United Laser Clinic review: clinic closed /no refund 58

I also purchased a laser package.Unforunately they closed all locations in Illinois.I have been calling them for good two weeks with no respond. I want to get a refund too .

I also recently purchased a package from United Laser Clinics and had treatments remaining from the Chicago location. United Laser attempted to sell me several other packages just before all IL locations were closed. These are unscrupulous business practices. I have called and emailed to no avail. I am ready to file complaints with the IL and IN Attorneys General offices. In addition, I shall be contacting the Better Business Bureau and an attorney. We need to find out the names of all those whose money has been stolen by United Laser Clinics and hire a joint attorney. I shall email Jenifer who left the message above and continue this effort. Please contact me if you wish to discuss this matter. I am uncertain if I should leave my email address here though.

Hello, I feel the same way. I had a package with them and they first told me that the Chicago location had closed down and so I was supposed to go to the one in Woodridge. Now that has closed down too. I have just emailed Jenifer. Hopefully we should be able to get a refund at the very least.

I have the same complaint I have spent over 2000.00 and have not recieved my treatments

Is anybody planning on taking legal action? I this these guys need to be nailed.

I am working with someone on getting attorney action. I am not an attorney but will let you know what happens if you are interest. Email me at margirollins@yahoo.com

I as well was snagged by the Il clinic in October with a 50% off sale. This was supossed to fix a life long problem of mine that has caused me much mental anguish. Instead i have been taken for $1000.00! How can people conduct themselves this way. It is just beyond my comprehention. I don't have the money for an attorney :(

Another one here. United Laser Clinics, Merchant Drive, Alqonquin, Illinois. Paid over $3000 for treatment. Have approximately 60% of treatment to yet receive (to say nothing of the 3 year guarantee!) Am willing to work with Counsel, if I do not hear back from them. I contacted United Laser Clinics Corporate Office last week (via email and telephone-left message). Michelle Droulos emailed me back stating "..We are going through accounts...I will contact you ASAP...) I am patient and hopeful that United Laer Clinics will offer a reasonable solution in a reasonable amount of time. Communication here is key. If I do not hear from United Laser Clincs this week, I will be the first in line to pursue legal action before they this company folds. Time is evidently of the essence.
Melanie

Hi. I'm a representative of Hair Today Gone Tomorrow (www.hairtodaygonetomorrow.com). We are a hair removal company with 13 offices in the midwest, 7 in the Chicago area. We've been in the hair removal business for over 10 years.

If you are one of the many customers of other hair removal companies who have lost your packages due to a company going out of business in a tough economy and would like to continue the hair removal process, please call us and we will do our best to work out an inexpensive hair removal package based around the treatments you've already had at a company that is no longer in business.

1.877.NO.HAIRS / 1.877.664.2477
www.hairtodaygonetomorrow.com

I just wanted to let you all know that it going to be hard to get anything back form them. I use to work there at the corporate office. Michelle is only interested in how much money she can collect for herself. There is nobody above her. She is it. Even if she tells you otherwise. She is co-owner along with her brother in law. The call center or 1-800 number that you call is in the back of Michelles office. If they answer your call then Michelle half the time is standing right there. But they will say that she is gone at the bank or something of the sort. They have their own personal attorney that says that there fine print will cover there butts. If you were the one that was called and told that you won three hundred dollars off ..you were fooled. Everyone that attends a show is a winner. That little card that you filled out is a joke. I feel very sorry for everyone. I left them because of this. I wish you luck.

Hello,

I sent this letter to WLFI.com news station which is in Lafayete IN. I hope they will take a look at my comments. But if enough of us write in to the new stations around Lafayette IN they might take a look or publish a story.

Comment to NewStation

Just wanted to make you aware that the United Laser Clinic in your city had (3) offices in IL that were closed down in December 2008. I don't know if this is newsworthy but hundreds of people paid alot of money including my for services that they weren't provided. United Laser Clinic took the money, closed down the operation and won't provide refunds or return people's phone calls or email. I thought someone in Lafayette IN should know before the main office closes down and the samething happens in your state. You can google or Yahoo United Laser Clinic in IL and see all the comments.

