in for my free consultation, I was an "ideal candidate"...hah!). If anyone still has a lawsuit open against them, I want in please!
It's really very sad that a company can get away with this kind of abuse of the public for so long...
Cora
dancingdaisy2@yahoo.com
Thank you for letting me know about American Laser Centers. I was scheduled to have a free appointment with them tomorrow morning, and after reading all this helpful bad publicity, I just canceled. Thank you for posting these comments for others, like me to see. I am glad there is a class action suit against them, and I will warn others to stay away. Good luck with the suit. I will keep you all in my prayers!
Grateful, from Santa Clara, CA
Well thank god I googled this before I called them with my credit card number to hold my "special offer". The lady at the office I went to was extremely friendly but I am wary of everything and she was way too pushy for me. I dont like feeling like I have to buy something. I am supposed to call when I get off work and give them my credit card number but that wont be happening. Thanks for all your posts and informing us what they are all about. I hope you all get some of your money back.
ok here is the deal
1. Since this is a long term treatment
6+ treatments 2 to 8 week intervals you are bound to come across quite a few techs some maybe in training.
2. AL JUST RECENTLY upgraded their "machines and software" so you may see better results..sucks for everyone that signed before
3. THEY NEVER GUARANTEE HAIR PERMANENT HAIR REDUCTION. After the "2 year warranty" they can just shot you out even if you hair reduction is 0 percent
4. If you really push it, argue, file a small claims court, get a lawyer you might get your money back thats IF you have a case. Remember they have lawyers too on retainer.
5. If you missed ANY appointment or even rescheduled the warranty is void and you have no case!
My questions is this is there ANYONE that has any other laser hair removal company that can do a great job ? and actually show results much quicker?
AL will be a great company down the road when they perfect their methods for now I say shop around.
my story? 2 years later only a slight reduction and now I am told I need to pay for more additional sessions. and unless I get a good lawyer or get on a class action its not worth it.
Buyer Be Ware! On 02/2008 I purchased a package from them hoping to get rid of my acne scars...they do not know what they are doing. The young girl who worked on the three times burned my face and left triangle shaped welts on my face and neck. The manager agreed that the setting they were using for me was incorrect. The location near me is very unprofessional. Their staff is always calling out and quiting so your appointments are cancelled and rescheduled.
Denton, Texas
Normally a person should read a contract before signing.I have been going to a laser center and have had very good results on my legs.I just had my last treatment on my thighs and don't see any hair growth at all and my legs had grey hair on them.I find the people have treated me very well.they do know what they are doing and do have their certificate hung on the wall. People should not expect results after one or two treatments.if you didn't want them to do the treatments go back to shaving or use a nair product.I very much enjoyed my treatment and my legs look pretty darn good.And I am a male.
WOW, I wish I had read this board before signing. I got suckered into a package deal which I thought was too good to be true and off course it is. I called the very next day, less than 14 hours after signing to cancel and I was told it's too late, corporate is already processing your paperwork. You will need to contact them for a refund. I immediately called Chase health finance to let them know what was going since I read about ALS refund policy and how difficult/impossible it is to get a full refund. I called Chase five times and nothing had been processed so I thought she did the right thing and canceled my contract.
Well, 6 weeks later guess what I just got, a bill from chase for services. Off course I'm filling a dispute with Chase and have sent a letter/email to ALS to refund...I know I won't get a response but none the less, I sent it.
SO, how can I get involved in the Class action lawsuit?
thanks
Wow! I'm surprised at some of the comments that this hasn't worked for a lot of people. I only did 3 treatments and the hair never came back, after 2 years. And I still have 3 treatments left. Maybe it's because I have very coarse black hair and light skin. But it can work, FYI. I do agree with their pushy sales tactics though. They opened up a CareCredit line for me right away and then they tried convincing me to get hair removal in other places. Ugh they are so evil. And then they tried selling me their stupid creams. Luckily I'm not the type to give in easily, or else they would have gotten tons of money out of me. And in the two years I have been going I've seen tons of employees come and go. Now what does that say about their company?! I'm debating whether I should get more treatments with them. Although the laser removal works for me I can't stand giving my money to pushy sales people. Ugh! And I also noticed their treatments aren't done by doctors, just by trained people with some phony certificates hanging on the wall ha ha. Kind of scary when you think about it.
