LA Weight Loss…Corporate Email Anyone?
I was going through my emails this morning and was surprised to see I had received an email from the LA Weight Loss Corporate Office in Pennsylvania. She stated she was the account supervisor for public relations.
She stated the LA Weight Loss Center in my area was not closing. She was referencing a LA Weight Loss article I wrote on March 26th. She also wanted the name of the person who sent me the information. (don’t have..wouldn’t give it if I did)
I replied and asked her if she could send me a list of the centers that are remaining open and which ones are closing so I could list them for the readers. I also asked if I could give her phone number out to concerned clients.
I’m waitig for a response. It would be nice if people could get the answers they need concerning the closing of various LA Weight Loss Centers. I’ll pass on the information as soon as I get a reply.
April 19th, 2008 at 8:05 am
I’m still waiting for a reply from her. I think that is rather unprofessinal.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Hmmm, so they are happy to tell you what isn’t truth but not tell you what is true?
I don’t understand why they can’t just be honest about this. Surely they understand how important this information is to their clients.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Not surprised…typical corporate tactics….
I’ll keep my YMCA membership….I know they aren’t going anywhere.
May 18th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
Chris, your not gonna get a reply from them either. That’s the way they are…unprofessional! I have been leaving them voicemessages on my rebate for 9 months. No one has called me at all. I am a client at the McAllen Center and I had questions about the changes that were happening. The center still messy and not to the way it use to be 3 years ago. Files all on everyones desk, UNPROFESSIONAL. All for the good, yeah right it just kept going down hill. No we are not closing down just making some changes. Well anyone out there that was enrolled in the McAllen Center go get your products they told me the last day is at the end of May, and the doors will be shut. Whether you get your products or not. Coorporate instructed them not to tell all of the clients. They weren’t suppose to tell me, but they did.
May 20th, 2008 at 7:08 am
Yes, they are closing at the end of the month. Corporate Did Not tell anyone not to tell people. Clients ARE being told. Also, they are closing, but clients are being put on their internet based program with counseling over the phone. They are not just being left high and dry.
May 22nd, 2008 at 1:56 am
I’m from Australia and i beleieve that they closed 12 branches in Queensland.
May 23rd, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Not being left high and dry, I think not! Internet base program that is not what my sister and mom and I signed up with. What kind of accountability can you get over the internet if this company can’t even give my sister her refund that was suppose to get to her about almost a year. Or my referral that I haven’t seen in 9 months. And no not all people are being told my mom and sister were not told at all. I was told about 2 weeks ago and told my mom and sister 2 days ago.
May 24th, 2008 at 4:56 am
If they were getting a rebate then they have completed their program. They also only get the rebate if they followed the program the way they were supposed to, and if they visited the center all the times they were supposed to, and only if they made their goal weight by the time they were supposed to, and only if they still came in once a week during maintenance and stayed within 3 lbs of their weight. It may be that they did not qualify for a refund. All of the guidelines for the rebate are given at the start of the program. Also, if they aren’t doing the program anymore why would they call them to let them know they are closing? If people haven’t been coming in for months or years in some cases you, or their weeks are gone they aren’t going to call you. The clients that are active and coming in are being told. If clients are inactive and haven’t been for months or years they aren’t going to chase them down.
May 27th, 2008 at 7:17 am
Case in point, you sign people up and get the money, not caring that all of these clients who have not been in for months or years but have product! And don’t call them just because they have not been in at all! They have paid for service and product and as a service according to the BBB you are suppose to call them. Yes, I did follow my program and have recieved my first rebate check 2 years ago but you have failed to give me my second check. I still have maintained my weight! I was taught and encourage by not your staff now but your staff that was there from the beggining. I did all my visits 3 times a week. My sister signed her refund and the lady who did this with her was laura the supervisior. She kept saying its on it’s way. Re-cutting the checks, or mail is a little slow at home office. She signed the paper, we called customer service and they had no idea what I was talking about or that the paperwork was even sent. I know the rules to the rebate and refund! I am a lawyer, so I have the forms and have filed a case on the company, Laura, and BBB.
May 27th, 2008 at 8:43 am
I do not work there. I was just stating that the employees in McAllen did not know this was going to happen until it happened. Also, if you have products you can still get them. If they have them in stock then they can give them to you, but if they don’t you can order them. Also, the rebate has to do with corporate not the local center. It could have been lost in the transition between being a francise and then corporate taking over.
May 27th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
You state you don’t work there, well you certainly had a lot of knowledge on the fact on rebates, refund and how they work. You also said that McAllen is telling the currect clients coming in now. How would you know all of this just being a client? Do you come in more than 4 times a week and listen to all the couselors telling all current clients what is happening? Have you been coached on the fudametals of company procedure?
