Massage Envy DECEPTIVE PRACTICE USED TO OBTAIN MEMBERSHIPS Encino, California

I went to Massage Envy after being referred by a friend.  The experience at no time was unpleasant.  The personnel who greeted me at the front desk was pleasant, the massage therapist was kind and very good at her job.  The part that was so disheartening was when I  came out to pay.  I was groggy and relaxed.  The clerk made some small talk, told me about their Premier Club, which, she said, was what most of their clients had.  I told her I would definitely be back.  She asked me how I wanted to pay and I gave her my credit card.  At no time did she ask me if I wished to sign up for the Premier Club.  She gave me a paper to initial and sign and I told her that I didnt have my glasses.  She said that was ok, that I could read it later and that it just made me eligible for the rate of $59.00 on my next visit.  I trusted her and had no reason not to.  I paid, and went on my way.  The next day, I see the paperwork in my purse and pull it out and put my glasses on, and I see that she had me sign a paper that put me in a one year membership. 

Its not that the service was bad, its not that I didnt enjoy the massage, and its not that I wouldnt be back to get another massage.  The problem is that she tricked me into something that was not necessary.  I should have been given the option to accept or reject a one year term.  She assured me that it was nothing and I could read it later.   

Tell me why a business would have to stoop to these underhanded methods to bulldoze clients to use their service?  When I go and get my nails done, my manicurist doesnt make me sign a contract that Ill be back, she KNOWS I will be.  Her service is good and it goes without saying that Ill see her in 2 weeks.  So why does a business with an excellent product/service to offer have to resort to deceiving their customers?    Customers would MUCH PREFER to be told up front about their programs.  I would have gladly referred others to them, but I wont now because I feel that I was taken advantage of.  And its a shame because they have a good service to offer and customers seek them out to obtain their services.  They are not FORCED to go there; they go of their own free will.

I answered their survey and told them of my visit, and I received no call, no reply via e-mail, nothing.  Im surprised that they dont know that I will tell my friends, who will tell their friends, who will tell their friends and on and on.  They may have gotten my money for 12 months, but they have lost a customer before I ever became one.