Wow - I didn't read all 19 pages of comments but it's nice to know that I am not alone... my friend and I have the same issues. Alexis, I emailed you, please let me know what we need to do to join in the class action suit.
kara_713@yahoo.com
I am one more victim of ALC. I paid $6, 400 in Mar-07 for full-face, under-arms and bikini. After almost 10 painful treatments of each area I do not see any result. When I asked them about this they said I should use all the 2 years after the 6th treatment and if I still don’t see any result I should buy more treatments. Instead I developed a dark pigmentation around my lips.
They keep changing their protocols every year and the current one is that they don’t do double pass and they treat face every 4-6 weeks and rest of the body 8-10weeks. Now when I want to schedule an appointment accordingly they can’t accommodate me as they are understaffed and gives me an appointment for face after 10 weeks. When I tell the Manager that she is not really being accommodating, she says that they are booked for 2 months and I’ll have to just go with what they have. I am so frustrated that I feel like going to their office and tell all the customers about their SCAM personally and ask them not to get cheated like me!
I signed up for this treatment in Whiteplains, NY location and since we moved from there I am now going to the West Hartford, CT location since Jan-09. The manager at West Hartford location is very rude and would never let me talk to her boss, neither does she let me come and meet her personally.
Now that I know there are so many people like me, I’d like to join the CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. I would like to do anything in my reach to get justice to this kind of unprofessional and unethical practices. Please let me know how I can join this Lawsuit. I can be reached at sree.talluri@gmail.com .
Sree
Hello Everyone,
I used to work at ALC for 4 years, and let me tell you, this company is a SCAM. Worst company you could ever spend money with. They are sales driven company and will do ANYTHING it takes to make a sale, (this includes, lies, deciet, and false information) just to get you to pay! They do NOT have a refund policy! (they didnt for 5 years with Rich Morgan being the founder, and then Gary Graves took over and said YES we do give refunds, but then he resigned and guess what? Rich Morgan is back, and NO REFUND POLICY is back as well! Please be very careful. There hair removal machine is not the newest or most efficent machine out there, ask syneron (the makers of the machine, its the lowest model they have!) no one has EVER seen 100% hair removal. There Velashape machine, IS BOGUS! as well as fotofacials skin tightning! Please do not invest with this company. For those of you who are seeking a refund, take the legal route...because ALC will not give you one
Is it to late to join the lawsuit? It's been a little over a year for me and I'm going on my 7th treatment. The only thing I've noticed is that it takes longer for the hair to grow... The results aren't good and I am very fair skined and have almost black hair! I was told I'm the perfect person to have this done and there wouldn't be a problem! Guess they're wrong! Oh, I have seizures and during the paperwork signing I told them I had seizure but they were controled and she said that was fine. Then, when I went for treatment 4 I was told they couldn't work on me anymore untill I got a doctors note! I thought that was wierd since it was my 4th treatment... When I asked my doctor for the note, he asked me why would I need one for laser treatment that wasn't near my head and since I've been getting it done for awhile now... Made no since to him or me. He gave me a note to give to them and they started working on me again but, I would NOT get anything else done by this company! After reading the terrible story's, I'm just glad mine hasn't turned out that bad! We'll see. I moved to GA and now have to travel about 2hrs away to the nearest clinic... If I don't see results by the next treatment I'm going to ask for my money back and hopefully I wont have to join in on the lawsuit. If I do atleast I'll be in good company!
My wife worked for these crooks in one of the Connecticut Offices. Because I could have the laser hair removal done for free, I figured I'd have my back done. What should have cost in the ball park of 10k, was free. I had around four or five excruciatingly painful treatments done with what was considered to be their most powerful laser. After each treatment my back was covered in burns, but I figured no pain, no gain. During one of the treatments my wife got a little too close to a tattoo that I have on my upper shoulder. The laser zapped the color right out of the tattoo and left a permanent raised scar.
After dealing with unprofessional managers who wouldn't blink an eye before throwing their employees under the bus, and constant complaints from the clients about how rudely they were treated on previous visits, my wife quit. I don't think anyone with a conscience could work for American Laser Center. Add to that the fact that everyone working there was pressured to do up sells. My wife said she felt like creep trying to pawn off more services and creams, etc. to people who were coming in for their first treatment. She said that the customer’s were very put off by the pushy sales tactics that they were assaulted with as soon as they walked in the door until the time they left.