May 28th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
I said I do not work in McAllen. I am a former employee at another location that already closed.
August 27th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Hey I am from the Rio Grande Valley and also went to a weight loss center I paid for over $800 of merchandise wich they haven’t given to me is their anyway I could get my money back.
September 9th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
The LA Weight Loss corporate headquarters has been laying off people pretty regularly and it’s quite clear they will be shutting down soon. Another large round of layoffs occurred today. Stay clear of this weight loss center.
Ms. X
September 10th, 2008 at 5:14 am
Not surprised…typical corporate tactics….
September 10th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Hello – I posted this in another response group as well, but this one seems more active, so I’d thought I would post it here as well. Ms X is correct – many “extra” people were cut from the Corp headquarters in PA yesterday, and here is an update on the San Diego market:
Another San Diego market update – All the remaining centers in the San Deigo market that did not close last month, are closing now! The centers is Chula Vista, El Cajon and Poway are closing their doors as of tonight (09-10-2008) leaving only the Mission Valley and Oceanside locations open for a week, before they close on 9-17-08. If anybody in the San Diego market reads this before those centers close tonight and you are owed any product, go get it now, if you can, and also ask for your file so you can make sure your social security & credit card numbers and any other personal information don’t get dumped in the trash. Otherwise go to the Mission Valley or Oceanside centers before the 17th. Hope this news helps, and sorry for the short notice, but the news just came down the pipe an hour ago.
Funny enough, they also have a nationwide marketing campaign for a Friends & Family two for one signup scheduled for the 16th! I would not refer anyone to join in San Diego if I were you – not much value in a 24 hour program…
September 12th, 2008 at 3:59 am
I would predict a Chater 11 filing by Dec ‘08 or Jan ‘09.
October 15th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
I was told 5 weeks into the program that my center in Oklahoma was closing. I of course had already purchased product in bulk and was told that there would be no product refund. They did however, promise a rebate of $304.96, (I am out over $1500). I have not been refunded to date and can not reach anyone. It has been over a month. I am very unhappy! Any suggestions on what action to take next?
October 22nd, 2008 at 2:29 pm
I joined less than a year ago and paid the entire amount through my care credit account. I didn’t have the money but they talked me into buying the La Lites for two years so that I could be successful with their plan. This was well in excess of $2,000 plus the $600 to join. My center has closed and I have no way to contact anyone. Do I lose all my money? The website and phone number do not allow me to get information or ask any questions. Their phone is automated and it refuses the call cuz there are no offices in this area and there is no link to email the main office. Do you have an address and telephone to contact them, so I can get my lawyer to write a letter and file a lawsuit? I didn’t have the extra money and would like a refund at the very least so I can sign up for another program. I was warned about this program not working for people. I wish I would have listened. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
October 26th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
If you have not paid your entire balance on Care Credit call them and get them to do a charge back on your balance to LA Weight Loss. You may need your receipt, but Care Credit if you explain what they have done to you they will normally take care of you. Good Luck!
October 30th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
I have been trying to get my 12 month maintenance rebate for over nearly 3 months and yesterday when I called the local offices in San Diego I got nothing but an automated service that went nowhere. Further investigation on the web and several blog areas are indicating that LA WEIGHT LOSS offices are ALL closed in the San Diego area. I even called their 800 number and it also sends you nowhere! I am only out $189, but my sister hasn’t even started her maintenance program so she’s out a lot more than my $189, plus she paid upfront for all the mandatory LA LITES. If anyone has any idea how to crack their code of silence, please post it on this blog.
November 3rd, 2008 at 5:19 pm
I called Oceanside today and they are open until this Thursday (Nov 6). There is only one woman still working there and her last day is Thursday, so let’s just say, she’s not happy about being unemployed, so not alot of sympathy for me/us. She told me the “LA On the Go” is the only way to still get service. The call center is in Idaho (208) 522-5615. They have all the information from the San Diego Centers. I spoke to someone to just get my pre-paid bars which they will ship. Before our conversation ended, as I was telling her how AWFUL they are treating clients, etc…she told me I could complain by calling their Customer Service at 877-524-3571…that mailbox is full and just sends you in circles. She would not give me her name, but did end the conversation by hanging up on me. Apparently there is also a number you can call regarding Rebates, but I never did get that information. They should be ashamed at how they are treating people and offering a phone in session which is not what their clients paid for…I have no other information to share, but wish everyone the best of luck. There is very little news on the Internet about their unacceptable behavior and it appears we will each have our own indivdual battle.
