Planet Beach
Reviews and Complaints

I have attached all of my text messages with Shelly (the "Billing Manager"). I've also attached the cover of my dispute form that I filed with my bank to show the time stamp. On November 15th I texted Shelly after trying to get a hold of someone over the phone numerous times previous days. I politely inquired about why I was being charged $59.95 on November 9th which just so happened to be my birthday (might I add). I was never billed for that charge, and to this day, I still have no idea why I was even charged it. An hour later, she said she would look at it. The next day, I texted her again and asked her if she was able to get it resolved. No reply. November 19th, I asked her if she could please get it resolved. She then replied eight hours later and asked me to excuse her because she was ill and couldn't look at her phone. She then said that I would not be charged for December and that I would be done. (Thus, voiding my contract with Planet Beach, correct?) On November 26th, I had still not received a refund or reimbursements. I texted her that, and she just replied"Hmmm ok." I should have taken the issue to my bank then, because on December 3rd, I was charged another $60.95. Please feel free to look at the texts. Monday December 3rd, I could not go pick up a check at 8:00pm. That just seemed very questionable and to me and I didn't want her having my card information anymore. I've attached the time I filed the dispute with my bank which was at 4:01pm. I texted her at 4:22pm just enough time for me to get home. I let her know that I had filed a dispute with my bank to make sure that my information was protected and that the mistakes wouldn't happen again. She said that I had broken the contract, but there is proof in these messages that I was not bound to any contract in December. In addition, I never received a contract in email or mail. I was never billed $70, I never received a bill via email or mail. I just don't understand what grounds Shelly has in charging me this $70 when none of this was my fault to began with.

I am still being tortured by planet beach, north hills raleigh, nc. I made the mistake of using their services and after telling them numerous times, and writing to them that I moved and would not be using their services and to cancel my membership, I am still having issues on my credit report. From six years ago! I am a single mother trying to buy a house and they are making it very difficult for me. I don't know what I can do to get them to leave me alone and drop this. I never used the services they are charging me for. How can this even be legal? I am blown away at the numerous complaints against this company. They should be ashamed of the way they handle their business.

Read all the complaints online about how Planet Beach scams everyone on memberships, withdraws money from their bank accounts after cancelling service, and calling with threats how they will ruin your credit. I'm now fighting an $1888.00 collection on my credit (5 years later) with Planet Beach and their minions, Kross Lieberman & Stone.
I've been trying to fight this off my credit (even have the proof and contract) and it's got to the point where I'm limited to what I can do when it comes to getting a loan. I've called Kross Liberman & Stone and was treated like dirt the minute they picked up the phone. The guy kept cutting me off and kept saying, " you are the one who signed 24 months". Not only that when I called Planet Beach corporate office I would either get a voicemail or when someone answered they would take a message because the person I needed to talk to wasn't available. Plant Beach corporate office never returned my calls, voicemails, or contact forms I filled out online.

There is no winning here and not sure what else to do at this point, but find a lawyer that will take my case and hopefully help others who have been through the same as I did. I refuse to pay for something I know I don’t owe and want my credit back to normal.

All around Planet Beach has the worst business ethics for both consumers and apparently franchisees.

Planet Beach
Located in: Plaza in the Park
Address: Plaza in the Park, 5182 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX 77005
Phone: [protected]

Planet Beach Western Canada is an unprofessional business that is soliciting hopeful business owners by offering franchise agreements. The franchise is failing across the United States and Canada and has been for years; however, they promote it as a good business opportunity and they leave franchisees in the dark until they have already opened their store by not providing any real earnings numbers. This leaves franchisees with a failing business and then they are forced to pay royalties and other ridiculous fees such as a marketing fee which subsidizes an American beauty pageant (Miss Planet Beach) and technology fees even though the head office can barely run a computer ($50/month). Training is non-existent and what they do provide is offered from a woman who self proclaims that she does not have the answers. Support around construction and store development comes from British Columbia and the entire project is managed over the phone/email. The franchisor spends most of his time on "vacation" and is only in contact in exceptional circumstances, however, he is so unprofessional that no one wants to speak with him anyway. We would not recommend that anyone purchase a Planet Beach franchise unless they are okay with: spending over $400, 000 on a store that will not generate an income and that cannot be sold for even half of what was spent to build it. This post is brought to you by a team of otherwise successful business owners.

They charged my credit card for a $100 double the monthly cost 2 weeks after the payments are due, they did not freeze my membership in nov 2013 like I ask them they have new girls like 5 in one month the girl didn't do her job right all I new Is I thought it was frozen now they just now took it apond them selfs to take dec, and jan, out on the 20 th they have no idea what the hell they are doing they arnt on the same page I tried to cancell and they told me I can't there is no head corp # to call u just have to put up with a bunch of air head b*****s who think they no what there doing she put my refund back on but took 4 days cus it was a weekend then charged me $20 to re freeze it tell me if this ### is right the head quarters phone number doesn't work so plz think twice if u want a tan place as a contract there red bulb equip ### doesn't work it took months for there facial light to work mean while I'm paying for stuff that doesn't work without my money being given back for there peace of ### that's not even working I work hard for my money for these chics to keep messing up bad bussiness there is a no contract for cell phones and other stuff these days but u have to stay in a tanning contract really it's not that serious how do u stay in a contact for 2 yrs doesn't seem right my next step is to hire a attorney for breach of contract espically with bad equip not working I'm sure I'll get things going then just to prove my point and so no one else ever has to go thru this again very bad customer service bad attitudes not helping you only when they want to sell ### and ladys to let u no amzon has all there tanning lotions all for under $20 and don't let they tell u it's not real they are every bit real packaged perfect and all name brand where do u think they order there's from in bulks $100 is on Amzon for $18 think about it good day!😡

