California Lipo Laser Center

Review: Paid for 12 sessions and only received 7. When I went to my 8th appointment the office was closed with a sign explaining that they've had an emergency and that we would be call to reschedule. After two weeks I finally reached the secretary who told me that the consultant in charge has passed away but that they were trying to re-open, asked for my name and phone number, and told me to wait 2 weeks for their call because I would start the treatment again at no cost to me. I just tried to call them and the phone is now disconnected, I did try to call them last week but they had the recording answering the phone.Desired Settlement: I would like a refund because I didn't get the final results that I was told I would get or at least the portion of the last 4 sessions I didn't receive. I paid $1,200 + $60 groupon voucher = 1260

Review: I have had two scheduled appointments with Centralvalley Laser Center which is Roseville laser center. The address is [redacted]. My first appointment was April 9 I came at 11 o'clock which was my scheduled time, and nobody's in the office. The doors were locked lights were off with a note on the door stating that they had an emergency and they will call patients back to reschedule their appointments.They called me two weeks after to schedule again, after I had left over 10 messages for someone to call me back as soon as possible! my next appointment is April 29 that is today at 11:30, and again I arrive with the office lights off and one body in office with doors locked!! The note on the door this time says " Office closed please call back to reschedule"! This is the second time and I drive on the way from Elkgrove California to Roseville California. I would like a refund of my money which I purchased this product on Groupon.Desired Settlement: I would like the full refund amount back that I have purchased originally on [redacted].

Review: The sales contract does not include a Buyer's Remorse clause. The sales manager told me that all sales are final and that I could not change my mind.

In May 2013 I purchased a deal on "Deal Chicken" for two laser lipo sessions for $79 at California Laser Lipo. On June 5, 2013 I went to a "consultation" which was actually a "hard sales pitch" for additional services with office manager [redacted] not medical personnel. During this sales pitch, [redacted] lifted up her shirt, showed me her abdominal area and told me that her flat stomach was a result of the lipo laser sessions and she guaranteed me it would work on me as well. She assured me the fat cells would shrink and the loss would be permanent. She said they were offering a "deal" for the first 10 people who signed up and I was customer 8. I could receive half off 12 sessions. I succumbed and agreed to purchase additional sessions totaling over $1,000. [redacted] told me that I could pay half now and half when I came in for my first appointment. I wrote a check for $537.50 on my Wells Fargo Account, check [redacted] to Central Valley Laser. I made appointments with the receptionist and left. I got into my car in the parking lot and wondered what did I just do. I returned to the office and told the receptionist that I had changed my mind. [redacted] was in consultation with a male customer who had been waiting with me in the waiting room and went into her office after I left. After he left, I told [redacted] that I did not want to purchase additional sessions. I told her that I was having "Buyer's Remorse" and that I had rushed into purchasing additional sessions without really thinking about it. [redacted] told me that the contract had a "no refund" policy and the doctor would not allow her to cancel the contract. I told her that I had not been given a copy of the contract and she showed me in print "no refund". I told her that no services had been provided and I asked for my check to be returned to me. She said that would be a refund. I told her that I could cancel the check since no services were provided. [redacted] told me if I cancelled the check that I would be liable for three times the amount of the check. I asked for a copy of the contract and [redacted] left the office before giving me one. I left feeling numb. On June 7, 2013 I delivered a signed cancellation pursuant to Cal Civil Code 1694.5-1694.9. I informed the business that I was cancelling my check. I obtained a copy of the "contract" and was told [redacted] had my check and she would not be back in the office until Tuesday, June 11, 2013. I placed a stop payment on my check. On June 12, 2013 my bank informed me that this business had attempted to cash my check Friday June 7 but was denied due to the stop payment. Desired Settlement: I am requesting my check back.

Review: On 10-30-13 I paid a total of $1414 ($139 and $1,275) for weight reduction treatments. I returned home and reviewed the documents I had been given and after doing additional internet research I realized that several of the verbal representations made by consultant [redacted] were inaccurate, outright false, and directly contradicted by the FDA! The Venus Freeze system is cleared by the FDA for Facial Wrinkles and Rhytides and Licensed by Health Canada for non-invasive treatment of temporary cellulite and temporary skin tightening. It is not intended for weight loss, fat loss or lypolysis as stated on the California LipoLaser Center website. Neither the website nor their brochure provide a legal disclaimer of the FDA approved intended purpose. The consultant misrepresented the services provided; she lifted up her shirt to show her abdomen which she reassured was achieved as a result of lipolaser treatments and guaranteed I would see the same result after 10 sessions. Less than two hours after paying and departing from their office I called them and talked to the receptionist and she advised that they offer no refunds because they had reserved my appointment times for the next six weeks(even though my first appointment was until 11-18-13,19 days later!)The office requires a 24hr appointment cancellation notice, and I believe I surpassed those requirements. After my second call, she did offer me a refund of $600 if I waived my right to the rest of the money. So they did offer a refund but, only of less than half of the $1,414 I had paid two hours earlier, which violated their own written no refunds policy! I declined the $600 offer; feeling I was entitled to the return of the entire $1,414. Per their written "Patient Consent for Treatment" it states that I: have the right to consent to or refuse any proposed procedure at anytime prior to its performance. Yet,they have a strict no refunds policy. So, then what are my options? What other services will they offer in exchange for my money?Desired Settlement: I believe I was a victim of fraud and misrepresentation. California Lipolaser center provides deceptive claims of weight loss and treats consumers unfairly. To resolve this matter; I am requesting a refund in the amount of $1,414 which includes the cost of the initial 6 sessions for $139 and the cost of the additional 6 sessions for $1275 because I did not use nor do I want to use any of their services.