November 10th, 2008 at 8:48 am
I have tried to contact LA. I have questions about the Rockford, IL office as to all the hours that have been changed. I drive 32 miles to the location and the 2 days that they choose to close are the only ones that I am in town. I have made several phone calls (1 888 258 7099) and emails. I can’t seem to get any reply. I need help!
Debbie Lyden
November 14th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
ok so I have worked for LA Weight Loss for 5 years. I know some of you will hate me for that. I really did take a lot of pride in my work helping people to lose weight and remained ethical. So here is what I have learned over the last couple of months. If the center you go to starts to cut back the hours. They are closing! All the centers are closing. So get your LA Lites. Do not try to get a refund. You won’t get it. You will not get a refund on your program. Ask the counselor at the center if you can get your refund in the form of products. they will more than likely let you do that. Over the last couple of months they have only been paying very few refunds. Good luck to everyone. and don’t let any of what you are going through stop you from getting to your goal.
November 17th, 2008 at 9:28 am
I work for a physician’s office in upsate NY. One of our patient’s is trying DESPERATELY to get her old records from LA Weight Loss. She needs them for continued care with her Obesity. Does anyone know how she can get them?
November 24th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
I just wanted to thank Kathy C for posting Idaho’s number. I do am stuck in San Diego with the center owing me 40+ boxes of prepaid bars. I called Jennie (208) 522-5615 there and she had my records and was willing to ship some to me.
THANK YOU for posting their number since the company left us all out in the cold!
If you call Jennie..please be kind. She is nice enough to help those of us out with no one at corporate to talk to.
November 24th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
So just so everyone knows LA Weight Loss is closing down all of there centers.. I think by December 5, 2008
They have told most of their employees today, so thats only a couple weeks notice and right before christmas.
I am fumed at that.
My sister rooted her family up to another province for this company and now their closing leaving my sister jobless right before christmas, and her husband was already a stay at home dad so now they have no income, and of course they will not pay for her to move back home.
So no christmas for her kids this year.. I hope their happy!
November 26th, 2008 at 8:05 am
Just found out today that all the Maritime locations in Canada are closing as of Dec 5th, 2008 as well. Not much notice. Very disappointed and do feel sorry for employees who are left to deal with everything. They have no bars left!!!!!
December 2nd, 2008 at 1:50 pm
I had a contract with LA Weight Loss in my town in Tennesee. At the time they dicovered they were closing, I was told to pick up an L A on the go packet. Since then I’ve misplaced my packet and tried to get ahold of them by calling the old phone number (which is still in operation, but no one returns my call. There was no offer to give me a refund on my remaining months, They stated that I would be a lifetime member, and all I needed to do is call the phone number they gave me. I need that phone number, or any LA Weight Loss number where someone is answering their phone, and giving answers to customers questions.
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:46 pm
I asked about the refunds and found out by the time I pay the $149 refund processing fee I would not be due any money and that they are not refunding on product. so now I have to take several cases of LA Lites home all at once. Like I have the storage for this. I had been a previous client and then just quit and came back spent a whole lot of money and 4 months later they are closing their offices. If there is going to be any kind of class action against the company I want in.
December 3rd, 2008 at 4:38 pm
I noticed that someone has an e-mail address. was wandering if someone can give it to me because they closed all clinics in San Diego and I am out hundreds of dollars in bars. PLEASE, if anyone has any information for me, a phone # for corporate or and e-mail address, i will appriciate it very much. Please e-mail it to me to tmaciasjr@att.net
Thank you
December 4th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Julie, thank you for posting the # for Jennie. I have a feeling a lot of people appriciate it. The only thing is that her mail box is full and can not leave a message. Just wanted to tell you that I appriciate you on posting a phone #. I have been searching for a number for the past few days and have not been able to get any ware. I hope you get your bars.
Thank you anabel
December 4th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
I also want to thank Debra Lynden for the # 888-258-7099. I was able to get through and they are sending me my (36) boxes that were owed to me plus a take off that was owed to me. Please try the # again. The # is for franchise but direct your self to customer service and they WILL help you. The young lady I spoke to, Jennifer, was very helpful.
Thank you Debra. I am glad that I found this forum.
Anabel from San Diego CA
December 12th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
i am very upset that i went to my weight loss center and
found the doors closed. it would have be nice if
you would have at least told us in advance. i will take
this matter up with the proper local authorities.
December 12th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
It has been 10 months and phone call and e-mail after another and still no rebate. I drove to the clinic again yesterday and they have shut down. They left 2 # and one is disconnected and the other will not return my calls. If there is a class cation law suit i am in!
December 14th, 2008 at 10:55 am
As a previous counselor who loved and adored her clients, and has been saddened to see a company she once believed in hurt so many people, I’d like to offer contact information to those of you who are unable to reach a live person.