Thanks for listening!
D

They also closed an office in Edina, MN same deal. If you put your purchase on a credit card call your credit card company and tell them what happened my credit card company put the charge into dispute and has credited my account

I am in the same boat as everyone else. I'm thinking it is not looking good :(

This is crazy... I had 2 treatments at the Lincoln park location and 1 treatment in woodridge. I was so happy I was half way done and now this BULLS#$%... I've also been calling for the past 2 weeks and no answer. I had spoke to the same girl Michelle back in December and early January. Just before these clinics closed I had been called by United Laser several times and they were trying to collect the balance I owed for my package which I thought was suspicious because we had an agreement and a payment breakdown and I was a payment ahead. Point being that I too have paid about 70% of my bill and have only recieved 3 treatments. I am sooooo pissed, I don't understand how a business of this sort can just pick up and leave screwing all their customers! There must definetly be something we can do... I have a contract with them, I will go home later and read through it.

I spent $3, 200 at the ULC in Algonquin, IL. I've been calling Michelle and Emailing Michelle for two months and she would only email me back with - they are finalizing a few things and she will contact me in the next few days - which she never did. I sent a letter this morning again to her and this is the message I got back:

Anna,

Michelle no longer works with us. If you have additiona questions, email sarah.smith@unitedlaserclinics.com..

Dear former Algonquin clients,

As you may or may not be
aware the clinic known as United Laser Clinics Algonquin Series, LLC
has closed its doors as a result of several factors. We regret that
this decision was made but due to failure of our laser manufactures to
maintain the equipment coupled with the severe decline in the economy,
United Laser Clinics Algonquin Series, LLC could no longer maintain its
current operations.

At this time, United Laser Clinics
Algonquin Series, LLC is seeking to file chapter 7 bankruptcy to
resolve any remaining claims. If you have any questions or concerns you
may address them to our attention and we will attempt to address them
as best we can.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Very truly yours,

United Laser Clinics

So any of you looking for a refund or have heard Michelle tell you that they are opening back up in February - she lied and now is bankrupt.

If anyone knows how to go about getting your money back through this bankruptcy please let us know - thank you...

My friends and I have gone through the same thing. But we are flighing back!
Go to http://unitedlasercomplaints.blogspot.com/

I have the same problem. I called the office right next door and they WON'T help anyone. They told me "we don't have a laser machine that works...sorry! it is all a lie. Michelle robbed my money $1500!

I originally got a call the day before my appointment in Woodridge telling me that I needed to reschedule- they were "closing early" for the holidays... so when I called the office back, there was no one there. Finally I called another number and they told me it was closed and would get back to me. She said I could go to Indiana- 4hour trip for a few minutes?! No thanks. I recently called again and the lady said that they might transfer our treatments to another doctor- now I get an email saying they're bankrupt! Great! And I was doing all this for my upcoming wedding! Rediculous.

I myself purchased a package in October. In December, which I am assuming is right before they closed, I received an email for buy one package get one free. Good thing I didnt convince my husband to purchase me another package, because when I had called to confirm my appointment the number was disconnected, this was the beginning of January. I drove to the office, and there was a sign saying they closed. I didnt receive any emails or anything. I called the offices in Indiana, and they didnt know anything, but told me to contact the main office. I left several messages, and finally received an email that an office would be opening in February. I emailed them again last week telling them they had a few days to get back to me before I contacted my attorney, and still nothing. I have called all morning, literally call, let it ring, hang up and call right back. Funny thing was when I was on about the 10th phone call, someone picked up the phone, I heard phones ringing in the background, then they hung up, and I am still trying to call.

This is just awful! They are a bunch of thieves and I think it is even worse that they tried to make more money off people a week before they decided to shut their doors!

My email is moonshines24@sbcglobal.net

I suggest people sending their stories to all Chicago area news channels! abc 7 I sent my story to abc 7 I-team I searched it and the link took me to the correct area. They get lots of emails, so maybe the more of us that send them the story, the better chance they have of covering it. also Fox is Fox investigates, I am in search of the others, but if anyone figures out for wgn or cbs please let me know, or post it here for others to know.
moonshines24@sbcglobal.net

So if they're signing for CH.7 bankruptcy can we get our money back? Little education on this issue would be nice. I have few treatments left as well. I don't really care about 3 years of agrrement, all I want to finish my course of what I originally paid for (6 or 8 treatments, whatever the case is). God, I wish I knew this was coming! In this economy, definitely this is not a very nice thing to do to people! Michelle you are a ### and a hore and I hope you have to pay big time

I am in philadelphia and the same thing happened to me! this is a rip off I have contacted a lawyer and I did mention this site. Maybe there is something that can be done who knows.

