American Laser Skincare review: unprofessional, dangerous, painful and no refund! 609

I would LOVE to join a lawsuit after 9 treatments that did not work and 37 months of nonsense. I went out of my way to complete treatment in one location. That office accomplished nothing during this year plus. Then I was PROMISED a refund if I went 3 more times. Did that at a new office. These visits definitely HURT more but still no resutls. Months of unanswered calls, finally got an e-mail to send pictures. They said mine were too fuzzy. More months, finally got an appt to have one of THEIR offices take and submit the pictures. Because I was following rules and not tanning, the pictures were not clear enough (probably glare from white legs). Please remember: already promised a refund. Now Eva says I have to go to another center - hours away - to try to complete treatment because some people take awhile to respond. However, the regional manager will not return calls to set up an appointment. Mind you, I don't want an appt and as busy as they are I don't think treating a non-responder is in their best interest. If I call for Eva, I get customer service, not Eva. If I call for Kevin Peiruch, I get Eva's voicemail. I have sent letters to their President and to Care Credit, never received one response. I am so disgusted. Disgusted to myself for getting sucked into something this horrible and sickened that there are so many of us paying for the mistake of believing ALC. I should already have my money back if the non-responder is as rare as they would say. Instead they want to stretch it out more to wear me out. Well, they are right... I am tired of them. However, I am not going to go away. I will hire an attorney for myself or join a national claim... that would be bad for them because I would think we could get lots of press during the months leading up to the big event.

If you've had even one service it's difficult to get your credit card to refund you. Every state is different, but this may help. Although this is resources for OREGON, the same agencies and resources exist in each state. So I will post the link:

http://www.katu.com/news/problemsolver/13022142.html

Heck, I'll just post the whole thing...I plan on doing just about everything on here and have done some things already.

BTW, I have experienced everything that has been mentioned already and more. I have been through so much with this company.

PORTLAND, Ore. - When you have a problem, as a consumer, sometimes it's hard to make yourself heard.

Before you throw up your hands in defeat, KATU's On Your Side Problem Solver Team has put together a checklist you can consult the next time you have a complaint and want someone to take action.

Try To Resolve It Within the Company

First off, talk to the boss. Before you take your complaint to an outside organization. do everything possible to resolve it within the company. Your chances of getting some satisfaction are far better if you do.

With smaller companies, you can do it in person. For bigger companies, write a letter or email to the CEO. One trick to finding them is to check the company's annual report online.

File A Complaint

If that doesn't work, and you are forced to file a complaint, file many. Contact the Attorney General, as well as city and county offices that might be able to help you.

Then call in the feds. Agencies like the Federal Trade Commission and the Consumer Product Safety Commission can help, depending on your issue.

Business Organizations

Head over to business organizations that can help, like the Better Business Bureau. Some may offer dispute resolution services.

File A Lawsuit

If all else fails, file a lawsuit. It's a sure way to get a complaint taken seriously.

For smaller problems, stick to the small claims court. Court Web sites usually have instructions that will walk you through filing a claim.

Resources

When filing complaints with the Better Business Bureau or government agencies, check out their Web sites. They will help guide you to the right department for your particular problem. Here is a list of organizations that may be able to help with your problem:

Oregon Public Utility Commission : http://www.puc.state.or.us/
National Credit Union Administration: http://www.ncua.gov
Securities and Exchange Commission: http://www.sec.gov
Credit Reporting Agency or Telemarketing : http://www.ftc.gov
Insurance Companies: http://naic.org
Airlines: http://www.airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/problems.htm
Cruise Lines: http://www.fmc.gov
Identity Theft: http://www.ftc.gov/idtheft
Mail Fraud: http://www.postalinspectors.uspis.gov
Internet Crime: http://www.ic3.gov/complaint

Forgot to say you can also contact your local radio, tv, and newspapers, especially the last 2.

I contacted my local health board and turns out all the ALC locations in my area have violations against them, same owner too.

Does anyone know approximately what % of ALC's are actually franchises?

I just came home after my job interview with ALC.
I was excited until I read this information and realize this must be a scam. I read their website prior to the interview and it states :
"hair removal service available, performed with state-of-the-art FDA-Approved equipment by trained and certified technicians -- including licensed estheticians, nurses and physicians assistants."
Only estheticians are employed and as a licensed esthetician I am not comfortable working without a doctor on staff. That's scary.
THANKS FOR THE INFO, SAVED ME LOT OF GRIEF.

Ok, after "winning" the $300 certificate, I went in for a consultation. I needed a couple days to think about the cost, but DID allow them to (according to the rep I spoke to) "check my credit" to see if I qualify for the Care Credit line. I didn't sign anything else, but am I at risk for being charged? I simply CAN'T afford to pay thousands for nothing! I have another consultation tomorrow, but I'm going to call in the morning and cancel, and insure that I won't be charged anything.

I got suckered into a procedure I never wanted in the first place -- but it was the end of the month and the regional manager was there and offered me a (supposed) huge discount and coerced me into a CareCredit account. I was nearing the end of my laser hair removal treatments for my back, and they convinced me I should have similar treatments for my beard (neck area only, so when I didn't shave it would be shaped nicely). I went through with 2 treatments that hurt like HELL, and finally said no more. They refused any refund, even though I was only asking for partial. I've gone around in circles for 3 months now just trying to get ahold of somebody to talk to... After reading this I've already exchanged emails with Ken Quat, inquiring about the class action law suit. I'll be pursuing every avenue possible - disputing the charges w/ CareCredit (although it may be too late for that), fling a claim w/ BBB, etc., etc.

I have been going to ALC for about a year now and seen some hair loss and regrowth also. Its very painful each treatment. I was under the impression it only took 6 sessions but i'm way over that now. I would like to stop and just get my money back. I really don't understand the guarentee. Can someone help thank you.