Harold Katz, Owner of LA Weightloss Franchise Company: Email: HKatz@la-weightloss.com
Kristi McKenna, President of Operations: Email: KMcKenna@la-weightloss.com
Debra Toews, Vice President of Operations: Cell: 215-285-1208, Office: 215-346-4385. Email: dtoews@la-weightloss.com
Best of Luck!
December 14th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Last Friday, Dec. 12, all area Charlotte NC LA weight Loss Centers closed with no notice. I am out 17 boxes of Lites.I feel very lucky as some of my friends had just signed up . Last week they were promoting discounts on LA and so some people bought bulk. We have no number to call, just that they will call us-HA HA. I wish I had researched this company earlier. Has any body actually RECEIVED any Lites after there locations closed?
December 16th, 2008 at 11:14 am
I just called the 208-522-5615 number – it’s definitely LA on the go, but they said the supervisor (Brittany) was not there, and took a message. THANKS to the previous counselor for all those corporate emails and numbers – I will definitely contact those people.
I was a San Diego client – and I wasn’t swindled out of bars or anything – but the fact is, this is NOT what we paid for. I had two centers close on me and then was switched to this stupid on the go program – I’ve been getting called for three weeks (after it took them a month to call me back) – and they have yet to even locate my file. My weight loss has stalled since the first center shut down – so basically I feel like I paid for a year, but got 3 months support. It’s so frustrating – I want to lose weight, took the appropriate actions – and then this. grrrrrrrrrr.
has there been any talk of a class action lawsuit??
December 24th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
I’m CONFUSED. The LA Weightloss centers in PA shut down an entire year ago….I had NO idea that there were some STILL in business or I would have gone to them, not only for my bars, but also for the support. I’ve had to deal with the loss for a year now (in January it will be a year) and I have gained weight….this is terrible……a lot of money lost, but no weight
January 1st, 2009 at 11:22 pm
I have also been told a whole lot of lies. I Actually talked with a Regional Manrager by the name of Sheri Amiguchi. She just keeps making excuses. Now she will not even answer or return my calls. I say it is high time for a class action law suit, is anyone with me?
Fran S.
January 7th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
I just went to my centre today in Ontario to find them closed. I was sold a bulk in November of which I was resident about buying before Christmas but they kept saying it was the best time to get them for the price so I did and now I am out.
There was no notice left to clients, no option to come and pick up the items left or anything.
January 7th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
After 4 short months my center in Greenville, SC also closed with no prior notice. I went to weigh-in one day and the center was completely empty. Thankfully, I never purchased any LA Lites. I contacted the headquarters and spoke to Jennifer Pilley. She stated that I would receive a refund for the unused months of the remainder of the contract. She did mention; however that I would not receive the $149 non-refundable enrollment fee as stated in the paperwork. I asked her where in the paperwork was it stated that they could pick up, close up and take our money and all of personal information without any notification?
Needless to say, I have yet to hear from her or receive a single penny from them. I filed a complaint with my local BBB as well as Consumer Affairs. I also was told that I could dispute the entire charge thru my credit card company.
I truly believe these horrible, heartless people need to be held accountable. I agree with Fran S. If a class-action lawsuit ever comes out of this, I hope the group of manipulative and dishonest people of LA Weight Loss get what they deserve!
January 12th, 2009 at 9:50 am
with all this going on, with all the money I have lost, lost service and not to mentionned the terrible feeling of beeing insecur as a previous client who has not finished the weightloss program, I was wondering if you would be so very kind to help me with various questions I still have concerning the program.. maintenance questions, food question, etc. I’m on the yellow program.
here is my e-mail: tanyadesm@msn.com
thanks in advance for your help in this particulary difficult time
tanya
January 12th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
My name Is Anabel Macias and I called 888-258-7099 in December and told them that the center that I was going to in San Diego ca has closed and that they owed me la bars. I just received my boxes owed to me. Call that # and they will help you.
January 26th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Hi everyone,
I was a customer of LA Weight Loss in Ontario (Canada). On December 31st, 2008, after being enrolled for less than two months (enrolled on Nov 1st 2008), I returned from my Christmas vacation to find a sign on my centre’s door saying it was closed -without any notice at all.
I calculated they owe me about 550 bars!
When I try to call customer service, no one answers and it says their mailbox is full. When I email them, they don’t reply.
I feel cheated, and disgusted. How could they do that to honest, hard-working people?? I can’t even contest it though the Credit Card company because it’s a card THEY issued me. UGH!
If ever there is a class action lawsuit, or if you have any ideas as to how I can get my money back, please let me know: chrisy_lee@hotmail.com
Thanks!
