Cellulite Institute

lnejad  Newbie   1 review

I bought a Spreets voucher that was supposed to be for 6 months of unlimited hair removal. At my first appointment, they stated that I could only book in every 8 weeks (even though the voucher says unlimited) because they were fully booked. I told them at the first session that I would like the third session to be before a holiday to Fiji because I would be tan afterwards, and was assured this could be arranged but told that I could not book it in until the 2nd session as they did not book any appointments in advance. When I went to the 2nd session, I had another staff and they said there were no appointments until after my holiday. Then when I called to inquire whether I could still have the session if my legs were tan, they said most likely not if it is dark (which it is). I asked for a later appointment and they said the voucher expires on August 24th and they could not extend it. I responded that I had requested early on to have my appt before the holiday and was told my appointments would be every 8 weeks. They implied I was lying and said that the other staff would never had said this, as it was every 8 to 12 weeks (which actually makes no sense because that is outside of the range of the voucher). They were extremely rigid, rude and belligerent and refused to organise a third appointment for me. I told them that I would be reporting their behaviour online and to Spreets and that this was not good business practice they said they didn't care. They were very unprofessional. Unfortunately, what began as a good experience with the other staff, has ended very disappointingly.

I am going to seek a partial refund from Spreets--if the others who did not get the service they expected would like to do this as a group, let me know. It's clearly a case of false advertising "6 months of UNLIMITED ELOS on the Area of Your Choice by the Cellulite Institute for just $129! Valued at $1600".

Looking at the price list, the most expensive area is the back ($300). You would need to come in at least 5 times to get the $1600 value that is advertised. Generally a 6 week time frame between sessions is normal--not 8 to 12 weeks (which incidentally would take it out of the 6 month period which they seemed to object to). This timeframe only allowed us to redeem half of the value of what was advertised.

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  loveuff Newbie 

  If anybody else is up for a mass complaint, I'm more than happy to partake. I've still been quite sour about it since, and definitely did not get what I paid for!

  9 months ago

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  lnejad Newbie 

  I have complained to Spreets and they offered me a refund in credit. I have also complained directly to the business through their website, unfortunately, the staff who replied was the one who was so rude--but it would be worth still complaining--maybe the management will see it. So, definitely do it, whether on your own or en masse. Let me know the outcome.

  9 months ago

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  Jader123 Newbie 

  I would definately be up for complaining - I got nothing just becasue I was late! I was ok about forfiting that appt but I should be able to rebook my next session.
  
  I also have a friend who has been only able to book 3 sessions and isn't happy. Her 3rd session is next week and she would be happy to join the group complaint but doesn't want to until she has finished the appt.
  
  FYI spreets are covered in their T's and C's and won't accept any liability and will not facilitate refunds - I tried already. Lodging the complaint would be good though as they may be more cautious who they do business with next time.
  
  I think it's one for the consumer commssion or ombudsman?

  9 months ago

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  Steph2223 Newbie 

  Hello,
  
  Although i managed to book 3 appointments in 6 months, this is hardly what i would call "Unlimited treatments". I WILL NOT be shopping through Spreets or Cellulite Institute again anytime soon!
  
  I would be happy to be part of the group complaint. Considering there was 411 vouchers bought.

  8 months ago

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  lnejad Newbie 

  I have complained to Spreets and to Cellulite Institute through their website. I think it is worth doing both. I received a response from the management who was rude to me. Also, I wrote a letter to Spreets explaining my specific situation and that the voucher had falsely advertised "unlimited" ELOS up to a $1600 value. Looking at the price list, the most expensive area is the back ($300). You would need to come in at least 5 times to get the $1600 value that is advertised when we were only allowed three (if you were lucky). In any case, Spreets said although they do not have control over how businesses treat their customers, they were willing to give me a credit refund for the entire amount which I think is very fair. So my advice is to send a complaint to both places and also post reviews on other sites as well. Let me know how you go! Good luck.

  8 months ago

  REPORT

loveuff  Newbie   1 review

Unfortunately, I too would like to share my negative experience with this business.