I too was ripped off ULC of Illinois. Did anyone find out if we have legal recourse or not. What is Chapter 7 bankruptcy? Do they have to pay anything back to their customers? Does anyone know if a customer went through CareCredit and paid off their balance, can they still get their account credited? This whole thing makes me sick. A hurting economy is one thing--taking people's money knowing they are going to close down is another AND not sending a notice to their customers and returning phone calls another! If anyone has any answers to my questions and you have time to respond I would love to hear from you!

Thank you,
Shannon
iteach6g@att.net

One other thing! Unlike one of the posts on this site, I DO care about the 3 year guarantee. It was big part of their sales pitch and with good reason. I don't know anyone that was "hair free" in just six treatments! They false advertised all of the time too. They'd send out e-mails advertising and promising to be "hair free by the summer" all the time in the Spring. This is not realistic or possible.

they're going to close and open up under a new name, i bet. Michelle Droulos also got married recently and is going to be called Michelle Andrew. Michelle is a liar to both her employees and her customers.

2 investors from St. Paul MN just bought out United Laser Clinics! So, no there is nothing you can do...

Great treatment in Carmel! Love you ladies!

I was getting treatments in two different areas (paid in full twice) when they closed. I've gotten most of the same emails and now no response at all.
I don't understand how they can go out of business when they still have locations in IN and MO (according to their websites).
Since I have family in St.Louis, I plan to go in and complain the next time I'm there.
Please email me if you know of any way I can get my money back.
tootiemay3@hotmail.com

They are not in business any longer..check their website, they are done..they are not taking anymore new customers..

This post is directed to Jina. There is no need to use PROFANITY or calling a person immature names on this site. GROWUP!

I would be weary of some of these posts. I think they are probably by the owner under different names. What customer in carmel would take the time to post that she loves her treatments and not feel compassion or even concern for herself that this company is going to take her money too? Infact, if the post (from 11 days ago) which states they are completely out of business is true then I can't imagine that the customer from Carmel who posted just nine days ago is too happy now that she, too, is in the same boat as the rest of us.

I checked into Chap. 7 bankruptcy and its not as easy to obtain as one might think. Bankruptcy laws ave become more stringent. Don't stop persuing your hard earned money which was stolen by this company! Do be fool by some of these posts. My hunch tells me the owner is monitoring this site.

Shannon

I am from Iowa. I spent almost a year driving to Woodridge for laser hair removal, and also bought a package for the 1540 treatments. During two of the appointments the laser gun was not functioning, so I figure I had 4or 5 solid treatments. My biggest regret is that I convinced my mother to by a package as well.(She was taken for most of her money. ) I feel that I was a good customer to this company. On my last appointment in December, I was pressured, and very close to purchasing another package that seemed almost too good to pass up. Thank God I didn't allow myself to splurge, as it was the Christmas season. I know that the economy is a real issue for businesses. I must say I am disgusted with this company & how they sold packages worth thousands of dollars knowing full well they intended to close their offices within days with no warning to it's loyal customers. Struggling in this economy is one thing...stealing is quite another.
bodyzone1970@yahoo.com
please let me know what I can do to be involved in anyway

United Laser Clinics closed their doors suddenly, did not provide refunds to clients for unused packages or incomplete treatments. I filed complaints with the Better Business Bureau (Indianapolis, IN) and The Federal Trade Commission. United Laser Clinics responded to my complaint with the BBB in an unsatisfactory way. They LIED saying that I had completed my treatments when I have not completed my treatments. They will not issue refunds and they will not offer any compensation for lost money.

Overall, this has been a very bad experience and also an expensive learning experience. I would offer this advice to anyone seeking "medical/spa" type treatments, skin treatments, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, photo facials, laser cosmetica, laser resurfacing...:

Consider if you really must have these procedures. They are often very costly, results vary greatly and you never know if you will be a good case or a not so great case. Also, the results don't always last very long. I have friends that have shown little to no results after paying a few thousand for skin rejuvenating treatments that showed minimal results.

1. NEVER sign a contract that says "No Refunds."

2. NEVER pay in cash. Use a credit card so that charges can be disputed if you don't receive the services.

3. NEVER pay 100% in full, in advance of treatments. Negotiate a payment plan. That way, if the company is dishonest or if the company goes bankrupt, you won't have as big of a loss.