February 1st, 2009 at 10:12 am
if you have used GE care card-contact them- with the number on the back of the card. I am in the same situation you are in Cristin- and they are disputing the charges on the card for me- 30 -60 says resolution. you have to fax them a copy of the contract along with a letter stating the amount you feel is owed to you. You have to continue to pay your bill- but it is worth a try. What other options are there? This is a disgusting situation. This company preys on the insecure- and knowingly made promises they knew they couldn’t keep. THey feel justified in keeping your money because they valiantly offered a call in service -not fair trade in my opinion, because the exorbitant amount of money you have paid should be for one on one- not a weekly phone call.
I am so angry- but I no longer wish to remain complacent.
hope this helps.
February 5th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Is LA on the Go still active? I’ve been emailing my weight on a weekly basis and no longer am receiving comments from my “counselor.”
February 11th, 2009 at 9:22 am
They owe me over 48 boxes of bars pre paid. I wnt by to pick a couple o boxes up. They were gone!!!! What do I do? They owe me alot of money. I am in Chattanooga TN. is anyone in my situation?
February 11th, 2009 at 9:39 am
They owe me over 48 boxes of bars pre paid.Not to mention the cost of the program I paid For!!!! I went by to pick a couple of boxes up. They were gone!!!! What do I do? They owe me alot of money. I am in Chattanooga TN. is anyone in my situation? Is There a class action suit or a contact number? In this day and time we can not afford to be taken advantage of. If there is a contact person I would love to have the information.
February 11th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Wow! LA weight loss in Eugene, OR closed last December (2008) I was given a packet of info and have spent approx the last 2 1/2 months trying to get my refund for remaining year. I have been emailing, however unsuccessful so far:
Jennifer Pilley
LA Weight Loss Franchise Company
Customer Service Department
franchisecustomerser@la-weightloss.com
fax (215) 346-8865
February 18th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
After 4 months of non-contact, I finally received a call from a Sarah. She was under the impression that I wanted to join to LA On Your Own program. I informed her that I was already supposed to be on that program but hadn’t heard from anyone in 4 months and had been out of LA Bars for just as long. I told her that I wanted to get my money back on the bars that were never sent to me and I hadn’t been following the program since they closed my center in Provo, Utah. She apparently checked with her supervisor and called me back to let me know that under no circumstances did they return money on pre-puchased products. I am sending them an e-mail (not that it will do any good) to tell them that since my center was closed I have been extremely unhappy, infuriated and generally appalled with the way I have been treated as a client. I paid my money for participating in their program and while my center was opened, I let everyone I could talk to know about how great I thought the program was. I feel I have been placed in a closet and forgotten about. I will be letting as many people know what has happened and how disappointed I have become. I don’t feel my request for a refund was out-of-line or unreasonable. I feel that my money is due to me since I have been trying for 4 months to get SOMEONE to return my calls and treat me like a client! I am VERY relieved to have stumbled on to this blog. At least now I don’t feel like I have been singled out. If there is a class action lawsuit, I’m all for it. I may check into that personally.
February 19th, 2009 at 5:20 am
I have written and phoned and mailed about being reimbursed. I obtained a contact person in London Ont who had the local franchise. He was not helpful to date other then to tell me some other company would be happy to honor my membership if I were to take my contract in there. I wonder who has that franchise? I find the whole thing very unprofessional to say the least. Recently I heard another weight loss program will be opening up in the same centre with the same staff which is outrageous. I am really interested in being part of any class action against LA wt. loss in Ontario/Canada. LA Wt. loss is still running in parts of the US (as advertised currently on TV) and according to one site I found this is a pattern throughout the US, they close without any warning to their clients and reopen under another name. I am out 8 months of program (paid for) and 30 plus boxes of product (paid for and not received). I am also not happy with the note on the door and any phone messages end with ‘good luck with your weight loss’. That is unbelieveable!!!
February 20th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Here is an email I received today in regards to LA wt. loss in Canada. I would like to know if this rules out a class action agianst these people, if anyone else is interested and how to pursue.
February 20, 2009
To Former Members of LA Weight Loss Centres in Ontario:
On February 13, 2009, Diet Success Corp., the operator of LA Weight Loss Centres in Ontario and Quebec was placed into receivership. Attached to this email you will find a copy of the Notice of Receiver. Your name was not listed on the creditor listing attached to the Notice of Receiver as it was prepared prior to us having your information. You have been subsequently added.
The company is unable to provide you with any product which may be owing nor refund for product or services which may be owing.
Unfortunately, all former members of LA Weight Loss Centres are unsecured creditors. There will be no funds available to the unsecured creditors of LA Weight Loss Centres.
If you have any further questions regarding the receivership, please write to dietsuccess@skz.ca
I also have a copy of the Notice of Receiver (sec. 245)
Receiver Report (sec 246)
In the Matter of the Receivership of
Diet Success Corp.