After multiple treatments all of the hair on my back returned and just as thick as it was before the treatments. I know, that’s gross, which is why I went in the first place. This laser hair removal is a scam. If you decided to go to American Laser Center you might as well just throw thousands of dollars in the trash because truth is, this just doesn't work. Once they take your money, you'll see how their attitude changes. All the enthusiasm in the initial consultation will be gone. The only thing that they care about is sales. Think twice.
I paid over a thousand dollars for a brazilian laser treatment. Then I found out I have epilepsy...they wont give me any refund, not even a partial one. All they offered me is some mini microdermabrasion thing. Anyway, they should give me a refund of some sort, esp since I am medically unable to continue what i paid for. I keep getting the run around from their medical board. Any suggestions?
One thing that comes to mind after reading all the comments is that a lot of the experience must differ by location. I've used their services with good results, and I've been to two different locations. The first location, in Santa Barbara, CA, was okay; I wasn't a big fan of the staff there. The location I've transferred to, in Irvine, CA, is much better. I know the nurses and receptionist pretty well by now, as I'm on my 4th appointment, and they are pretty nice. I haven't had a problem with my contract because I haven't been burnt and I don't have a reason to cancel, so I can't vouch for that process, but I think that it's a fine company to do business with if you do your research ahead of time, set a budget for yourself and go into it knowing what to expect. I knew ahead of time that I was a good candidate for the procedure (I have very light skin and very dark hair, and my skin does not burn very easily), and I set a budget before I negotiated my contract. I will agree with the sentiment that a shy person could end up being charged much more, as it did take me a bit of haggling to get a good price on the package. All in all, I'm happy with the process, but I do feel bad for people fighting for refunds.
Wow I wish I would have seen these complaints before I ever dealt with this company. They are rude and VERY unprofessional. I have had issues with technicians also I did not see any results for one of the services I spent over a thousand dollars for. I'm currently finishing a laser hair removal and although I have already had my 6 services of course it's not working and I have to cotinuously go but since it's after my 6th treatment I'm not treated like a regular customer. I have been fighting for a refund on a service i bought because it was offered but the facility did not have the machine yet. It took me 3 months to get a partial refund when I was told I was going to get a full refund of course I get some type of fee taken out. Then I have to argue with the customer service rep because shes trying to tell me the fee is valid when it wasn't. The service i bought was not available therefore it was not my fault that I purchased a package that could not be given to me. So now I'm still waiting for this fee to be refunded even though it was OK'd by a manager I never got a call from this manager and it doesn't matter how many messages I leave. I left another one today lets see if it works.
I am glad that there are people out there who have had good experiences with this company. There will be those people, but like another person mentioned, just wait until something goes wrong. They have been ### to me for complaining in what I thought was a reasonable and fair way. I have not gotten angry or yelled at anybody which is what they deserve. I have managed to stay calm in my dealings with them, but it doesn't matter. They are the problem, not me. What really makes me sick is that I can now see they were just being really great to me to get my money when I came in for the consultation. When I came in for my first appointment the manager had forgotten to put me in the computer so she had to have me wait while she found one of the women to do it and it wasn't even busy. I can't remember the last time there was somebody waiting in the lobby or whatever. I decided to let it go, I am fairly easy going, but I had trouble with the treatment and it was at that point that I could tell they did not care about me. They were just being nice to me to get me to spend thousands of dollars. I also fell for that $300 drag you in money off promise. I knew what I was signing and I have never claimed anything else. There is no refund. However, I signed the papers after having been promised results that were not delivered. There attitudes suck. They are so rude. Do your research before giving your money to these people. There are other places that offer these services. Why did I have to come across ALC's?
beware of the american laser company! i was told that the hair on my face could be removed by them using the laser and i believed it. that was a big mistake as they only want your money and they don't care if the procedure works. i was told after the last hair treatment not to come back . even though i had purchased the two year policy which states that you will be given free treatments
for two years after your last hair treatment. they don't even know their own policies!
however, the point is that they knew they should not have sold me the procedure since i have blond hair. THE LASER DOES NOT
WORK ON BLOND HAIR AND THEY KNEW THIS!
please stay away from the american laser company unless you just have money that you don't want. your money can be put to
a much better use than throwing it away on them.