The Chalmette location has obviously closed, but all we get from the New Orleans headquaters is what is being told to them.. It is being stated that it is closed temporarily due to electrical reasons. Well, I past there the other day and the lights were on, but doors are still locked and shop pretty much emptied out. I e-mailed the ower two days ago because this is what corporate said to do, but have not received any response thus far. When you call the location, the number is disconnected. It had been going downhill for months now and I guess I should say the handwriting was on the wall. Even though this is all happening, Planet Beach Chalmette still has no problem debiting my CC for services I am not receiving. If he knew he was closing, he should have not drafted any card for September services. Bad business.

I will go to my bank and put a stop to this draft, but at the same time as much as I love tanning and PB, I'm leaning towards not contracting with any of the other locations being that this can and did happen. What makes it worse, I cannot get anyone to help me or give me anymore answers then they can.

I suggest the location be inspected and you will be able to see for yourself. And even if he did re-open, why would I want to continue? Very disappointed.

Your time and consideration on this matter will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Planet beach contempo spa on 8366 westheimer in houston tx doesn't tell you in the groupon deal that you will be required to purchase facial product (That is truly only trial size) for $25 in order to have the facial that was already paid for.

That facial product also caused a bad reaction on my skin. The next day I called and spoke with chris the manager and she said that nothing that she will do and there is no one above her and that she won't take back facial product that has been opened even though her employee was the one who opened the product for me.

I have filed a complaint with the better business bureau and the office of the attorney general of texas for consumer protection. Groupon refunded the groupon deal cost, but chris will do nothing for the over priced facial product that caused a bad reaction.

Shame on planet beach at 8366 westheimer. Deception at its finest! It would have been one thing to include the price in the deal or at the very least mention it in the ad and I would have understood. At the very least when a customer has a bad reaction to your product at least try to accommodate without being rude and inconsiderate with an I don't care attitude. Chris is a true piece of work!

On Friday 6/8 I entered planet beach to tan. I was put In a bed with more than 3 bulbs out. I told the women. She said sorry, but did not offer compensation. On Sunday I entered the spa and was told sorry my computers are down. I then told the women what had happened on Friday and that I live more than half hour away. She did not offer compensation. I've had to pay for services elsewhere. This mean I am paying double because of their negligence. I am very upset and would to be compensated for services paid for. I would also like my contract broke. Thank you!

Lisa pepper
[protected]

I have been a long time member of planet beach and recently purchased several of their candles. I had one lit in my bedroom and went thru and saw it was out I assumed it had gotten blown out. When I got to the candle it was empty and the jar was charred black. I went to pick it up and it had melted on top of my brand new chest of drawers and burnt a very deep stain in the wood. Thank goodness I was home and it was a real piece of furniture (Not pressboard) as it could have started a fire. I went to the salon and showed the container and pictures to the manager who called the owner and told her. I asked that she call me after the manager asked what it was I hoped to gain from this. Had this been an old piece of furniture I would not have care other than to let the salon know of the possibilities of problems and dangers with the candles. I asked to have my dresser fixed or replaced as it was only 6 months old (I just paid it off on friday). I never received a call from anyone and today I went in and was told that there is a warning label on the bottom of the candle and she was not liable for any damages. And that was it. I have registered a complaint with planet beach on line and requested someone from the corporate office contact me. I'll keep you updated to any changes

Being 22 wks pregnant I decided to try Mystic Tan. I joined 4 wks ago. Two weeks after I joined, paying a deposit and a months charge I received a letter that the location was closing. I literally tanned twice. So I decide to go in for my 3rd session and guess what? They don't even have the ability to allow me to use the spray that I prefer because they are "all out". And when I complain the clerks response is that mystic tan usually costs 40 bucks a session.

I look at their corporate website to write a letter of complaint and there is NO CONTACT information. No email address, no physical address, and no phone number. Costumers be warned, this company is not concerned with service. And after reading the prior post I would be very wary of their business practices.

Don't trust ANY Planet Beach. Once you sign up there is a THREE MONTH wiaiting period to cancel even with written notice. My Mom had a membership, developed cancer, was unable to use the Spa... little help from Planet Beach - they "graciously" waived TWO MONTHS of the penalty. Give me a break - for a cancer patient... what the heck does this company think treating people this way... don't support ANY Planet Beach...

