FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – Many people around Michigan were surprised when American Laser Skincare, based in Farmington Hills, went out of business.
Sue Collins and April Eiland were among those who didn't expect to see that happen. Eiland was the one who told her friend to give the clinic on Orchard Lake Road a try.
"Now I'm embarrassed ... about referring her when she got robbed just as well as I did," Eiland told Ruth to the Rescue.
Both women showed the consumer unit their receipts for their payments to the clinic. Eiland says she paid about $3,000 for eight treatments and received five. Collins says she paid more than $1,700 for eight treatments and received just one.
Hearing The News
"I was upset and frustrated," said Collins.
That's how she felt when she heard on Local 4 that all the company's clinics had closed in mid-November. Collins says she had no advance warning.
"They never bothered to contact us. They never let me know ... that they were closing," she said.
There could be other customers feeling the same way as these two women. American Laser Skincare had 11 Michigan clinics, according to their website before it was taken down.
When the company closed it posted phone numbers online for customers to call for assistance. (See entire company statement at the end of this article).
However, the two women that spoke to our Ruth to the Rescue producer say those numbers have not been much help.
"I leave my name and my phone number. And, there was an email option also and I've even emailed them and I've heard nothing from them," said Sue Collins of Oxford.
"It's very frustrating! I don't have time to sit on the phone for 30 to 45 minutes listening to music," said April Eiland of Farmington Hills.
Both women would be satisfied finishing their treatments elsewhere as they company promised in its message online. Or, they'd like their money back.
"Do the right thing," pleaded Collins. "This isn't right. It's wrong. Do the right thing!"
Company Response
Here is the entire statement:
"Versa confirms that one of its affiliated portfolio companies, American Laser Skincare, LLC, today filed petitions under Chapter 7 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware in Wilmington. American Laser had discontinued operations on November 14, 2014.
"Since acquiring American Laser out of Chapter 11 in 2012, every effort has been made by Versa, including substantial funding, to aid the company with its performance during a period of sustained economic dislocation and severe competitive pressures. The firm has also worked with the company to find buyers or other investors. Unfortunately, no qualified buyers or bids have emerged for the company as a whole, although buyers and alternative service providers have been sought for specific markets. Those efforts will continue for as long as possible.
"Today's filing under Chapter 7 will facilitate an orderly resolution under the direction of a Trustee in accordance with the law. Independent of Versa's investment loss, we regret the effect these events have on the company's clients, vendors, and employees, but we remain hopeful that other potential solutions for their claims will emerge from the Chapter 7 proceedings."
Message from the website: We are sorry to announce that all of our clinics have been closed. We too are disappointed in the sudden developments and regret the impact that it is having on our loyal clients, valued employees and business partners. If you are a client with a treatment package that has not yet been completed, we are taking steps to try to find alternative providers for you as quickly as possible. While we are working towards this end, we ask for your patience. Current information can be found on www.americanlaser.com and developing updates will be posted as they occur. You may also call the following numbers:
For General Questions: 877-715-4455
If you are a client with a medical concern related to a treatment already received please contact the corporate headquarters at (877) 252-9969