Their guarantee is essentially that you'll receive treatments for up to 2 years following your 6th visit until the hair is gone. What happens if the hair still persists at that point is anybody's guess, but given that you've probably completed youth 6th visit within the past 3-4 months or so, you've still got a while to hope that treatments do work and that you don't get injured in the process.

Yes, that's my problem. I came in for my 2nd visit today, and was introduced to the new "tech" who'd be treating me today. She asked if I had noticed any reduction in hair growth so far, and I told her honestly, not really.

While she was very ni and considerate, and oh so helpful, but none too experienced. She was a lot more thorough working my lip area, giving me at least twice as many zaps as the first tech who simply did about 4-5 pulses straight across. This tech went further past the corners of my mouth and higher/lower from my lip line to the base of my nose. So I was pleased with her attention to detail.

But, then without warning, she started zapping the entire area a 2nd time! Mind you, I'm not trained at all on use of lasers, but this seemed very wrong. Wasn't much I could do while she's happily zapping away while I'm lying back trying to keep the pre-laser gel she liberally applied from getting into my mouth.

Anyway, she explained after the fact that she doubled up the treatment because I hadn't noticed results. Then offered me a cold pack which I accepted, and continued applying whenever I was stopped in traffic on my way home, now replaced with an ice pack.

It feels like I have a very bad sunburn now, and my lip is very pink. Thankfully it doesn't seem like it will blister, and hopefully the pain and discoloration will fade soon. But right now, I'm not sure if I want to continue treatment, refunds or not. I'm thinking I'd rather deal with shaving/bleaching my hair than trying to hide burns and scars. And hoping I don't have to deal with both problems at once!

God, I wish I would have read this website before going to American Laser Centers. I too received a "$300" off coupon after attending a women's expo. The saleswoman was incredibly pushy about scheduling an appointment right away and then when I went to the appointment I was told I would receive an additional discount for multiple packages but the offer was only good for that day. I should have trusted my instincts and run like hell. They also were adamant that I receive my first treatment right then. Now I understand why, because now I will be unable to get a refund since I have received my first treatment. I was also under the impression that after 6 treatments if my hair wasn't gone, that I didn't have to pay for additional treatments but I am finding out from my readings that that is not the case. I WILL BE TELLING EVERY PERSON THAT WILL LISTEN WHAT A COMPLETE SCAM THIS IS! CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT!

I signed up in Nov 2006 for laser hair removal. I took out a loan with Care Credit for $3000 and paid $600 in cash. I wanted to get my whole body done. I signed up for my face and arms (they told me it would be $7500 for the whole body). Since then I've had the worst experience ever with ALC.

I got pregnant in Dec 2006 and I couldn't afford the treatments (I had just one before I got pregnant). And Allison who was the manager at the Houston, TX Galleria location said that Hannah her regional manager was the only one to make a decision on a refund. I gave her my contact info and asked Hannah to call me. 4 months went by and I called at least 4 times and Allison said she gave Hannah the message and she was supposed to call me. Finally I 4 months later I called again and said I'm still trying to get a hold of Hannah. Allison said, "She still didn't call you? That's ridiculous." She finally got a hold of Hannah and Hannah called me within 30 minutes. I told Hannah my story of being pregnant and I couldn't afford it now because I had a baby on the way but I still wanted it I just couldn't do it now. I said you can deduct whatever the cost was from the initial treatment but I need the remaining and said I want a refund.

She started to argue with me and said "I am stuck and I should have read what I wrote" and "there was nothing she could do to help me". I confirmed, "there is nothing, absolutely nothing you can do to help me?" She confirmed , "no". We got to the point that we were arguing and I asked why and she said, "Care Credit (the financing company) is a third party affiliate and there isn't anything they can do to help". I told her, "I still want to get this done I just can't do it now, I'd like a refund and when I'm not pregnant I'll come back." She said, "No I can' help you, you're the one with the excessive hair growth." I was so angry at that point I said, "I never want to do business with you again and I make sure none of my friends ever come here again." She then said "I'll give you a body part for free; think about it and call me back" and hung up real quickly.

Then I felt I was lost and really felt ripped off. I was under the impression I lost $3500+ and there was nothing I could do. I had a miscarriage at 5 1/2 months (22 weeks) and I called Hannah back maybe 2 months ago. I felt like I might as well try it instead of wasting all that money. When I called Hannah (directly on her cell phone)I told her "I wanted that free package you said you'd give me" and she said didn't know who I was and said she needed my chart in front of her. Then a week or so later I called her again and refreshed her memory, she then said "I thought you were pregnant." (very rudely of course).

I told her I had a miscarriage, but since she offered me that free package I wanted to know if I could switch from my arms and face to legs. She was shocked or pretended to be and said ok I can get my legs done. Anyway, I went and got 2 treatments after that done on my legs. Both times leaving some small burn marks on my legs that faded after a month or so. 2 different girls said full legs went up to different parts of the legs. No one knew what parts covered what.

Anyway, I called to reschedule my 3rd appt (which was the Tuesday (11/20/2007) before Thanksgiving)...and I called 6 times during business hours leaving messages on their voicemail like, "this is my 6th time calling waiting for someone to call me back to reschedule my appointment which was before Thanksgiving." Finally 2 weeks ago I get a hold of the new manager at this location (Allison quit) and her name is April Strickland. I told her my situation and she schedules me for an appointment today. Tuesday (1/15/08) this week I speak to someone from ALC and said my work schedule changed (they called to confirm) and I wanted to reschedule it again and the girl said Wednesday morning (1/16/08, yesterday at 10 am was open) and I said great and asked her to move my appointment. I get there at 10 am and there was only one girl at the desk and said no one moved my appointment, that I was still scheduled at 6:45 pm today (1/17/08). I don't remember the girl I spoke to but told her what time I called. She sent me away and said I couldn't be squeezed in.

