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Ideal Image

Ideal Image review: horror story 23

J
Author of the review
5:53 am EST
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Here's my story:

My roommate and I were very excited to get laser hair removal so we searched for a bunch of place in Sarasota & Bradenton. We wanted to go to a place with reputation because it is our skin and health what we were going to deal with. After looking around we found an Ideal Image office in Bradenton, FL (the one on University Parkway). I was the first one to get an appointment so I showed up and met with Danielle, the sales rep. She pretty much sold me on the idea of signing a contract, which she never explained in detailed. She said so many good things about the company and their laser but she avoided main points in the contract and of course hidden charges. She even got me a loan for $5000 with Chase...I was never informed of that either. When I went to my first appointment, the laser specialist was rushing, didn't care about doing it right and in detailed. Also, the laser damaged my skin. After this horrible experience, I decided to cancel the service but Ideal Image refused to do it. They even declined to reimburse me for the treatments I hadn't even received yet. No matter what I said, they declined to send the money Chase paid in advanced for the treatments.

Due to their reluctance, I decided to file a formal complaint with Chase. Chase spoke with Ideal Image multiple times and at the end Ideal Image said that they will reimburse the money for the treatments I didn't use. When I called Chase, they said that Ideal Image reimbursed everything but $680, which they claimed they charged me for the first treatment. I was very upset and faxed them copy of my contract, which stated my first treatment was only $187. Chase agreed with my claim; however, they said Ideal Image said that because I cancelled the contract I was not eligible for the discounts anymore so they decided to charge me full price. After dealing with Chase and Ideal Image for a month and a half I gave up and paid the balance in full. I have never been so disappointed and upset with a company as I was with Ideal Image. I will never recommend or even consider going back. I understand that Ideal Image is a franchise so every owner is different; however, Corporate should not let these kind of people run under the business name. I was scammed and now I have a horrible image of the company. Of course my roommate never went to her appointment...

Contact: john.s.[protected]@gmail.com

Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

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23 comments
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Michelle Beadles
, US
Aug 03, 2022 11:17 am EDT

Same! They ruined my body by doing a partial treatment 2 1/2 YEARS ago...kept canceling on me to finish and still wouldn't give me a refund so I could go somewhere else to have myself fixed. They act like you're a problem after you give them money.

Awful company!

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JoJo43
Brunswick, US
Apr 12, 2022 4:49 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Stay away from this company. Their “contracts” are NOT explained. Not explained to the point that I didnt even know I was signing one ! Please dont go here !

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Mrskennedyeng
Everett, US
Jan 09, 2022 9:41 am EST

This company needs to have their business license as well as any franchising locations they've set up to be pulled off the city streets and inside any mall type shopping centers. Not only have I been given the run around by staff of many levels with lies but the last event takes the cake so badly I could have had serous legal trouble to fight due to the management over stepping anything that could have been her business.
While waiting to be called I sa5 fully upright but with my eyes resting. I think at 9:30am and no coffee yet I get a pass on if my eyes are open or closed, ot is not like I was slouched into the chair.
After I get called back the "manager"suddenly comes in and tells the woman who was set To do my BBL to follow her out of the room so that they can view my medical history together. Yeah [censored], together. Now, that's a little weird but since it's my 1st BBL maybe that's just the procedure. Oh noh no, it was not just procedure, while they were out of the room someone, I assume the manager, decided to take the time to call the EMT's and you have me evaluated! she thought that I was under the influence of who knows what. period, 9:30 AM... under the influence I just don't see how that could even be. As she came into the room she then told me how PALE I was looking and did that stupid head to the side slant look with the eyes saying in a condescendingmanner "I am only looking out for you". But she's a [censored] stirring trouble maker. To up the ante after she exited the room she (did not make me privy to the fact that she was going to be calling 911 on my behalf) instead came with apple juice followed by men coming in to evaluate my condition. I had no idea at all that there was anything even wrong with me or that my session was in trouble of not happening (4th reschedule, btw). Suddenly there's a knock at the door the door and what do you know, it was the local EMTS coming into check on my cognitive responsiveness. After a few minutes they looked at her like she needed to chill out, read a situation better and have her the green light that I was 100% with it. They saw I was not groggy or in outterspace, all that they could see was I was NOT UNDER ANY INFLUENCE OF ANY SUBSTANCE.
I was sent on my way, thank God. Now, even though the ems has told her she was trippin' she still thought I was somehow faking my ability to be wide eyed and bushy tailed so she called the local jurisdiction to attempt to reach me while headed home, pull me over and hand to God have me arrested for some kind dui bull not in my favor.
I know this cause I met the officer this evening who said he had been driving around my privet community searching for my car or me based on a tip from a local business woman. since I didn't leave my one place that morning before heading to my app have to assume it was the ideal image busy body. Since our ideal image is less than 5 miles away from our home I know it was her he who tried to set up. Thank God I have good guardian angels of ask kinds protecting me from trash like her and swiftly reruned home without incident.
I want all, I mean every penny I've spent there only due this story being the tip of my I.I. iceberg. I'll be on the phone for hours to fix this a bit today. Also, after reading what every other complaint stated above I'm feeling this company is down right not in this business for any other reason other than to take advantage of those who just want a little help again with beauty dignity.

