Complaint Review: Massage Envy

To be totally honest, I received my first massage a few months ago.  After my first massage, I was asked if I would like to enroll in a massage per month plan.  I was reluctant at first, since money is tight, but I really feel that the person giving my massage did a good job and worked out many of my trouble spots.  Although a membership is not ideal for me, I thought It was a good opportunity to spoil myself on a monthly basis.

Upon reading the contract, I did notice that a monthly fee would be deducted from my account for the membership.  Personally, I was told up front (by the counter person) that this is a one-year contract, and can only be cancelled after one year (unless certain exceptions occur).  Upon reading the contract, it stated that members may freeze or cancel (if applicable) their account if a physician felt that it was aggrivating a medical condition, etc., and a doctor's note would be required to cancel.  This is nothing new to me, since my gym has the same rules.  I had no problem with this.
There was also a stipulation that if my local Massage Envy closed, and there was not another one within a certain distance (I can't remember how far off of the top of my head, but it seemed reasonable), then membership would be eligible for cancellation prior to the one-year commitment. 

I write this review because I felt that their business practices are similar to those of a gym membership.  It's never thrilling to have an automatic account withdrawl for a membership, but it seems standard within this type of industry.  I will say that at my Massage Envy, all of the representatives have been very respectful, and treated me with honesty (in my opinion).  Their massages are reasonably priced, and I feel are a good value for someone in my income bracket.  I have had massages at salon spas, and the quality of the work is equivalent, but Massage Envy provided a longer massage at a lesser price.  

Bottom line, I felt Massage Envy handled my transactions with integrity, and those performing the massages really did a great job.    

First, I understand where you are coming from.

Second and most importantly, Massage Envy is not a medical facility that should be requiring their customers to have a medical letter from real doctors. Massage Envy is not even a clinic or a hospital so what makes you think that the way they've been running their business is right. Only medical facilities such as hospitals and clinics with doctors are the only ones that can prescribe and require medical treatments. You keep telling me to read the contract that they have which is garbage and can be proven for fraud. Go read your local rules on the FDCPA and from your AG's consumer protection act.

Tell massage envy to go fu* themselves

People really need to read their contracts prior to signing on for any, repeat any, program that automatically debits an account. Do not go by what the staff tells you. They may be simply not well-enough informed to accurately define both parties obligations. Take a written copy home with you prior to any enrollment; read it
and if you have questions or do not understand, highlight the area in yellow marker and demand it be made clear to you. A large number of "complaints" are due to people just not taking the time to fully understand obligations to be met by both parties. This is important when your money is concerned. I have been renolled in Massage Envy program for several years. We have an outstanding facility and extremely well-qualified therapists in my city. I value their service! But, I read my contract!! I did have a medical situation where they were helpful in canceling my membership. As it turned out I asked if I could transfer to my husband and they were most accommodating. Now we both have memberships, are treated like family when we go and know we are getting a great service at a lower price than we'd pay in a fancy spa.

Just remember, your contract is a legal and binding document. Read it until it is perfectly understood by you.