After just two appointments, I chose to opt out of the LA Weightloss... But didn't get my $100 deposit back.
Although, stupid me, I didn't notice on the contract that actually an $165 set up fee is supposed to be non-refundable — but all I had put down was $100 by personal check
Of course, the "counselor", Wanda, didn't verbally inform me of that either. I'm not sure if they'll try and send a bill for the remaining $65. The "counselor" indicated that they would not.
They even had me sign something that wasn't filled out in order to opt out. I tried to object and they said that the "main office" are the ones to fill it out.
Feeling I had no choice, I signed.
I made her give a copy of it to me. (my signature but blank) She said I wouldn't be billed for the remainder and I asked her to write that on the original paper and she refused. But I pushed and said that they expect to be protected by a contract, and it's only fair that she be willing to put into writing what she told me — no more, no less.
Finally, she was willing to at least date and sign a statement on MY copy indicating that she told me I would not be billed at all for the remainder.
Who knows if it would hold up in court if it came to that, but it's better than nothing.
Perhaps legally, I'm still responsible for not reading the contract fully in the first place? I don't know (I was tired by the end of the "consultation" and felt a bit "out of it"). But still. If it were a more ethical company, they would've made sure I was aware of that basic fact when I signed. It was an important one.
It's interesting how they put that sentence on the contract. It was in the middle of a lot of other stuff, and it looked more like the "heading" of a paragraph, rather than a typical line of info. Very easy to brush past it and assume it was just a "title line". So, it wasn't "small print", but it was very strategically placed. IMO, to be deceptive instead of upfront.
Again, that tells me the company lacks integrity and a sense of fair play and ethical behavior... Even if it's not "technically" illegal.
Luckily, I only paid by check, (not direct withdrawal or credit card) so I don't think they'll have the opportuntiy to directly withdraw anything else from my account. Although they said they wouldn't, I don't trust them. We'll see.
I feel like a real dope for having signed, but with a fairly "assertive" salesperson... I allowed myself to make a poor decision... Even though I was having reservations.
Btw &
You know, on those "LA Lites" bars? The box didn't even contain the nutritional information on or in it. It just had a note that said something like "ask councilor for nutritional content". Is that even legal? I thought the FDA required that there be at least basic nutritional labeling.
I would suspect they use some sort loophole by calling the bars "nutritional suppliments" or some other category that might not require it.
Even THAT in and of itself is deceptive IMO. They could've chosen to do what every OTHER "nutritional bar" out there does and include the information - whether they are required to or not. But, instead they choose surreptitiousness.
Not only did their stupid "LA Lites" leave a lousy taste in my mouth, so did their business practices.
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