4. RESEARCH the company thoroughly and ask for referrals. The internet is a good source of information, but sometimes, dishonest businesses may sometimes post false reviews to inflate their reputation or make themselves look better.

5. BEWARE OF FAKE CONTESTS: If you fill out a contest form for services such as the ones I've mentioned and provide a phone number or an address. You will often get a call back saying, "Congratulations, I'm calling to tell you that you've won a $200 gift certificate off of any of our services." The amount may vary, but it's all the same game. They basically want you to fill out a contest or raffle form so that they can get potential customers, they are "fishing" for customers that they can sell their packages to. They want your information so that they can mail you solicitations or call you and persuade you to come in for a "free" service and later to buy their products or more services. You did not really "win" $300 of free laser hair removal or other services. In fact, I went to an event with a girlfriend and we both filled out those cards. Guess what? We both won $300 worth of "free" services from United Laser Clinics. I was the only one naive enough to actually say, "okay, I'll bite..." United Laser Clinics and other businesses, will say that you "won" so that you'll be excited and want to learn about how you can use that "gift" amount on their services. It's really just bait to get you to visit them. Did you ever notice how they never publish the true prices of their services on their website or in their brochures/ flyers? They will always give some vague reason for not stating their prices outright. Whatever reason they may give, is not really the true reason. The true reason is that they need the flexibility to be able to change pricing depending on the customer, the monthly sales quota, the cost of running their business...They can say the regular price of a photofacial is $150 one week and then, if you ask them a week later, they will say it costs $200. Pricing flexibility allows them to design their promotions or contest prizes anyway they want, anyway that best suits their business needs. DO NOT BE FOOLED!

Also, I never thought that a business would stoop as low as to pretend to be a client and post false reviews about their business. It happened to me. They pretended to be me and they posted reviews to make themselves look good.

My Thoughts About United Laser Clinics (ULC):
They are the most dishonest business and poorly run business I have ever encountered and have had the misfortune of losing almost a thousand dollars as a result of dealing with them.

First, they closed their business suddenly without any notification or treatment contingency plan.

Second, they gave many of their clients false hope about waiting until February 2009 for a new clinic to open. This was probably done to buy them some time as they consulted with their accountant and lawyer about how to save themselves from angry customers and keep their terrible business running in Indiana.

Third, they send out mass e-mails about going to Dr. Thors in Algonquin to continue treatment. I called Dr. Thors' office and was told that the owners of United Laser Clinics directed their clients to his office without his knowledge or approval. In fact, they owned his practice money for equipment and lease payments.

Fourth, they disregard most communication from their clients in Illinois and do nothing to make amends. Instead, they post false reviews to make themselves look like an honest business. Now you know the truth!

Everyone seems to have a ton of time on their hands! I was a client too, but after I lost my job to a advertising firm for 10 years, I understood the economy! They are closed! There is nothing anyone can do...There are so many obstacles in life, and this is one of them! Just face it, getting "new emails" from December 2008 from when they closed it old! It is almost JUNE 2009 and people are still wasting their time..This economy just needs to turn around for everyone at stake!

All there numbers are disconnected. They are all out of business now!

How do i get my money back!
i paid over 4000 dollars for the 3 year guarantee treatment! some one please contact me and let me know how i can get my money back if there is a way. How the hell can they just shut down!, i made an appointment last week at the carmel indiana branch! some one email me and let me know what i should do please arashm_88@hotmail.com

It's been all over the Better Business Bureau since I filed my claim over a year ago. Some claimes went to arbitration and ULC refused to comply with judgement they should refund clients. Read it for yourselves: http://www.bbb.org/indianapolis/business-reviews/hair-removal-laser-and-electrolysis/united-laser-clinics-in-lafayette-in-9001740/

I would like to sue them for any money I am out. I have a 3 year guarantee. I want every cent returned. They will file bankruptcy and reopen as another company and continue to scam people.

I live in St. Louis and the office here is now closed. I just made an appointment last week for treatments this coming Saturday and when I tried to call the office today the number was no longer in service, I can not get ahold of anyone. No notice just closed. So I am out of the treatments I have already paid for!

Just an update, the St. Louis office for ULC did close but Kim opened a new office under a new name. I just did not get the mass email she sent out explaining. I talked to her last night. So those in St. Louis are in luck, she is still open and still in business. Yeah, I get to finish my treatments!