O/A LA Weight Loss Centres
of the City of Vaughan, in the Province of Ontario
The firm is SHINER.KIDECKEL.ZWEIG Inc.
insolvency and restructuing professionals
There is no way I am able to copy this document. At the bottome there is a Additional information may be obtained by writing to
ietsuccess@skz.ca
I would be interested in the response of others.
February 22nd, 2009 at 7:34 pm
I am so with anyone who wants to file a lawsuit they stood right there in front of me and took my hard earned money knowing that they were not going to be open just a few days later. I feel bad because I got my sister in law involved with la weight loss also and now she is out money too. Furios would be a good word to describe how I feel about this company and the people in charge.
March 2nd, 2009 at 7:20 pm
does this site have a glossary? Im new to some terms
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:01 pm
Bryan,
No, I’m sorry there is no glossary.
March 6th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
I too have been lied to and lost money. PLEASE does any know of class action suit or are there steps I need to take now to ensure I would be part of one? My location was in MN.
March 28th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
I have probably been looking around online for like the last 20 minutes for a site like yours. So i just want to give you a big thank you and tell you too keep up the hard work. Have a great weeken! =) Thank you!
March 30th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
I too just tried going by my center to get some bars that I had prepaid for and realized that they were closed. I had stopped going due to some back problems and just wanted to get what was owed me. The sad thing is that I just paid my Care Credit off by using a 0% interest credit card which means it is probably too late for me to dispute the charges. I feel everyone’s pain, in this time of financial crisis for all of us, it is hard to not feel betrayed and hurt by how this company treated us. Just remember, God is good and that these people will have to answer to Him some day. If anyone finds out a way we can fight this and/or get in on a class action law suit, please let me know. pac1966@sbcglobal.net. Thanks and God Bless!
April 10th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
About LA WEIGHT LOSS….
I paid about 500 using my card…when it closed…here are the steps i took…and it worked!
1.)call credit card company and explain the situation….tell them the company went bankrupt and that you want to file for a refund…
2.)wait some time, and the credit card company should credit your account…
(the key is that la weight loss will not choose to fight the refund because they are bankrupt, and you should be able to get the money back)
hope this could help. thanks
April 15th, 2009 at 5:01 am
The topic is quite hot in the net at the moment. What do you pay the most attention to while choosing what to write about?
April 23rd, 2009 at 6:23 pm
This was a hard lesson for me to learn. Always do research BEFORE signing a contract. Being on Social Security doesn’t leave me with a lot of money. I called the San Diego(MV) location as soon as I heard the TV commercial and signed contract that day (around $400). What angers me is that they must have known about closing soon. Likewise, I didn’t sign up for a ‘by the mail/phone’ program. Count me in for a class action suit.
April 26th, 2009 at 10:54 am
Hi, everyone,
Thank you to everyone on all the info given. I am owed 90 boxes of bars worth about $810. I don’t have my reciept anymore for them, but the center was keeping track of what was being given and what was owed.
I called the Vice President of Operations # that was given- 215-346-4385- and left a message. Her cell # was a “wrong #.” I also sent emails to the owner- the president- and the vice president. The other 2 #’s that work but have to call during weekdays (I tried on Sunday)are 888-277-4408 and 888-258-7099. Will try to call them again tomorrow. But, again, thank you to everyone who supplied the info. I am stubborn enough to call and email these people everyday until something happens! Also, question…. I paid for my program and bars with the Care Credit Card also. If you already paid off the card a year ago, it would probably be impossible to get the Card co. to reimburse you due to fraud, right?
Take care everyone. Will keep you updated
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:23 pm
It’s ridiculous how these companies keep their members in the dark. In the end, all they want is your money. This is proof.
May 4th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
I just found this
News Story
LA Weight Loss closures a national phenomenon
By Elizabeth Howell, Ottawa Business Journal Staff
Mon, Jan 12, 2009 12:00 AM EST
Click to Enlarge
Heidi Young, one of LA Weight Loss’s customers before it closed. (Etienne Ranger, OBJ)
BBB fields nine complaints; parent company claims little can be done
A Toronto-area company in receivership triggered a tidal wave of sudden LA Weight Loss closures across Canada that finally reached Ottawa in late December, OBJ has learned.
In its wake were confused customers such as Heidi Young, an Algonquin College student, who said she received no notice before all four Ottawa locations closed on Dec. 29.
“I was off for a week over the Christmas holidays and when I went back, the doors were locked, there was a note on the door and the windows were papered over,” she said.
On the door of the former Alta Vista location was a sign informing customers that the franchise, owned by franchisee Diet Success Corp., was closing because it couldn’t get products such as nutrition bars from its United States supplier.