I have been to American Laser Center three times now and have been extremely pleased with their services. The employees were very nice and the treatment has been very effective after only 3 visits. Ive noticed a 60% decrease already. I am very happy with my purchase and would highly recommend this company to anyone interested in laser hair removal. I have had my treatments at the center in Beverly Hills (off Wilshire)- I dont recall the name of the employee who did my hair removal but she works on Saturdays and is great!
they burned me and my money. in addition no results lost $7000 they don't care!
All,
I am interested in joining any kind of lawsuits that will force them to give our money back..
the first time i went, around last april 08, i was told that the treatment for 6 times is enough to remove the hair from my body..the manager's name was "Shauntel " at Thousand oaks center in california...i remembered that she was reluctant and scared to give me the service as she might have known that time that it will be possible for my case.. 4 months later, after couple of treatments, i found out that they fired her ! the nurse told me that they fired her because the manager was taking business and giving promises to the clients even thought it was impossible in certain cases...then, nurse told me that there is no way that i can get all hair removal in 6 sittings ..i did not care much at that time...
but then in my 5th treatment, the new nurse told me the same thing.. she told me that i have to go atleast 10-12 sittings or more for my skin type and hair growth ! it may not be possible at all...this is crap now..i complained the current manager (christian) and she never bothered about it..instead she was offering me additional service for other part of the body for discount! WTF...cheaters..no morale...damn, i m calling customer support but getting no respond...
I want to sue these people...You can all email me at armystrong1980@yahoo.com or call me at [protected]... i m talking to the lawyers...call me or email me if you want to join me for initiating law suit to this company...
I had the same experience except it was a chemical peel that I had trouble with. I won the 300 and then went in to talk about prices and what I could afford. Wanted to do the laser hair, but when I found out how much it was even with the money off, I just decided I would wait. I should have known it would be that much before I went in for the consultation. I would never have gone in because that was all I was considering having done. The manager talked me into buying a package of six chemical peels/micros. There was definitely the used sales car approach. She kept trying to talk me into financing stuff and she acted like she was my sister or my best friend or something. Also the lab coat which makes me laugh considering that I NOW know thats she doesn't know a thing about skincare. I have talked to her several times since I had the peel done and she doesn't have anything intelligent to say. She really just doesn't know why I have been having problems with my skin since the peel. Don't you think you should? Right after the peel, a few days later, I broke out with the worst acne. It was horrible. I am a person who has never had any acne. She informed me that some women do suffer from acne later in life and I was aware of that. Thanks lady. I do not think it was any coincidence that it started only a few days after the peel! I never should have had it done. i had perfect skin before that and I did NOT need a peel. She just didn't want me to walk out without spending money so she talked me into having it done without consideration for my well being. My face never really peeled, no where near the amount that she promised me it would. Have no clue why? So, in the last few months I have watched my skin become a night mare. My face is covered with dry, dead, peely skin that I cannot get rid of no matter what I do. No exfoliator has worked. I have also noticed that the surface of my skin now has a shiny appearance. Almost like I have been burned? I am not sure. My skin looks terrible and I have already had to spend hundreds of dollars at a dermatologist trying to clear up the acne because it is that bad. I know that there are women who have peels done and it turns out wonderfully. I just wanted to say that. What makes me mad is that mine did not and they refuse to do anything about it. Anyway, she offered to swap out the remaining five peels for some laser hair, but now after reading all of this, I don't think so! Now I am kind of nervous to have that done. I don't want burns on my arms in addition to skin problems! Also, I do remember that she was VERY eager to open my care credit account for me. I never, ever do that. I would never give her my personal info and let her do that. She was very pushy about it. I thought that was weird. I just went online and applied to care credit myself! They don't like people to complain. The woman who did my peel is pissed because I am complaining. Guess she takes it personally? I never even said anything her, just about the peel! Grow up. I agree with everybody else. They are quick to take your money, but could care less about you, what is best for you.