I completed my 2 year contract and since I wasnt using the service enough to justify the $99 monthly charges I asked to cancel it. The girl at the desk said the owner, Luis, was out of the country with his wife Jody. I was given a phone number ... didnt work...was given an email...still have the rejection email stating that it wasnt valid (Both phone number and email address were on the business card at the desk). I was also told that no one else could possibly help me. For the next 2 months they reduced my charge to $49.50...makes no sense since my contract stated $99 gave me use of all locations and all facility equipment. Coming up on the second month and finally having the time to deal with it I contacted the location...no answer...contacted another location owned by same owner...no answer...(Keep in mind that this was 11:20 am during a normal business day where they open at 9 am) Finally I call the corporate office and leave a message. After that there was never another option to leave a message and any number they sent me to was "unavailable" SOOOOO. I did what you will have to do if you wish to cancel your membership! Called my bank and cancelled the card and now I am in the process of posting this anywhere I can find a spot as well as the BBB. (Did I mention they are not a member of the BBB and they have numerous complaints that are unresolved? Check for yourself)

I want to share my experience as a planet beach franchisee so anyone out there considering planet beach as an investment can make an informed decision.

The entire experience was very costly and draining and all the promised support consisted of a few phone calls where franchisees we subjected to hours of the same big business babble from a highly overpaid consultant who came from the fitness/gym industry. All theory; no substance! And certainly no national marketing!

Problems started pretty early on. We signed on with planet beach because at the time they were promoting the contempo spa concept which at the time seem like it could be a successful business model. But during the equipment selection phase we were denied our original list of equipment and told that we could certainly include the additional spa equipment, but we would also have to have x# of pieces of tanning equipment. The reason we decided to come onboard with planet beach was because we felt that the automated day spa concept could work; but now we’re being told that we had to carry more tanning equipment than we wanted. To accommodate the extra tanning equipment required additional ac and electricity to the tune of around an extra $20k. Corporate didn’t care; it wasn’t their money being wasted. There was also a number of other instances where we could have saved $1000’s, but were denied by corporate and had to go with their preferred vendor; the whole time knowing damn well planet beach is getting a kickback.

Be very careful and don’t allow corporate to just put together your opening order or you’ll end up with way to much stuff you’ll never be able to sell. Don’t get talked into the site survey; it costs $1500 and it’s not even necessary. They end up charging you $2500 for the cad drawings that probably take 5 hours to do because they don’t vary much from drawing to drawing.

We finally opened and quickly realized we are in this pretty much on our own. The area rep was too busy running his locations to be actively involved with developing the territory or a new location. It was costing hundreds of dollars a month to service other planet beach members. We were a new location with newer and better equipment so members from other pb’s were using our location and we didn’t get a dime for it. This is a neat little benefit pb calls reciprocation. Again, corporate thinks it’s a great benefit and it can be, when it’s fair; but not when on some days a new location sees more customers from other salons then their own.

Their idea of effective marketing is giving away free services anywhere from 3 free visits to 30 days of free spa (And they proposed doing that over christmas and new year’s when everyone wants to look good and are more than willing to do it for free!) great marketing!

Then the recession hit, which resulted in even less support? You see, they still had their aggressive growth numbers to hit. That was more important than supporting existing franchisees. Unfortunately that backfired for planet beach and put allot of planet beaches out of business, like ours. So their goal of 500 stores by the end of 2010 actually resulted in more than 45 locations closing so far in 2009. Not one person ever picked up the phone to wish us good luck or see how we were doing.

Stay away! It’s a huge scam! There are a few good people at planet beach but the good they are trying to do is corrupted by the greedy, drug addict of an owner stephen smith and his overpaid, overweight pal from his days as agold’s gym franchisee.

Late February my friends and I went to Planet Beach in Roseville with a 'free day pass' to try out the spa. We all liked the products and were ready to sign up for the membership by the end of the day. We signed a contract stating that there would be an automatic charge on our credit cards of 79.99 starting March 1st. The only charge that was supposed to go through that day was the products we had purchased that day. We were told we did not need to stay while the employee charged our credit cards, this was our mistake. Within 2 days we were all charged 79.99 plus the price of the products. We decided that maybe they charged us early for the month of March so we let it go. We reviewed our bank accounts online and were shocked to see that we were all charged 79.99 again on March 2nd.

By this point, my friends and I felt deceived. We confronted Jen Miller of Planet Beach about the first unauthorized charge. Jen told us that their 'policy' was to charge clients a 'start-up fee.' When we asked to see this 'policy' we were told they did not have a copy to show to clients. We asked how we would know what the 'policy' consisted of if did not see it or provided a copy of it. Jen then advised us that since we had signed the charge card, we had 'approved' this charge. After reviewing our contract, there was no mention of any additional charges before March 1st.

We were told we needed to contact Planet Beach's corporate headquarters with no guarantee of having the charges reversed. Jen then went on to say how this is not the first time she was confronted with this same issue. Numerous attempts have been made to reach someone at the 'corporate headquarters' with no success... all ours calls have gone straight to voicemail. We have all signed a cancellation form---but we will probably incur another charge for April since we did not give '30 days notice' to cancel the membership.

This establishment is one of the worst I have ever dealt with. Perhaps it is because they are only interested in seeing how much they can rip you off and debit your account for. Customer service means nothing to this establishment... and I for one, hope they fail.