I couldn't go today (1/17/08) and I tell you I want my $3600 refund. I asked for a copy of my file and they told me they needed a written letter which I did. I was just waiting to pick it up tomorrow and then I will write to my legislator and attorney general and file with the BBB.

I ALSO am part of this huge lie. There is absolutley no such thing as a refund at American Lasers. I have been going to ALC for about three years and I am way past my "guarenteed time". They did the double passing and even had me come every 3 weeks because it was not working on my face, but that all didn't help. After putting in many complaints they said that "the medical department" would have to look over my pictures and decide if I will get the guarenteed refund. After weeks of waiting I got my answer which was to keep going for reatment. Obviously after 3 years of going for treatment you can see it does not work. I am so frustrated and don't know where to go. I will join any law suit if someone wants to contact me. Jadebcohen@gmail.com

I was ripped off over $2,000.00 I contacted the BBB and State Attorney General and they both said there was nothing I could do other than file a law suit to get my money back. The people at American Laser Centers, basically laughed in my face when I said that I was going to get my refund. I had over 19 treatments and 12 of them were double passes not to mention how the lasers burned and irrated my face. I have seen no results what so ever. It infuriates me that a company can get away with this. I am definetly interested in the class action law suit. Please email me and I would love to participate. The public needs to fight back against this company.

RUN AWAY, its a SCAM!

First, you win the $300 coupon contest. Don't get excited, everyone is a winner
Second, they tell you to pick your consultation location
Next, you meet up with an inexperiened scammer in a white coat
She talks you into getting a package offering a fake discount
Don't fall for it. I've been doing my laser treatment at a doctor's office and decided to go there for one tratment because I supposedly won this contest. I come to find out, they are inexperienced and have cheap looking $100 ebay laser machines. STAY AWAY, BEWARE! Make as much noise as you can to put those creeps out of bussiness. SCREAM!

First of all, I think you all should be ashamed of yourselves!

I am an employee of ALC. We do receive our share of complaints but they are few and far between. Of the hundreds of thousands of people we deal with on a regular basis, even the best company can get a few complaints.

I want you to notice that nothing has been posted in over a year. That is because things DO get resolved, it just takes a while since we are such a large company. Refunds have to be approved by a number of people leading their own busy schedules before they can be sent out.

And speaking of refunds, you can't sign paperwork anywhere without reading it first. That is stupidity on your part. Also, you can't take out a loan for a new car, drive it for a while then decide you do not want it anymore and expect a full refund on your loan. Some people do have reactions to our services and products but that is not because of faulty equiptment, untrained workers or inferior products. Refunds are rewarded in those cases.

For the record, the contests we hold have one first prize winner, one second prize winner and a percentage of people picked for third prize (about 1/3rd). Not everyone wins!

My point is, you can't judge a company on it's ethics when only hearing a very VERY small percentage of people that we deal with complain about something that is either in the process of being resolved or of the customers own stupidity or insanity. When you run the largest company in it's field and the fastest growing company in the US, YOU CAN'T PLEASE EVERYONE ALL THE TIME (although we do try)!

I am just beginning to see what a huge headache this company seems to be. If anyone is in the AUSTIN, TX area, PLEAAAASE help me. I won the $300 gift towards a package. Now, I was pretty stoked because I've wanted to do this for a long time (hey, I'm Italian, what else do i need to say?) so I went in to my free consultation thinking I'd probably sign up because I knew it'd be pricey. Well needless to say, the terms of the contract were not exactly explained in full and I felt sort of lightheaded and confused about it. It all happened so fast. I did indeed get approved for the Care Credit card. I ended up signing for a 2000$ package to do a brazlian. Alright, I thought, this is going to be a good thing. They even booked me the next day. Stupid me, I went through with the procedure. I did not do any research whatsoever, which is really UNLIKE me at all and I completely surprised myself in that aspect. So, basically, I can't get my money back. This happend a few days ago. After my treatment, I decided to google ALC. Well, You all know what I found, obviously! Okay, so I put together a huge ### packet of startling complaints from people on here and other places, wrote a letter stating I wanted to cancel and that I would pay for my treatment only. I also planned on a letter to the BBB and all our newspapers here and local TV stations.
One question i have here is: what tv stations in Austin provide a consumer report?
Okay, so I went in tonight to talk to the manager. From what I read on here, I expected a nasty interaction. What happened was weird. I told her I wanted to cancel and I wasn't going to pay. She told me a million times that I was not going to get my money back due to the contract. She ended up spending over an hour talking to me, defending ALC and saying they had a ton of happy clients. She said she would do whatever it took to make me happy, to accommodate me, and she said she'd do my legs and my underarms for free. I told her I wanted till Friday to think it over. I still don't completely trust her. I asked her: what's it to you to keep me in here when I could walk out the door and you'd still have your money? She said because she actually cares or that because she guarantees my happiness and that I will not get hurt. Now, so far, I haven't seen any problems, but it's only been 2 days. I told her I don't trust her company and I really don't want to do business, etc. I told her that there is Texas Commerce and Business Code, which I think (personally, I'm no expert) that they violoate this code. People, Please look this up. Type in "Texas Business and Commerce Code" and find the section on GIfts and Contest Giveaways or something like that. I thought maybe I felt a bit of fear in the room when I mentioned that. She told me to do some more research and find good results. Ok, so I came home and typed into google: American Laser Center + worked...and it brought me to this link! haha. with a ton of info on how to actuall get your money back. Oh, is this what you'd call Irony? I tried googling good results, but it took a lot of sifting. I don't know why that lady would keep me in there for so long if she didn't care? What do you think her ultierior motives were? I told her I'd take the same steps as the girl who went to ABC and she seemed to laught that off...told me I wouldn't get it back.