“I feel used. I feel gullible. I never thought I was one of those people,” she said.
But Ottawa consumers weren’t alone in their confusion. On the same day and in remarkably similar circumstances, a host of other locations across Ontario – in cities such as Windsor, Kingston and London – also connected with Diet Success shuttered their shops just as suddenly.
Two LA Weight Loss locations across the Ottawa River, in Gatineau, were also reported closed last week, although it’s not clear if they were owned by Diet Success.
Repeated calls by OBJ to Michael Shneer, the Vaughan, Ont. owner of Diet Success, went unreturned.
His company’s address is listed as 351 Spinnaker Way in Vaughan – the same address listed for LAWL Maritimes Inc., owned by relative David Shneer.
LAWL Maritimes shut all nine LA Weight Loss locations in Atlantic Canada in December, and according to bankruptcy records entered receivership on Dec. 12.
The company listed no assets or liabilities on its claim, and the trustee responsible did not respond to phone calls.
Pennsylvania-based parent company LA Weight Loss Franchise Co. said in a statement that it was “befuddled” by the Ottawa closures.
“We understand that Diet Success has closed without giving notice or returning the prepayments received from its customers,” it read. “We find this shocking and are demanding that it follow our procedures that require proper notice and refunds. We are as befuddled as its customers. (This) is certainly not in line with standard operating procedures.”
Diet Success’s claim that it was out of stock and unable to procure more was untrue, the company added, as “we have warehouses of product ready and able to be shipped.”
But that’s small comfort to consumers. Nine Diet Success Corp. clients have called the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Eastern and Northern Ontario and the Outaouais, which also represents Ottawa, said chief executive Diane Iadeluca.
“We tried to contact (Diet Success) in the way we normally do, which is contact them by e-mail, fax, in writing, by mail – and we couldn’t get through as well,” she added.
At the moment she is waiting from word from the Pennsylvania BBB that is located near the LA Weight Loss headquarters in Horsham, Penn. But she wasn’t optimistic that they could help, either.
Ms. Iadeluca also slammed Diet Success for its lack of “integrity and ethics.”
“What I find is really sad is that some of these people had signed on just recently and (Diet Success) knew that they were closing,” she added. “At least they could have warned people and said, ‘Sorry, we can’t take your application now.’ ”
On Richmond Road, where customer Shirley McGlashan says she regularly went for appointments, the store had stockpiles of nutrition bars, cookbooks and other items on sale at a reduced price throughout December.
“I said, ‘Why the sale?’ and they told me, ‘We’re receiving a big shipment in and we don’t want to have to do inventory. We hate doing inventory, so we want to get rid of as much product as possible.’”
Ms. McGlashan bought 40 boxes of nutrition bars – around $20 per box – and took some home with her each time she visited. About 25 boxes are still missing, she said.
According to a spokesperson for LA Weight Loss Franchise Co., who refused to release her name, the parent company investigated Diet Success but concluded there was nothing it could legally do.
“We are a franchise-operated business. I wish I could say we’re here to save the day, but we aren’t,” she said.
And although dozens of LA Weight Loss locations have also closed in the U.S. and Australia, the spokesperson said most of those were affiliated with another company called Pure Weight Loss – which ceased being the parent company of LA Weight Loss Franchises Co. in 2004.
“Michael Shneer’s situation is a little different,” she added, “where he closed suddenly. We wouldn’t recommend that he close the way he did.”
- with files from Peter Kovessy
—
Refund options for LA Weight Loss customers in Ottawa:
If you used Visa, MasterCard or another major credit card:
Contact your credit card customer service line directly, as this may be covered under its refunds policy. Use the phone number listed on the back of your card.
If you used the health-care credit line, CareCredit:
Use the phone number on the back of your card, or call one of these two numbers:
1-866-453-9961 or 1-866-453-9960.
All other inquiries:
Try the chapter of the Better Business Bureau that represents Ottawa at 613-237-4856.
May 19th, 2009 at 1:16 am
I too paid for bars and did not receive them, nor did I know the center was closing.
When I went to get my meals and bars, the center was closed.
I have tried to call the 800 number that was given to me from another location. When I called I any got a answering machine, the answering machine was fill and when I was able to leave a message, no one every returned my call.
I have sent emails and have not gotten a response. This company ripped off a lot of people, and now where are they? Where is all the money they have taken in from people?
Is there anyone out there who knows what’s going on?
Melinda in Alpharetta, GA
May 29th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
We know how you feel. As former employees, we too received absolutely no warning & was not even able to warn our clients. We hope you get all monies coming to you, but as you have come to realize, this company DOES NOT care about anything or anyone – only $$$$$$. Sorry each & everyone of you had to find out the hard way. We truly feel bad for all clients!
