I am very happy with the results so far and wouldn't deny that the *results* make the process of getting laser hair removal well worth it. The technicians at Columbus Laser Spa, especially Annie, are wonderful: both in terms of bedside manner and their knowledge base. That said, the overall headache of the process hasn't been worth it. I'd have been happy to pay the same or more to go somewhere else where I wasn't treated as a source of cash for the business.
I had my initial consult with Caroline, who I later came to find out is their newer business manager. Her inexperience surely contributes to her inability to convey information in a thoughtful and organized manner; however her refusal to clearly answer my questions about the science of laser hair removal, clinic policies (hair free guarantee and pregnancy pause) and pricing structure was the result of more than genuine naivete. I sat there for about 30 minutes while Caroline continued to fist pump, hoot and holler about her excitement for laser hair removal, all the while flatly refusing to actually offer any information of substance. When she finally gave me my pricing quote, she picked up her computer, winked at me and said, "I'm really good at this." I had to wonder what there was to be "good" at. Surely, no business would trust this woman to select who to give what prices and discounts to. There had to be some sort of standardized pricing. Further, if she was "good" at finding discounts, why would she give them to me? She had established absolutely no connection with me as a person or patient.
I felt pushed and rushed into signing the contract, and really wanted to leave. It's my fault for not standing up for myself and saying how uncomfortable the gimmicky presentation and the lack of actual caring for me as if I were a person or patient, but I was so shocked and uncomfortable that I signed anyway, wanting the process to be over.
After I signed the contract, I was pushed by Caroline and several staff members to have a treatment that day. Because I was told to let my hair grow for the consult and because my skin gets very irritated when dry shaved, I repeatedly asked to start my treatment package at a later date. I was all but pushed into having the treatment, and of course spent several days with very irritated skin. Since I've had multiple treatments since, all with higher laser settings, I am certain that the irritation was from the dry shaving and not the laser.
I went home and felt sick about having been pressured into signing the contract. I felt clueless about some of their clinic policies, and maddened about the way the consult went, including Caroline's general inability to thoughtfully answer questions, explain the difference between Columbus Laser Spa and other businesses and explain the pricing structure.
I called back. I was transferred to Caroline who continued to talk in circles. I twice had to stop her and explain to her that she was doing the same thing she did in our consult: she talks and talks and talks, but doesn't actually say anything. She was supposed to follow up with me regarding some questions I had on the pregnancy pause and pricing structure, and of course never did. I called back and asked for the general manager to contact me, who of course, never did.
I went for a second treatment, feeling trapped in the contract, and the tech asked me how things were going. I opened up to her about the situation. She was leaving the business and felt awful about my experience. She had me meet with another employee there (Hannah) who was able to do consults. She was very kind and redid the entire consultation for me when Caroline was out of the office, so I didn't feel uncomfortable. I still had questions about the pricing structure and wanted to be certain that the feedback regarding this Caroline person got back to the general manager (Clay). I never heard back from her or him, and so the loop was never closed.
It was pretty obvious to me that the general feeling among employees there is that money is the bottom line, the only line really, and having customers feel taken advantage of and unclear on the process and policies is of no concern. Although the technicians are great, I dread going to this place because frankly, I don't believe the company has ethical business practices or that they deserve my business.
The results of their service are great, but nothing you can't get elsewhere (despite what they'll tell you). You'll probably pay less elsewhere, although Columbus Laser Spa will tell you that they have a guarantee. Please research the other places- some of them also DO offer a guarantee (CLS will tell you that they don't) and of those who don't offer a guarantee, the cost of treatments may be so much less that the cost of the guarantee is greater than purchasing additional treatments a la carte at another center. read more