I am still skeptical. Can someone please give me some feedback? I kind of feel like I don't have a personal experience except that I don't want to do business with them due to their shady practices, their terrible reviews, etc. I don't want to get hurt. What do ya'll think?

Oops typo... i didn't sign up becase I'd think it was pricey... i just figured it would be.

Thank you so much everyone for posting this! I just received a voicemail yesterday saying I had won the online drawing and have a $300 coupon. I called back and they said if I could come in that night or tom. I would get an extra $100 so I scheduled an appt. for the consulation for 1pm today. I would take me about 2 hours to get to the closest location. I had just come online to get directions when I stumbled upon this site, and thank god I did. Otherwise I would have drove 2 hours just to be scammed! Thanks so much everyone, and sorry to those of you who didnt get a chance to be forwarned. I hope you get your money back or win that lawsuit!

I bought three packages for $2300 dollars on 1/30/08. I was treated shortly after and received a second degree burn on my calf 5 inches in lengh. The burn has a very unique shape that is quite disturbing. It is in the shape of the laser head. I showed the tech and she had no clue how it happened and sent me home with aquaphor cream. I called later that day very upset and talked with the assistant manager demanding to know how this burn occurred. She stated the tech held the laser against my skin the wrong way and that caused the burn. She talked as if it is just a superficial burn and it will be gone in a few days. A second degree burn is not superficial. When they sold me the package they said their techs have been through a "rigorous training program." The clinical manager explained all levels of the training and it seemed very impressive. I felt comfortable. I also asked for a more experienced tech for the first time because i was a little nervous. they gave me someone who had been there three months. I am scared to go back .I dont trust these techs. They have not had proper training. I feel if this girl burned me than any of them can. i'm not going back. I am going to take legal action to get my money back. I will join you in this cause. I wish i would have seen this site before I spent my money.

www.ethicspoint.com - American Laser Center Employee Hotline

Report Submission Date
2/12/2008

Reported Company/Branch Information
Name American Laser Centers, LLC
Location 445 Bay Area Blvd.
City/State/Zip Houston, TX, 77058, USA

Violation Information
Violation Type

Violation of Policy
Please identify the person(s) engaged in this behavior:
Van Stokes - Office Manager

Do you suspect or know that a supervisor or management is involved?
Yes

If yes, then who?
See above

Is management aware of this problem?
No

What is the nature of this violation of policy?
Violation of company policy, state law, and harassment.

Where did this incident or violation occur?
At the workplace

Please provide the specific or approximate time this incident occurred:

Violation of policy since 1/22/2007

2/11 - Told Ms. Stokes she was taking a lunch break, was harassed because of it.

2/12 - Asked co-worker to take a lunch break, stated Texas labor law. Manager was called, argued.
How long do you think this problem has been going on?
1 to 3 months
How did you become aware of this violation?
Other
If other, how?
Ms. Miles has had it happen to her and seen it with others.
Please identify any persons who have attempted to conceal this problem and the steps they took to conceal it:
Van Stokes, Office Manager - Ignored the issue and wouldn't follow through with her agreement to work in breaks on schedules.
Details
What is the nature of this discrimination or harassment?
Harassed when certain questions are asked

Have you confronted the person engaged in this behavior?
Yes

If yes, what did you say or do? What did they say or do?
Ms. Miles would argue that was happening was against Texas labor laws and against company policy. Manager would be forced to allow the break.

Ms. Miles, a former laser technician, states that there has been an issue of policy violation and harassment at the office from Van Stokes, office manager. Ms. Miles states that there is an unspoken rule of no breaks being allowed during the work day. All of the employees are not allowed the prescribed amount of unpaid lunch breaks or shorter paid breaks. The employees are made to eat what they can in between the flow of clients. Ms. Miles who was hired on January 22, 2008, reports that it wasn't too much of an issue to begin with as she had fewer hours as she was being trained and was allowed to take a few breaks as clients were not her sole responsibility yet. However, once Ms. Miles became a full employee and took her own clients on approximately February 4, 2008, it became quite clear how difficult and unfair the system was.

Ms. Miles states that she had learned from other co-workers that there was a long history of no breaks being allowed at the office. After having found the company handbook, she discovered that the company's policy was that hourly employees who work at least six consecutive hours must be given an unpaid thirty minute lunch break. Also, that hourly employees that work at least eight consecutive hours in a day must be given an unpaid thirty minute break and two additional fifteen minute breaks. In addition, employees will not be on-call or required to remain at the office or location during the unpaid lunch breaks.

At the office though, Ms. Miles and the other co-workers were not allowed any breaks and were not allowed to leave the work site during what little time in between clients they had. On February 11, 2008, Ms. Miles had grown fed up with the lack of a break and was actually feeling lightheaded with lack of any time to eat. Ms. Miles had approached Ms. Stokes and told her that she was going on lunch break. Ms. Stokes had objected loudly and even ended up arguing with Ms. Miles about it in front of clients. Ms. Stokes had stated, "I told you this before, we don't have lunch breaks. If there is time allowed, you can eat between clients." Ms. Stokes was speaking scornfully and loudly during the argument. Ms. Miles stated what she had learned of company policy and that it was Texas Labor Laws that enforced breaks as well. Ms. Stokes caved a little and stated, "Well, you need to go get your food and come right back." Ms. Miles argued that her time was her own to spend, to which Ms. Stokes just stated, "Fine," and stormed off.

Ms. Miles had even later suggested a method of arranging breaks for employees, as work schedules are made before each work day. Ms. Stokes had agreed to it, but not followed through. Such that on February 11, 2008, when Ms. Miles asked a co-worker if they could take a client for her while she went on break, the employee was angry that Ms. Miles was going to take a break. The employee called Ms. Stokes, "We've got a problem here, because Ms. Miles wants to take a lunch break and says that Texas Labor Laws says she can." Another argument ensued, this time over the phone. It didn't seem to register with Ms. Stokes or the other co-worker that Texas Labor Laws and company policy allowed the breaks.