June 2nd, 2009 at 9:19 am
I used LA many years ago and had wonderful results. They still owe me 44 boxes of bars that I paid for up front,(to get a discount,by buying in bulk). This is just a shame. To have so many employees that you get to know who help you and then to just shut down the company without any notice. I think they still owe us what we paid for and a formal appology. Some people did this for health reasons, as did I, and I am very upset that they let me down. I think that they should have to refund alot of money. It’s obvoius all they cared about was the money and not the people. May God still bless them and us.
June 8th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
I just get so furious every time I try once again to get some response from LAWL. I signed on in May 07 and continued to visit my center 3x week until I got pregnant in Dec. Of course before I signed up, I asked the manager what would happen if I got pregnant. She said I would just have to “go on hold” until 6 weeks after the baby was born. No big deal, right? Wrong! When I returned I had 9wks(I earned more weeks for staying on tract, etc.) of weight loss left, my stabilization weeks, and maintenance. I now had about 20 lbs to lose after having the baby, but since I was nursing there was a whole new plan. I understood that, since I would need to eat more calories to satisfy both me and the baby. But, they would only guarantee 1pound per wk instead of 2 since I was nursing. Therefore I needed to buy more weeks!! I refused to buy more weeks and was told that if not, then I would be charged a $50 reinstatement fee! What?! I was never told about this policy up front. Which I think should have been discussed when I signed up and asked questions about retuning after pregnancy! The manager new I was trying to get pregnant and probably thought if she disclosed this info I wouldn’t agree to sign up! After putting up a fight, they waived the fee and let me go with my 9 weeks. I honestly only stuck with it about 2 weeks before I decided my priorities had changed and decided to return once I had stopped nursing and my son was a little easier to tote around. Not to mention, that they already told me my refund would no longer be valid since I didn’t agree to buy more weeks and stick to my original contract. I was very distraught about the whole thing. I had worked so hard until I got pregnant, lost a lot of weight and spent a lot of time and money at the center and now had lost it all. They called often (and I responded), trying to get me to start coming back. A month later my location and all the other Charlotte locations suddenly closed.
I am still trying to figure out how to get my money back for all my unused weeks and tons of bars I purchased in advance. I paid with CareCredit, but paid off my balance a long time before they closed and most of the bar purchases were on my checkcard. If anyone in the Charlotte area has had any luck with a response from corporate or refunds, please let me know.
August 24th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
I am a previous Manager of an LA Weight Loss Centers in Iowa, owned by Courtney and Ryan VanderPol of Sioux Falls, SD. I stayed for over two years b/c I think the program works and I loved my clients but LAWL is a money scam. They promise a rebate after you complete your program, stay within 5 pounds of your goal and eat at least one LA Late bar a day during maintenance. The two years I was a manager there were only a small handful of people that got their rebate back, they had every excuse in the book not to give the rebate. You can expect to spend on average $700.00-$1,500 to get to your goal. The counselors get paid a very small base pay and commission, if we do not sell products on a weekly basis there was always fear of losing your job. In my opinion go to Weight Watchers and pay $10 a week works better and cost a whole lot less. Now back to the owners of I believe 11 LA Weight Loss Centers in Iowa, Illinois, North Dakota & South Dakota, Courtney and Ryan VanderPol. These people have no heart for the Clients and employees, they once said to me every person we have working for us is replaceable and if your center doesn’t start doing better you will be too, the people we had working in my center had a place in our hearts for every client and our top concern was to help them loss weight and not make them go poor at the same time. The counselors do not have to have any sort of Nutritional background, one didn’t even have a Green Card to work in the US, and they promised her payment when she got it but never did pay her. She worked for three months for them and they gave her no money. The average training for a manager and counselor is a week and a half and then they send you out to take $$$$ from clients. I am sorry for all the people that are out money from LA Weight Loss, please tell everyone you know that wants to lose weight to stay clear of LA Weight Loss especially the ones owned by Courtney and Ryan VanderPol.
September 19th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Think I finally am through with LA weight loss, one year of trying to get bars and take off that I have paid for. Went to two centers that closed and was sent to a third that has no record of my purchases. Taught me a lesson, never will I pre-pay for anything or any sevices. Thanks for listening to me gripe!
October 3rd, 2009 at 3:08 pm
I just went to LA Weight loss today to find out it had closed its doors. The letter posted on the door suggested we visit two other locations. Called both and both phones are no longer in service. Called 1-800 number – no longer in service. So what do I do? I would just like to have the products owing to me. I have tried to find a phone number so I could talk with someone. I live in the lower mainland of Vancouver, B.C. Any suggestions???