ComplaintsforSlim4Life Weight Loss Centers - Greater Kansas City Area

• Initial Complaint

  06/10/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  My husband and I went to Slim4Life in Lee's Summit MO on 6-10-24 as I have needed to lose about 30 lbs. I have used them prior back in 2015; however, they were running a TV and a Web special for "Get 6 Weeks for Only $66!". Full disclaimer below direct from their webpage (we have a copy of the webpage we can send): Get 6 Weeks for Only $66!* ADD SEMAGLUTIDE MEDICATIONS WITH YOUR SLIM4LIFE PLAN ONLY $99 FOR YOUR FIRST 4 WEEKS RESULTS GUARANTEED! *All services included exclusive of products and prescriptions. *Clients lost an average 3-5 pounds per week when they followed the program. Results verified by random study conducted by CPA Firm ***** ******** LLC. During the intake, the person was speaking of the plan they offered and we mentioned all I wanted was the $66 plan for 6 weeks. The person we were speaking with was reluctant to move that direction with the plan saying we would have to purchase the products. Once we pointed out that the $66 plan does not require purchasing of the product but does say it is exclusive of the products, she went to call her supervisor. Roughly five minutes later she returned indicating they would not honor the $66 for 6 weeks unless we purchased the products as well. We said we would be contacting the FTC as that is Bait and Switch then we left. This is a bait and switch promotion whereas in order to receive one you must purchase the other; however, nothing in their fine print indicates that to be the case.

  

  Business response

  06/19/2024

  Slim4Life's weight loss plans are low in calories and require the use of our specifically designed products to create the complete balance for safe and rapid results. Therefore, our promotions, including the one you referenced, explicitly state that they are "exclusive of products". This disclaimer is designed to inform potential clients that the discount is on our services and that additional products are required.  
  Slim4life does a complete medical history on all its clients to determine their plan. There are many factors that determine an individual's nutritional plan and which supplements they will use during their program. We collect this information in the very beginning of your program which allows us to guarantee 3-5 pounds of weight loss per week. 
  We regret any confusion that may have arisen during your consultation. Our staff is trained to clearly explain the terms and conditions of our promotions, including the role of products within our programs. However, it appears there was a misunderstanding regarding the application of the promotional offer during your visit. 
  Regarding the accusation of "bait and switch," we want to assure you that our intention is always to provide clear and accurate information about our services and promotions. The "exclusive of products" disclaimer is intended to be transparent about what is included in the promotional price and that additional products are required. 
  We value your feedback and take your experience seriously. In light of your feedback, we have reviewed our promotional practices to ensure that all staff members are reinforcing the clear communication of our offers. 
  Thank you for your understanding. 

• Initial Complaint

  04/04/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This program feels like a scam to get money vs really helping people. I went in for a consultation because I heard an AD that it was $99 to lose up to 100lbs, but then you go in and you have to buy a program that is an extra $600. I asked how long the appointment would take when I made the appointment and they said less then an hour so I used my lunch break, but the appointment took an hour and 45 minutes. I specifically asked if there were any additional charges after you paid the $600 and was told NO but then when I went in for my nutrition class I was told that I got a 30% discount on the additional products and supplements I would need throughout my 26 weeks. I cannot afford that. I was about to go on a week long vacation so my nutrition class was cut short and not finished and she said we would reschedule when I got back. I have been back from vacation for 3 weeks and despite hearing the sales pitch that they would be there to help me, I have not heard a single word from them and I'm $600 in the hole. Not to mention that when I went in for my nutrition class they couldn't even find my file and I had to wait for 10 minutes for them to find it. Very very disappointed.

  

  Business response

  04/05/2022

  I had the clients file brought in to me for me to review. What I can see is that the client came in on an offer that is referred to as "Lose up to 100 pounds for $99, exclusive of supplements". That means that we discount the program services when a starter pack is purchased. When the client came in for the consultation she was quoted the program that suited her needs. Consultations generally run around 45 mins but they can sometimes run longer due to detailed explanations of the program and the amount of questions asked. The client joined with 26 weeks of weight loss service and a starter pack of product totaling $514.00. The client has signed the contract which states the non-refund policy. It also states "I understand that I am responsible for the cost of ALL required products, price varies dependent on the volume purchased". I believe there may have been some misunderstanding about the products. We require our 5 core supplements to qualify for a weight loss guarantee. If a client choses to do the program without the supplements once the starter pack runs out, they may do so. Most clients opt for the supplements and for that reason we offer a one-time 30% discount at the time of enrollment and is valid through the date of the nutrition class. There are notes in the file that the client received her class on 3/11/22. She signed stating that the class was received. There is also a note that she was leaving town and was placed on a vacation hold. I see a text message communication between the client and one of our employees. I do not see any care calls made to the client after she did not return the week she stated she would be back. It is not our policy to call a client when they are on a vacation hold but there could have been communication after that. We want all of our clients to receive the best quality of service possible and now that we are aware of the complaint, the Supervisor of our Missouri locations would like to reach out and schedule a meeting to discuss a resolution. The client came to us wanting to lose weight and we can help with that even if it means that she does not utilize any or all of the products. 

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