Ms. Miles walked off the job, tired from having to argue so hard to get her prescribed breaks that the office management wasn't allowing the employees to take. Ms. Miles states that the work environment is very negative because of this and the office has had a very high turnover of employees of late.

Ms. Miles would like to retain her job, but wants the conditions to be improved such that company policy and labor laws are actually followed. She feels she should not have to argue to get what she is supposed to receive anyway.

THANK YOU! Your voices have been heard! Your frustration and pain will not be in vein!...

I recently got engaged and went to my first bridal expo looking for good ideas and such. I obviously entered as MANY drawings as possible in hopes to win a prize! I'm a discount fanatic so when my finance told me I had missed a call from American Laser Center, regarding the 3rd place $300 prize I won, I was trilled! I have been battling acne for a LONG time and would want nothing better than to look BEAUTIFUL on my wedding day without scars or uneven skin tones. So I listened to the messages to get the # and realized I not only missed 1 call...but I missed 8 of their calls within 3 days. I initially thought this was a bit pushy but due to the "3rd place $300 PRIZE" factor, I figured they needed me to respond to see if I was interested (in case they needed to pass it to someone else if i wasn't). So I got the # and called. The #800 number threw me off, but considered it policy to screen calls. She asked what state and city I would be near and I told her and she told me I had to go to a consultation to redeeme my prize. Eh, I figured it couldn't hurt to check them out. So She said I would earn another $100 if I went within the next 2 days. Loving discounts, I scheduled same day and went after work

I must say... The lady in the WHITE coat was VERY NICE. She greeted me and made me feel at home. Very sweet and personable; like old friends. She discussed all the procedures and went on to talk about how they are the LARGEST company in the LASER field and due to this, can afford the better technology and research to guarantee results! She went on to explain how most companies can only do the "IDEAL" candidate- Light skin, black hair. Of course, not them! They could get rid of Red, blond, White, Grey, you name it! She said they also have this really high tec laser that detects body heat, lowering the laser intensity automatically, in case recent sun exposure happen to eliminate the risk of burning a patient. When I asked about pain and the use of numbing cream, she said due to other company's incidences regarding mis use and cardiac problems, they removed this step to reduce the risk of complications. She insured it was near painless and that it wouldnt be needed. Then she explained how they are a VERY "CONSERVATIVE" company. They make sure all precautions and care are followed. As far as the acne, she recommended Microdermabrasion for scaring and felt I was a GREAT canidate.

All this made me feel comfortable in their procedures and was becoming VERY psyched about this. She went on to tell me they were running a special if I got 2 or more packages i would receive an aditional $750 off. This was a Valentines day special and had to be purchased before the end of Feb. We ran the #'s and with my #300 off + $100 for rushing the consultation and an additional $750 off, the 1/2 leg and Microderm for 6 treatments would be $1,690.89. Well, I was THRILLED! because although thats a CRAP ton of money, the legs alone without discount were $2,399. AWESOME! But I promised my Fiance I wouldnt make any desicions without him and I think this was the BEST move I could have made.

He was sckeptical at first. Saying that they were just SELLING me and that the $ of the procedures seemed HIGH. Of course I argued with him and said they were about average (which I did research and they were pretty close). But once I explained the discounts, he warmed up to the idea and said, if I was to get it done, now would be a good time due to the $1,100 in discounts. I showed him the CARE Credit and he said as long as it was interest free...to go for it.

So i woke up this morning and was excited about this new opportunity I would have. Hairless legs and a smooth complexion. I was getting ready to call to get the finances started, when I stopped. Something told me this wasnt right. Just as I thought this, I remeber last night...when I left, that I caught a glimps of the "room" they do the procedures in. I pray that im wrong in thinking this was a procedure room and infact its a storage closet. There was a white bed with the back raised up in a reclining position and all I can remember seeing was this chair, and DIRT! I dont know where the image of dirt could come from, but it didnt look like no "clean spa". Dont get me wrong. When I got there, the waiting room was BLISS! Smelled good, looked peaceful and clean, but I noticed they didnt have blinds. In FL? Come on! When I got there, I just figured they liked sunlight. :) But my mind keeps coming back to the room i caught a glimps of. It just looked odd. Especially compaired to the rooms I've seen microderm sessions recorded in. It just seemed wrong. So I jumped online to bbb and they arn't registered. For them to be the BIGGEST laser company, you'd think they would be registered. This really worried me so then I found this site. THANK GOD!

In a nutshell, although I have not had a PERSONAL experience here, the reviews speak for themselves. I undertsand I shouldnt let other experiences detur me because you CANT please everyone...but most times when this is the case, the reviews are 50/50. Some awesome experiences, and some not so good. Besides employees (and even some of those are bad) all reviews are bad! This is scary! To top it off, or on a side note, being someone who dearly wants to rid herself of acne scars and wants to look radient and beautiful... its disheartening to know there are companies out there who do this type of practice to innocent people who trust them. When they sign up for a service, they are trusting this company with their $ and their life, and their happiness. How could they feel good about making you all so unhappy!

Im so sorry to all of you for all your pain and frustration. I will not be going there today to sign up so know that your voices have been heard!

Ash

Come on people, I am a employee for ALC, I do understand your complaints but I have been doing this for 4 years and I tell you what, we have done MANY MANY refunds! Anywhere from non-responders, to people with doctors notes and so on.. Yes the laser can burn you, duh, its a LASER! Laser, heat, hmmm think about it..

And yes if you want your money back from care credit you must pay the %10. But you should have read this before signing up. Read what you sign, hasnt your mother ever told you that?

Also we are all trained and certified, some of us are nurses and some are estheticians. The reason for the LASER training itself is so short is because we already know the skin, you must be a licensed Esthetician to work for the company, the training for the lasers is more of a review and the right way to handle them. And employees not knowing what they are doing, after training you must do JOB SHADOWING with another tech. I did it, they all do it.