Company is pure trash. Better Business Bureau has them on their hit list for advertising they are BBB members when in fact they ARE NOT. I wish I would have seen this before giving them my money. 17 treatments, no effect whatsoever. Waste of money and time. I sent complaints to State Attorney General of Michigan and BBB. Hopefully the Attorney General will shut them down!
PLEASE do not make the mistake of giving this company your money. I have been going to the Howell Mill office in Georgia for over two years. My mother paid an arm and leg for my facial hair removal and instead of making it go away it's made it worse. I made the mistake earlier in my sessions to refer my aunt and family of the friends and not to mention my sister refer me to them. They too have seen no results. Instead we have all been told that in order for us to continue being treated we would have to buy a new package. Yes listen to me______I have more hair on my face now than when I started getting treated and they have the nerves to tell us that if we want to continue treatments we have to pay for a new package. On top of all of this they never keep the same Office Manager or Staff. They are constantly getting new employees and half of them do sorry, quick jobs with the laser. Trust me you will not get what you paid for. We work to hard for our money to have some company scam us out of it by promising to help us get rid of unwanted body hair.
American Laser Centers is the WORST company EVER! I signed up to get the Velasmooth/Velashape package and put the amount on my credit card. I am in the military and due to committments, I was unable to use the package. I never went once! I called the manager, Hollie Lucas in Virginia Beach, several times. It took forever for her to get back to me in the first place. She said the refund would take 4-8 weeks. I first contacted her in July 2008. I still have not seen my refund. How is it that every other company in America can give you a refund back in two days but they can't do it in 8 months?! I filed a BBB complaint against them and am thinking of getting a lawyer. This is so ridiculous...
My complaint is slightly different. I was getting treatments for my upper lip at the Wellesley, MA center. I had three sessions, and it seemed like that the hair had been reduced slightly. Then on the morning of my 4th treatment, I got incredibly sick with the flu. I called at 6am, leaving the ALC a voicemail saying I was too ill to make it to my 4:30 appointment and I'd have to reschedule. Two days later, I called back, and they told me I couldn't make a new appointment until I paid a $35 rescheduling fee! I explained that I called as soon as I could to cancel (6am on a Monday morning---are they even open on Sundays?) and what was I supposed to do? I couldn't anticipate getting sick! She said that's too bad, it's policy, and that she wouldn't schedule another appointment for me unless I paid the fee, which I refused to do, and then told her forget it then, I would not be going back for any future treatments. I feel gyped. I basically paid $400 for 3 treatments that only removed about 1/2 the hair, as well as $40 for some facial lotion they insisted I use after treatments (that turned out to be nothing more than just plain old lotion I could have gotten at CVS for $3). This place had HORRIBLE customer service, and definitely only cares about taking your money. I will advise everyone I know to stay away from ALC!
Hey these guys are liars and thieves. A good company doesn't promise results for SOME customers or MOST customers. A good company guarantees results for EVERY customer or their money back. Hell, that's what keeps me out of starting a hair-removal business; I can't guarantee anything in that field and I'm unqualified. Well, apparently so are they. I have been receiving treatments for seven years and they just flat gave up. They said, "Well, it's because of your hair color." LOL, ummm, didn't you fools recognize my hair color when I gave you my money? Seriously, where's the refund here? What terrible customer service. I read many of the complaints above and if their's a lawsuit to jump on I got your backs and I hope that bad things fall from high places.
I'm writing this note for Laura Wike. My name is David Swann I was paying for Ms. Wikes treatments. But
we went to the West Hills office, in person. The manager at the time was named Willow. I paid or I thought I paid off the amount that was 10 percent of the contract. To cancel !
I was looking at my credit report to see that a charge of over 3 thousand dollars and a note of 150 days over due, is on my report. I have paid all my bills on time! Not thinking that this was taken care of I let it go, because I thought the check I wrote in the Managers office would have taken care of it.
Sincerely,
David Lee Swann
RSVP-[protected]
I am interesting in joining in on any type of lawsuit to shut these people down. I have been burned by them (literally) and they offered nothing in response and the manager at the time tried to blame it on me for tanning but I did NOT tan. It has been many years now and I am worried that to much time has passed but it has been 6 years and the scars are still 20% there. They should NOT be in business. And they should NOT be allowed to work on people with color in their skin! I have seen other people who had the same problems with burns and tey are pretty much all people with color.