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Meagan Reich
, US
Jul 02, 2018 3:38 pm EDT

I’m dealing with the SAME thing right now. It’s frustrating, especially since the agreed upon price was HALF.

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Alissa89
, US
May 29, 2018 2:18 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Can i vote NO stars? I had used ideal image laser hair removal. I was the “perfect candidate” the bulbs were so called the best and its guaranteed to be permanent and thats why it was so expensive. 1 and a half months after my last initial treatment, IT ALL GREW BACK. Worse off, from the beginning of the procedure i started to develop a dryness above my clitorous. Went to two OB GYNS who said it was a developing eczema or psoriasis. Well, i had quite a few appointments done before i knew what it was and the nurse said it looked fine and did the treatments anyways. Well the dryness is always there and mostly & usually itchy. They charged me an extra $1, 000 dollars for not paying it off by my last appointment. I tried calling the bank (I was originally granted $8, 000) but shortly before my only procedure was over the bank canceled any and all of the unused funds i was granted.. made me raise an eyebrow! Well, i tried calling the bank, who gave me the main corps # with floridas area code, WHO DIRECTLY sends my calls to the office I was working with. At first the rochester office offered me to come in to show them and do more appointments and make a case out of it. WELL YOUR MACHINES HURT MY SKIN WHY THE [censored] would i drive an hour there and an hour home for “complimentary surgeries” that didnt work the first 8 times that was so called “guaranteed”! I got ahold of the bank again and filed a dispute and then somehow got forwarded to the rochester hills office while i was on hold. I was told too bad i will not recieve forgiveness for the $2, 444 that is left unpaid on my account because i already did the appointments, i can only have free compensation in surgeries. THIS SHOULD BE ILLEGAL AND THE BUSINESS NEEDS TO BE SHUT DOWN. How can a business 100% not fulfill their responsibilities, then charge an extra $1, 000 for not paying it off by the last appointment (which im sure they do to [censored] people over so they dont get caught they are total [censored] until they get a full payment and its too late), cause physical painful manifestations im going to have to deal with forever, and then be able to legally refuse refund or forgiveness programs?! I called the bank again and got a dispute started and she said that its untrue and doesnt make sense that the company doesnt do forgiveneness... so uhm which one tf is it!?! This company is [censored]ing [censored] and i will NOT stop spreading the bad word of their company EVERYWHERE.

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Sairoob
, US
Apr 23, 2018 11:12 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I haven’t even gone to my appointment yet I asked if I could cancel because I don’t have the money for it the lady there said that she told me when I signed the contract that I couldn’t cancel which I don’t remember her telling me that at all if anyone can help me please do this is my email
Beastkadio@gmail.com

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SadG
, US
Feb 19, 2016 2:19 am EST

Before I signed I asked if I could get out of my contract if needed and she said "absolutely!" I called today to cancel due to insufficient funds and she laughed at me and said "no no I never said that, you cannot cancel or get reimbursed" I literally broke down crying. I need the money back! I lost all sources of income abruptly! I only did 2 treatments. Paid for 13.

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Pro-ClassAction
, US
Jun 28, 2017 12:32 pm EDT
Replying to comment of SadG

I had a contract costing over $5000 for hair removal on my full legs and upper lip. The contract rep acted like the sale price was actually over but that she would call someone who could approve it. She called someone in another office who supposedly approved it. That person on the other end was actually probably laughing again at her co-employee (the contract rep) who had another "chump" in her office. SCAM all the way. My impression is that they pull that act on a regular basis.

I had two treatments, the second with their numbing cream which did practically nothing. I was literally jumping off the treatment table. Went for third treatment with a stronger numbing cream and couldn't stand the pain. I immediately told the tech to STOP. I said the laser felt even stronger than before. She said they have to turn it up stronger with each treatment to effectively reach the hair follicle.

I later sent a letter from my doctor which directed me to immediately discontinue the treatments. Sent it certified mail. Ideal Image NEVER RESPONDED. They don't care. Employees there are like Stepford Wives, friendly smiles and robotic responses. Once they get your money and your signature on their contract, they no longer care about you.

I then went to my bank, Wells Fargo, to file a chargeback. The WF rep had to call Ideal Image and direct them to answer my certified letter. Can you believe that? Wells Fargo couldn't believe I received no call, email, or text... nothing. On Wells Fargo's directive, Ideal Image called that evening stating that my doctor's letter was refused. They could only go by THEIR physicians opinion of my situation. Well, who do you think a doctor retained by Ideal Image is going to side with?