We are not franchised, we are a corporation. We dont rent from Doctors, we just join with them sometimes and sometimes they just work in our company. Our Corporate office is NOT in Detroit, get facts strait. Its in Carmel, IN...

As for we are a scam, no, of course we want to make money, were a corporation. You go buy furniture, a car, anything with a good value on it and the employees and what not are going to try to get you to buy! Thats what profitiable companies do.

Some of you may be have a issue getting a refund, and as a employee I am telling you if you really think you deserve it, and you have a issue, stick with it, keep calling the clinic manager, not the CEO. The clinic manager can help you. We arent all about scamming you, at least the clinic I work for isnt. If you dont meet our standered "refunds policy" you cant get one, the refund policy thing can suck, but ya know they have them at wal-mart and I bet many of you have had to take a gift certificate insteed of cash once, do ya still shop there?

Here is one of the reasons we do give refunds,

If you are a non responder, have been treated you 6-12 treatments, have been double passed and have seen less than %20 results.

If you become pregnant or have other illness that requires you to stop the laser on a DOCTORS ORDER.

Not just because you got burned. Not just because you bruised. Not just because you read this blog and think you got scammed.

If you want to know more, about the refund policy, ask your local clinic for the copy.. And for big future purchases, get this before hand.

I care about my employees and will continue to treat them and serve them with the best quality care possible.

Good luck to you all if you do qualify for the refund. And remember, it can take time. We deal with alot of questions and concerns and would like to get back to all of you in a timley manner but cant do it all in one day.

Sorry to you who have been burned, things happen, like I said before it is a LASER.. You should go back and ask for a free Microdermabrasion to see if maybe it can help. Sometimes they are more than happy to do that for you. And also that cant burn you because its not a laser, (microderms)..

Good Luck to you all and to future clients!

You will find the in the definition of 'unethical' the name American Lasers. These people will tell you anything you want to hear to get your money. They sold me a Laser hair Removal Package and assured me it would work on my light blonde hair.

I now work for Laser Creations in Simi Valley, CA. There I learned that the technology has yet to be developed that will remove blonde hair. Laser Creations would NEVER sell a service that simply will not produce results. You will find Laser Creations in the definition of 'ethical'.

Anyhow, I was ripped off and lied to repeatedly by AMERICAN LASER. PLEASE DO NOT GIVE THEM YOUR BUSINESS!

Amy
laser_creations@hotmail.com

I went to my gynecologist for laser treatments on my bikini line - 6 sessions @ 6 weeks apart. After the FIRST treatment all the hair was gone within 2 weeks and I haven't shaved since (by the way I was a hairy beast who suffered from major ingrown hair bumps). Some new hair grew in and was also ALL successfully removed at the follow-ups (I have 2 more to go).

I think something's wrong with their technique or lasers if it's not working. I have a friend going to ALC right now. She started her treatment at the same time as me. She's had 4 sessions and no real results. She is jealous that mine is working, but she said that ALC is telling her it often takes a few sessions to see results. I say, baloney.

P.S. I'm researching lasers for brown spot removal and came across this site. I hate to see people getting screwed. Is ALC is using intense pulsed light technology? My doctor is using a regular laser. Maybe that's the problem. I''ve read that IPL technology doesn't work very well for removal. Also, FYI, my bikini line cost $540 for the six sessions.

This really is not such a good place to go for laser treatments.
I have been going to the clinic in Plano, TX for two years now with no real results. I have really light skin and really dark hair (I am pakistani) which is supposed to work well with these kind of treatments.
The treatments have NOT worked at all even in the areas where the hair is darkest. Before coming here I used to go this other Laser Center in Chicago (I moved from there recently) and their treatments WORKED! I only went for five treatments and more than half the hair was gone from my face!
I have been going here for TWO years and have not seen a noticeable difference.
I have another appointment today and am going to discuss how we are going to proceed if the hair does not go away.

Oh and the only reason why I started going there in the first place was because of the "coupon" for $300 off and the extra $100 that a Customer Service agent called and told me about.
I should have researched this company before signing up with them two years ago but I had such good results with the Laser company from Chicago that I figured all would be as reliable and effective.
My mistake :(

I was also scammed by this horrible company. I won a supposed package and went in to see what it was. They at first were so nice but fast talking and made everything seem fine. I agreed to a package and when I raised concerns or questions after I signed than this company they became completely different. They did not want to hear it and denied any assistance to my needs. I want a refund because I do not feel comfortable with the services and it has been denied to me. I asked for management and they would not give me that information because they say its private. Since when can you not talk to a manager of a company that you have paid money to?

I feel uncomfortable because the techs are barley trained and I do not want to risk anything for my health. they tell you that there are doctors in the office and they and then you find out that they are supposedly on call. Everything changed and it just was not worth all of the worry so I felt I have every right to not continue if I feel uncomfortable. I offered to negotiate and it was not open for discussion. I called the corporate office 4 times and everytime I was sent to un unidentified voicemail that is supposedly in the legal department and I have yet to get a call back. I am getting nowhere so I have contacted the bbb and I am waiting on that. I hope to get this resolved soon. How can a company with the name American in the title treat people like crap? I supposedly won a package at a bridal show and never did see set prices at all and I think they just price it whatever they want and go from there. I do not recommend this company to anyone! I would never wish this much stress on anyone! Do yourself a favor and stay away from them.

To all posters,

I represent American Laser Centers and we apologize for the delayed response to your request for assistance. We also appreciate your feedback.

American Laser Centers has recently changed ownership. If you have issue with your experience, we would like to ask you to please contact our newly expanded customer service department. If you’d like us to contact you instead, please provide your contact information to my email below and we will contact you at a time and day of your convenience.