Business

Response:

On 10-30-13, the client came into our office having already purchased a deal from Deal Chicken for $139 for 6 treatments, which expired 14 days after the purchase. The client decided to continue with the full treatment package at a discounted rate of $1275, spending a grand total of $1414. Upon arrival into the office, the client was given a packet to read and fill out. In this packet, besides person information needed, it includes all of our policies and procedures, and the consent to be treated with the Lipo-Light system using LED light therapy. In the complaint, the client brought up a machine called the “Venus Freeze” which is cleared by the FDA, however, this particular therapy is not used in our office. This machine is mentioned on our website, however, only under the “news” section and not on our home page, to inform our patients of the up and coming laser technology. This you can verify by going on our website and seeing for yourself. As previously stated, before a client’s consultation, they are given a packet to fill out that has all of their information as well as information about our office and our policies, and a consent form stating that it is okay for us to perform the treatment. On 10-30-13 the client was provided with this paperwork, and after reading through it all, signed and dated each area that required a signature. The client then proceeded to pay for the remainder of the treatments in office for a total of $1275. The client called back later that day and requested a refund, and in turn was provided with the strict no refund policy information, and was referred to the paperwork that was signed earlier that day. Due to the high number of patients that we see here in the office, our cancellation and refund policies are in place for a reason. Our schedule is usually fully booked, so cancelling means that we have lost that time to treat someone else. The client did call back a second time in which our office agreed to a refund of $600, in good faith, which the client declined to take. On 11-7-13 we received a fax from our credit card company stating that the client was claiming fraud on the charges that she spent here in our office. We then sent over the proper documentation showing the signed paperwork and the credit card slip that was also signed by the client. In turn, the “fraud” claim was declined, and the client did not receive any money back. The next paperwork that we received was from the Revdex.com, informing us of the complaint filed. We are more than happy to provide you with all the paperwork and appropriate documentation that you may need upon request. Sincerely, Central Valley Laser Center

Sent on: 2/6/2014 2:57:46 PM

Business

Response:

On 10-30-13, the client came into our office having already purchased a deal from Deal Chicken for $139 for 6 treatments, which expired 14 days after the purchase. The client decided to continue with the full treatment package at a discounted rate of $1275, spending a grand total of $1414. Upon arrival into the office, the client was given a packet to read and fill out. In this packet, besides person information needed, it includes all of our policies and procedures, and the consent to be treated with the Lipo-Light system using LED light therapy. In the complaint, the client brought up a machine called the “Venus Freeze” which is cleared by the FDA, however, this particular therapy is not used in our office. This machine is mentioned on our website, however, only under the “news” section and not on our home page, to inform our patients of the up and coming laser technology. This you can verify by going on our website and seeing for yourself. As previously stated, before a client’s consultation, they are given a packet to fill out that has all of their information as well as information about our office and our policies, and a consent form stating that it is okay for us to perform the treatment. On 10-30-13 the client was provided with this paperwork, and after reading through it all, signed and dated each area that required a signature. The client then proceeded to pay for the remainder of the treatments in office for a total of $1275. The client called back later that day and requested a refund, and in turn was provided with the strict no refund policy information, and was referred to the paperwork that was signed earlier that day. Due to the high number of patients that we see here in the office, our cancellation and refund policies are in place for a reason. Our schedule is usually fully booked, so cancelling means that we have lost that time to treat someone else. The client did call back a second time in which our office agreed to a refund of $600, in good faith, which the client declined to take. On 11-7-13 we received a fax from our credit card company stating that the client was claiming fraud on the charges that she spent here in our office. We then sent over the proper documentation showing the signed paperwork and the credit card slip that was also signed by the client. In turn, the “fraud” claim was declined, and the client did not receive any money back. The next paperwork that we received was from the Revdex.com, informing us of the complaint filed. We are more than happy to provide you with all the paperwork and appropriate documentation that you may need upon request. Sincerely, Central Valley Laser Center

Sent on: 2/6/2014 2:57:46 PM

Consumer

Response:

Review: [redacted]

I am rejecting this response because:

Review: I purchased 6 sessions of Lipo-Light treatments from Central Valley Laser Center through [redacted] back in August. When I called to make an appointment, I was told that I needed to come in for a free consultation before they book my appointment. I went to my "consultation" which was a total sales pitch! I also had to take time off work and get there during the hours that the consultant was there. The consultant never spoke to me about any health precautions; instead she spent 45 minutes talking me into buying a special deal because she said 6 sessions wont help and that I needed 12 sessions. She then got a chart and started marking the 12 sessions before I even knew what was going on. The special was only good for that day and it was only $1375. When I told her I needed to think about it and that I didnt have the money, she wanted me to apply for a credit card to buy the 12 sessions, in fact, they ran my credit but was denied. I asked if I could use the 6 I bought and see if it works? Nope, if you wait until after your treatments the price will go up to $3500. I told her I would need to sleep on it, and she proceeded to tell me I didnt have to make the full $1375 payment today. She said, Ill allow you to make half of the payment today which would be $687.50 and the other half on your first session, and she could get me an appointment next week. When I told her I didnt have the money, she said, put it on a credit card and then we can postpone your appointment 5 weeks or 6 weeks from now and you can pay the other half then. I told her I couldnt do it and wanted to stick to the 6 treatments. Then she asked what my pay schedule was like and took me to the calendar on her wall and asked me to plan out 6 weeks, and then proceeded to tell me that she would break the last payment into two. She said you can pay $343.75 on your first visit and $343.75 on your 5th visit. Then she proceeded to excuse me from her office and got one of the front desk girls to ring me up. I really wasnt sure what was happening the entire time. She never once showed concern or consult anything about the treatments. I had to interrupt her over and over again, and force her to talk to me about it. When I was at the front desk, I told the girl that I wasnt sure; I needed to think about it and that I was nervous to take some pills and go through this. She said, Its totally safe, no need to be nervous. If you make your deposit today, we can hold your spot, because we only have 2 of these specials left. And you can call and cancel later, if you decided you dont want to go through with it. They wouldnt make me an appointment until I gave them a payment, so I gave her my credit card, she made me 12 appointments and off I went. Three weeks later, I called the office and told them I wanted to cancel. [redacted], manager advised me the first 6 appointments were cancelled and I get to keep the last 6 per the [redacted] deal. When I asked her about the refund, she said, There is no refund. I told her what I was told when I came in and she proceeded to tell me she would check with the owners and get back to me. A week went by and I still hadnt heard from her, so I called again. [redacted] wasnt there and the girl on the phone hung up on me. I called back the next day, [redacted] was out again. So I left a message and finally she called me back the next day. She told me she couldnt give me a refund because it had been over 30 days, but she will offer me 2 extra treatments for the amount that I paid. It had NOT been 30 days, but I didnt want to argue, o I agreed to the terms. She cancelled my first 2 appointments again and added 2 extra on the back not sure how that works but whatever I didnt question it.I called the week of October 7th and asked to confirm the dates of my treatment; I was told the 21st would be my start date. The week of the 14th, I called and asked to have the Tuesday appointment cancelled, because I had a work appointment that evening. The woman I spoke with said she had my chart and I was taken care of and that I just needed to add the appointment when I came in. October 23rd, I came in for the first treatment and noticed on the chart that they had marked me no show for the first 3 treatments. I advised the woman that I didnt and wouldnt skip it because I had spent a lot of money on it. She said she would check with [redacted] and get back to me. October 30th [redacted] called me and said she didnt have any notes from anyone and that once the appointments have been marked as no shows she couldnt reschedule me. I tried explaining to her that I had called and what I was told but she didnt care, she couldnt help me. So I am being punished because their staff didnt do their job! So I told her I was frustrated and I wanted to curse her out, but luckily I am at work and hung up the phone. I didnt want others at work to hear me yell. I called her back a few minutes later when I was on my cell away from work. She said that I threatened her and because of that she is refusing service to me and going to cancel the 2 other appointments that I had scheduled. I told her that I didnt threaten her and that I hung up because I was at work. She told me that I need to think before I speak and that I needed to be nice to her in order for her to help me. I got upset and told her that it was unacceptable and that I wanted to speak to whoever she reports to. She said there was no one. I asked again and she kept telling me shes the manager and there was no one to talk to. So I hung up again out of frustration. Called back a few minutes later and asked who she reports to and she said I report to myself. I asked if she owned the clinic, and she said there is no one else to talk to. Then she proceeded to tell me that if I called back again, she would file a report because I have threatened her and keep calling her back. She then hung up on me. I have never in my entire life experiences such a terrible customer service. CENTRAL VALLEY LASER CENTER is a totDesired Settlement: I want a full refund of the $687.50 and $119.00 I spent through the [redacted].