Wells Fargo would not give me a printed copy of the chargeback response, but suggested that I contact a TORT ATTORNEY, to make claims that are outside of the contract. Ideal Image did not tell me that each treatment would be stronger or how extremely painful the treatments are. They also did not tell me other things that I will hold for later. Anyone wanting to form a CLASS ACTION lawsuit against Ideal Image from any state with any issue, contact me at estheticians@hotmail.com. Thanks

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Reiina
, US
Jan 30, 2022 3:25 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Please contact me @ discovermore098@gmail.com
I have a similar story paid $1428 and more to go. I literally have taken zero services from them. Also they tell me having opt out due to pain is no reason for refund or ending contact. I see a couple of people complaining having their skin burnt.

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susu11
, US
Sep 12, 2015 11:44 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Their Bosses are hiding and no one is willing to hear you, because they know what they did and how much scam they are!

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joem22
east hartland, US
Dec 25, 2011 12:20 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I had a recent treatment and am amazed at the loss and almost no regrowthof hair of treated areas... The process is working much better than expected at this point and the service remains great

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Fofofofd
, US
May 08, 2015 1:05 am EDT

EVERYONE CONTRACT CORPORATE! EXPLAIN TI THEM YOU ARE HIGHLY UNSATISFIED, WAS PRESSURED INTO SIGNING A CONTRACT NO LONGER WANT THE SERVICE! DO YOUR RESEARCH, CONTACT THE HIGHER UPS! THEY ARE THE ONLY ONES THAT CAN AND WILL GET YOU OUT OF THE CONTRACT! IDEAL IMAGE HAS SO MANY LAWSUITS ALREADY AGANIST THEM THEY DONT NEED MORE! CONTACT CORPORATE!

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Jaime Leigh
Raleigh, US
Mar 30, 2015 11:28 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Im in the same situtation, contract not explained, credit ran without my knowledge. Want to cancel and was told that I still have to pay for the serviices even if I dont use them.. What A SCAM!

This is for the IDEAL IMage in Raleigh NC

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darsh patel
, US
Jun 27, 2022 1:02 pm EDT

Were you able to get resolution?

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darsh patel
, US
Jun 27, 2022 1:03 pm EDT

were you able to get resolution?

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B Hollis
, US
Sep 07, 2022 10:43 am EDT

Asking same as Darsh Patel.

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Amethyst3
Hanover, US
Sep 22, 2014 10:01 am EDT

Can anybody guide me on how to file a dispute? Have paid in full to them and got one treatment done. Now they wont let me out of it.

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Wendy McDonald
, US
Jun 28, 2021 1:55 pm EDT
Replying to comment of Amethyst3

Call and file complaint the with the state Attorney Generals Office. They will respond

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roblessol
, US
Jan 08, 2014 12:29 pm EST

Did the dispute process with the Ideal Image credit card work out in your favor? I just filed a dispute myself.

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Lesley henao
Orlando, US
Nov 14, 2012 11:43 am EST

I have the same issue! Every time I call corporate I get asked which office I was receiving treatment from, and I get transferred.

While speaking with the sales rep I was reluctant to go ahead with treatment. I asked that if I had started treatment and wanted to cancel, she said that I could. I'm trying to cancel my treatment now after two sessions and the my sales rep is basically telling me that I cannot cancel. That I owe the full amount of about $3, 500.00 even if I don't come in for the treatments. She told me that if i cancel it would affect my credit. well, if cannot continue to pay for reasons out of my control, like family matters that have come up, it will do worse for my credit. she basically said that either way i look, at the situation, i'm screwed! This is unfair and unethical. This should have been explained to me during the consultation.

Another aspect of the sale that I was not told about was that I would be issued an ideal, image credit card. The last thing I need is a credit card. Thankfully I have not used it.

I have contacted the world financial bank and they have assisted me in filing a dispute with ideal image. Hopefully this is the right step towards ending this issue with ideal image.

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Ana Claudia Zatta Spinos
, US
May 15, 2018 4:47 pm EDT

I wish I had seen this before I signed my contract! They also told me I could cancel at any time and now they say I can’t break out of it by any means!

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Shelle67
omaha, US
Aug 11, 2012 1:38 pm EDT

In the same boat...NEVER had any of the contract explained. Now waiting to hear from "corporate" on Tuesday for a refund. It states the most messed up way of 'refund" and you will pay a fortune for one treatment but your lucky you got out. Our sales person even said she was rushed and did not explain it all. I want my money back ASAP!

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Ideal Image Development Corporation
Tampa, US
Mar 06, 2012 3:10 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

We apologize that you did not enjoy your experience with us. Ideal Image strives to provide the best customer service to our guests. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our Customer Service Department at [protected] so that we may work to improve your guest experience.