We are constantly looking at ways to improve our services and your input is important to us.

If you have any additional problems or questions in the future, please contact our customer service team at [protected].

American Laser Centers’ customer service center is happy to personally help you with your needs and will provide a swift response to your concern.

Thank you,

Allen
customerservice@alcpartner.com
www.americanlaser.com

Is there any movement toward a class action suit against this company. If so, what do I have to do to be part of it. This company is the worst!

Employees of American Laser Centers who are not paid for overtime as well as clients who have been burned or ripped off, contact the link at the end of this email. They have filed a CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT! Help is on the way for us all. Here is the address: alcclassaction.blogspot.com

I actually worked at ALC and your all correct. Oh my gosh they treat their employees so terribly...its all about bringing in money or your OUT! Instead of spending time educating my manager to bring in more sales the Regional named Jen Iser comes in one day and introduces the manager to a young girl as "your replacement" and says by the way...your fired. Ya, thats right they actually did that and then they turn around and tell the employees to have a positive attitude. Also they hire you and tell you that you will earn a certain dollar amount and then you get your paycheck only to see they dont pay you the amount promised you. UNBELIEVABLE. I just cant believe what a TERRIBLE company they run. They get you in by some stupid raffle, which EVERYONE gets called on only to bump up the prices to give you that GREAT DEAL. STAY FAR AWAY...FAR FAR AWAY.

How do I join the class action law suit? I am in! What a scam and what an unethical business. I can't believe ALC have not been shut down. I called ALC about the laser hair removal because I had this done with very good success about 5 years ago at my dermatologist. I had a spot on my chin that I thought could use a few treatments. Before my appointment I was taken into a room and was sold on the FotoFacial treatments - of course they charged my credit card before I received any treatments. The next morning I call ALC and told them I had changed my mind and did not want these other services. I was immediately told they had a non-refund policy and that I had signed a contract. I explained to her I was not asking for a refund for the one treatment I received and that I wanted to cancel. I was told NO and I then called my credit card company and filed a dispute. That was November and it is now March and ALC is fighting this refund. I was charged $4900.00 WOW! What a racket. Charge people and provide NO services. What kind of deal is this. I am filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and I am going to contact the Attorney General's office again. Will hire my own attorney if I have to because this is just WRONG!

I also didn't get my money back... for over a year. I had to hire somebody to get it back! Finally they refunded it 15 months later. After being hounded daily, having called several different locations, and general harassment. I think it was luck.

For all of you that have had a problem with ALC, I suggest calling the headquarters. They completely believe in customer satisfaction. Have over 240 centers nationwide. They will do their best in making you feel comfortable, even a refund if desired. Customers should feel completely safe in choosing American Laser Centers. How do I know all of this? Ive worked for them for over a year now and Ive seen this company stand by their word in customer satisfaction. Seeing is believing!

How do I get involved in the CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT? My wife has been getting treatments for over 2 years and has had little to no results. I was planning to try and ask for a REFUND but it appears to be unsuccesful. Let me know. Thanks!

Tilleyh

In the fall I had bought a package of 10 microderm sessions. That's over $1,000 that I had spent!

I wish I would have known better! American Laser Centers appears to be such an upscale company with very prestegious locations, marketing campaigns and variety of services. Too bad perception is NOT reality. Honestly, the customer service at Marshalls (just a random example) is a thousand times better than at any of their facilities and ESPECIALLY at their corporate.

I have had six appointments with them so far. The first two were ok. The technician was very young and asked me the same questions the second time around. Which means they don't keep charts on their clients. Its a freaking medical spa for crying out loud! And they don't keep charts on their clients!

Anyways, the second two appointments were a complete waste of my time as the microderm machine was broken. They told me this when I got there, wasting half of my day that I had taken off of work! The fifth appointment was marvelous, I must say...but just when I thought my "bad luck" (what I thought at the time was bad luck as opposed to their lack of giving a snoot about their clients) the sixth appointment got cancelled because it was at 9am and after 15 minutes of waiting for the key holder to let who overslept I stormed out after I found out my technician who I had my last "marvelous" appointment with had been tranferred to a different location. Once again, nobody called.

So three actual sessions later, no results, lots of wasted time and frustration and on top of it all three months of lost treatment time. Enough is enough!

I am in the beauty industry, and on a daily basis I get asked for product and treatment recommendations. I will openly admit that I have completely trashed their reputation to all my friends, co-workers, all clients and even random strangers. When someone asks my opinion regarding where to get microderm or products for this or that desired result, I beging by telling them where NOT to go (which is obviously American Laser Centers) and what products NOT to buy- followed by a recommendation of a place I know they will be satisfied with as well as a product I feel confident in. After all, they consider me an expert so I tell them my expert opinion.

What the heck, freedom of speach, right? One of the very fundamentals of beliefs this country was founded on, right? So I speak! And now blog. This is only the beginning.

Unless ALC management does not get their head out of their ### very soon, from blogs such as this one - I see this company filing bankruptcy in the next few years. Especially in this current economy where staying beautiful and young is a luxury, not a necessity.

After all, the word of mouth is the most powerful way of marketing, correct? It will be too late when this realization of this slaps them over the face!

As an employee of ALC I would be embarassed to work for such a crappy company!

The lack in the business sense of the management of the ALC facilities (especially at corporate!) them ignoring consumer complaints and their "no refund" b.s .of a policy GUARANTEES that I will not be spending a single dollar there again...and neither will my friends and anybody else I can provide with the knowledge of my HORRIBLE experience, so that I may prevent others from getting as frustrated as I have.

Not only do they not deliver the results they promise, their products are crap and bad quality (with lots of cancer causing parabens, might I add!), I find all members I have encountered at (what is now the 3rd facility) very unknowledgable and incompetent, but their services are waaaaayyyy overpriced!

