It should be stated that I had already used the services of Galactic Tan in Edgewater, Fl once before without any problems. That is why, as a returning customer, the episode that is described below was a little shocking, to say the least.
On the morning of March 1, 2010 I was supposed to have a tanning appointment at 9:00 a.m. I called at 9:05 a.m. to cancel because I was too busy with other things, but the owner said I could not receive my money back as that was part of policy.
I started to argue, but realized it was policy, so I decided I would take the tan and just be late. But then the owner argued that I couldn't because I was ""too late."" (it was 9:07 at that point, the tanning salon is two miles from my house and his next appointment wasn't until 10:30 a.m.) He stated that he was taking the money from the missed tan.
Then I said in frustration, ""well I would like my money back for the other pre-purchased tans that I have then."" (I had purchased one more tan at $25 for future use.) He replied ""No,"" and on top of that said I was ""banned from his salon"" because I was ""rude to him"" on the phone. I was simply arguing with him on the phone, not being rude.
I couldn't believe he was serious so I immediately went to the tanning salon to discuss this matter in person. At 9:12 a.m. I entered the salon and began to question the owner as to why I shouldn't receive my money back for the tans I no longer wanted, but had already paid for.
Without disputing the issue, or providing in anything in writing about not refunding pre-purchased tans, he told me (and my friend with me, not involved in the issue) to ""leave his salon"" or he is ""calling the police.""
Knowing I didn't do anything wrong and still in shock over how I was treated I asked him why? Why would he do this to one of his customers? I refused to leave without getting my money back.
So I waited outside with my friend for the police to come. I thought the police might be able to help me get my money back, since he basically stole my money and I was not about leave the scene as if I did something wrong.
The police showed up laughing because the issue was over a $25 tan, I don't blame them. Two officers went inside to talk to the business owner.
The police came back out, laughing at the owner and his ""partner's"" frantic demeanor, and said that the owner technically has the right to refuse service so there wasn't anything the police could do for me. The officer also said the owner told him ""if they ever want to see their money they can f-ing sue me.""
This isn't about money, this is about the basic fundamentals of customer service.
The officers said they were required by law to issue me a warning stating that I was no longer allowed in Galactic Tan.
As a business owner he should have been able to use his best judgment and resolve the issue by simply returning the $25 for the additional pre-paid tanning package I purchased two weeks prior. If so there would never have been an issue.
Using a loophole by calling the police on a customer and banning them from the salon, because they have a legitimate complaint that you won't even discuss with them is simply unacceptable.
On top of all this I would also like to note that after doing diligent research about Galactic Tan online I have found that several of their business reviews are written by the business owners themselves, using other aliases. A complaint has also been filed with the Better Business Bureau of Central Florida.
Pros: It was close to my house
Cons: Both Business Owners
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