I purchased the Spreets voucher for the $129 unlimited ELOS, and was only able to make ONE appointment in Mid-June... booked in early March.
The first treatment was fine and the beautician then pleasant, but be wary if you are late. I had my second appointment today, but was 10minutes late due to an injury. I was shocked to hear that from being 10minutes late, my whole voucher became void, $129 down the drain. Not only were the staff rude and unforgiving as I explained my situation, ... I was stared down the whole time.

I whole-heartedly agree with celledavis:
'One would think that the purpose of offering internet deals such as Spreets would be to impress potential clients and encourage repeat business.'- apparently not. I will not be recommending the Cellulite Institute to anyone.

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  lnejad Newbie 

  
  I just posted a similar review--have you asked for a refund?

  9 months ago

  REPORT

kascia  Newbie   1 review

I was the first one to make an appointment (after the spreets deal) and have had the same experience, rudeness and only got to have two appointments. After my second appointment, I broke out in huge painful welts on my legs (had my legs done). I called them and she said it was probably hives (I have never had hives before). The welts lasted for 3 weeks and 9 weeks later I have light coloured scars where the welts are. The hair on my legs is worse than when I started. This place of business is extremely unprofessional and I would definitely tell people to stay away.

celledavis  Newbie   1 review

One would think that the purpose of offering internet deals such as Spreets would be to impress potential clients and encourage repeat business. Amongst the other 550 people who bought a co-called Unlimited ELOS to the value of $1600 for $129, by rendering it impossible to make enough appointments within 6 months to fully redeem the offer.

After waiting an exceptional time for an initial appointment, and then a further, unacceptable time for the second (which I could not make and they would not allow me to reschedule) I was advised that no further appointments were available. It is extraordinary, and completely unsatisfactory.

The some of the staff was exceedingly rude and uncompromising. The actual treatment itself was fine, the beautician was quite pleasant. Sadly, that is the only good thing I have to say about the Cellulite Institute. I agree completely with Jader123.

Jader123  Newbie   1 review

I found the service abrupt and unfriendly. They are uncompromising - - watch out for the fine print on in their deals they have through email marketing - if you are late your entire voucher for so called 'unlimited sessions' is automatically CANCELLED - what would be fair is your first session is cancelled however the other 5 sessions you could book in for the remaining 5 months of the deal are still valid. They revert to the fine print and will not budge. This means they collect the upfront money - in my case $129 and give you nothing accept the 20min window of time they left open for the 1st appointment you were late for! They were very open in saying that they have cancelled many peoples vouchers because they were late to an appointment so I know I am not the only person feel very ripped off!

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  auntmone Newbie 

  Jader, I agree that if you were late for your first session you get a shortened time, as they would need to maintain on time appointments. As far as loosing all your treatments, that is not fair and gives everyone a bad name. Have you tried contacting management directly as there may be some compromise. It is always better to try this first (you may have done this, but I do not recall reading this, so I may be wrong) before blogging. Also contact Spreets at support@spreets.com.au they may be able to resolve this for you. Good Luck

  1 year ago

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  Jader123 Newbie 

  Thanks for your comment. Yes I spoke to management and no they were unprepared to compromise or see reason with regards to the unfairness of their policy - I am a business owner myself and therefore understand the simple formula of good business practice that you should only sell what you can support - They sell 500 unlimited session vouchers in the online marketing campaign. After seeing the very small consulting rooms I believe that they probably count on being able to activate this "policy" as I think that it wouldn't be possible for them to service all of them. As it was I left a message on there answering machine to make my first booking and it took them over a week to call me back and then they also couldn't fit me in for a number of weeks - proving they simply can't support the influx in business. Spreets are simply "crowd sourcing" they have clear t's and c's that ensure they are not responsible.

  1 year ago

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  tammyn Newbie 

  I have an appt. tomorrow at 4:30, let's hope I make it on time. I too found them to be very rude on the phone, when they did finally call me back, and 8 weeks was the earliest they could fit me in. I brought a similar voucher from another salon only a few weeks after, and got in only a week and a half later.

  1 year ago

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  lnejad Newbie 

  I just posted a similar review--have you asked for a refund?

  9 months ago

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