They just want your money and don't give a *&^% about booking your appointment, your treatment progress, nor anything else but the comission on the sale!

Ladies, do me a favor and DO NOT let them talk you into spending money there. Just look above. These testimonials speak for themselves. If you want a service done, go to a privately owned company or a small mom and pop store where they actually appreciate their clients.

And one more thing, make sure that your technician is certified. You can ask to see their certification, especially with chemical peels, laser treatments and even micro! Be careful!

How great is it that consumers do not have to worry about defamation?!

Dear Clinic manager (Post from 3/14)

I do not know what company you had been working for, but it sure does not sound like the one all of us on this blog (and this is only one blog! check BBB and others!) fell victim too.

I realize how the company is run and its various protocols are not up to you, however I would be ashamed to be affiliated with it. The company has a horrible reputation, at least in Chicago.

I was a tech at ALC and I actually knew what I was doing because I went to school and graduated for Esthetics. Unlike some of the Techs that worked there, who had no formal training in skin care.

The Techs there havehad the training with the lasers to do the treatments but didnt have enough experience for them to be affective. The problem is that none of them have time to do the treatments the way they need to be done. The Manager, Dawn Stellabotte schedules clients appointments one after another. You were lucky if you even had five minutes in between to sanatize.
The Manager is always suppose to be in the clinic incase of emergencies, which she never was. Most of the time there would only be one tech there for the whole morning, alone. Doesnt sound very safe, does it? Not to mention that when a new client would come in for a consult, she would put them in front of the client that already had an appointment just because she wanted their money. So, not only did would this cause the techs to run really behind but she made the other clients upset because they would have to wait an hr or longer to get their treatment.

Every tech that starts at ALC has a number of "supervised" treatments that have to be completed to be allowed to perform treatments on their own. Well, let me tell you. That is not the case. She would throw these girls right in and leave them alone. I was left alone and she said "I let you do a face by yourself?" I answered "yes, good thing I know what I'm doing and did't burn anyone." She just laughed and walked away. No wonder people were getting burned and the treatments were NOT working. None of the procedures are simple and certain settings and the way the machines are held, are what make the treatments affective. It's not entirely the techs fault that some people got burned. When you have Dawn constantly knocking on the door and telling you to hurry up it would make you a bit nervous im sure. I felt bad for these girls they werent treated very well or comfortable with what they were doing and when they said something about it she would get very mean.

Not everyone is a candidate for these procedures. Though ALC doesnt seem to care. We were basically told to them whatever they wanted to hear to get the sale. If anyone remembers, I was the one telling ppl not to buy another package because there was not a significant amount of results at that point. So, they were not going to see any. I was then told that if I didnt make bonus I would be fired. I pretty much was always a bit under schedule because I refused to rush the treatments and my patients actually started to see results. If they needed double passed I would do it even though their appointment was never blocked out for enough time. When clients would call to make their appointments they would ask for me to be their tech and they were told no. What kind of place tells you that you cant request a tech? A lot of the time the clients had to be naked. They wanted to know why I couldnt be requested and I didnt know why. They were tired of having a different person everytime they came. Also, asking me why the turnover is so high. Probably because the techs were tired of being told to lie to clients.

The customer service is very bad. When there was a problem the manager would act like she was too busy to come and speak with a client.

An older lady with gray hair came in one day and was very upset about her treatments not working. Another tech was to do it that day and she came to get me because the lady was very upset and the manager as usual, wasnt there yet. So, I began to talk to her and explain that it would take longer and the settings would need to be higher and double passed because there wasnt any pigment in the hair. Apparently she was also lied to. Well, after she settled down I left the room for a moment. I went back in and read the normal questions that are asked at each visit, including medication change etc... Good thing I did because the tech was going to perform the hair removal and the med she was on actually would of caused her to get burned because it was photo sensative. (It wasnt the techs fault. She was new and very unexperienced and should of been with a manager until she got certified) Well, she became very angry because when she asked the manager over the phone, she was told that she could have the procedure. She should of known that the medication has to be stopped up to 48hrs before to not cause burning. What kind of managers do ALC hire? Well, after myself having to keep asking the manager to come and speak with the lady, she finally did. The woman said what her concerns where and how disappointed she was. Then, the manager actually started yelling at this lady a speaking to her like a child.
After that day I quit. I only stayed as long as I did for my clients. There is so much more that went on, I could be here for days.

I URGE EVERYONE TO PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM ALC!

There are other day spas in Pittsburgh that are Excellent at these same treatments. They are very professional. These things WILL not happen to you and the treatments will actuallywork!

If there is any way I can be of help to anyone that is in a lawsuit against ALC please let me know.

ALC is awful. I have been receiving laser hair removal treatments on my full face, breasts, navel, extended brazilian and full legs to the tune of $7k and have NOTHING to show for (as far as removal/reduction goes) but I do have BURNS from my ankles to my hips. They wanted to blame this on the color of my skin. However, they knew I am naturally tan. This place is an awful establishment and needs to be stopped. Please help or tell me how I can help!

Feel free to contact me at lasercomplaints@hotmail.com. I set that up just for this situation.

Heather- Indy

To Unsatisfied Customer - Chicago and other recent posters,

I wanted to follow up in regards to my previous post.

As discussed, American Laser Centers has recently changed ownership and has expanded its customer service department. Our customer service team would really like to hear your feedback.

Please contact them at [protected].

We apologize for any negative experiences you have had at American Laser Centers.

Thank you,

Allen
customerservice@alcpartner.com
www.americanlaser.com

Like a lot of people who got into this mess in the first place I also got a call saying that I won a $300 gift certificate at this raffle I entered and if I go in for a free consultation in the next two days I will get another $100 off. I'm so glad I googled their reviews online and stumbled upon this website otherwise I would probably make the same mistake as most of you. I just want to thank you all for sharing your stories and I wish you luck in the lawsuit!