Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/10/2024

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On 1/7/24 i was stopped walking by a lady with a dog. I was sucked into a high pressure sales pitch by a man in the store that I can believe I fell for. We were leaving Charleston when we were stopped. They tricked me into buying a product and overcharged me. And he didn’t put the receipt in the bag. Once I saw the amount charged I reported to my credit card company. I want my money back and I want to know what he put on my face because it was not what he sold me! He promised me the receipt would have his contact info and he forgot to put it in the bag. Then some lady tried to sell me a 4000 tool which I suspected then they were scammers.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/11/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  There was a salesperson who promised some under eye cream that works to remove wrinkles. The one they show in the showroom isn’t the one the sold. The one they sold doesn’t work at all. It’s a total scam. It’s a known scam that everyone is complaining about online. It’s some totally garbage cream they sell you.

  Business Response

  Date: 12/14/2023

  Since the customers purchase was outside of our online store, I would like to clarify the roles in our company. 
  We are only the Authorized Wholesale Distributor.
  Our customers, such as the location the customer  purchased  their products from, are independently owned and operated. Each independent seller has their own return/exchange and refund policies.
  However, since our top priority is our customers satisfaction, please provide with: customer name and phone number 
  - A picture of the products that were purchased (unopened and/or opened):
  - Proof of purchase:
  - Exact location of purchase: City, State, Name of store, Name of Mall (or strip mall)?

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/15/2023

  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  I have sent the picture of the horrible product that they lied about and they haven’t don’t anything about it. They keep making excuses and they are known liars about their products. The other BBB complaints about them and their reviews validate the fact they are frauds taking advantage of older people. My mom was thoroughly upset and hurt by it  

  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  
  
  ****** *****

  Business Response

  Date: 12/21/2023

  We have diligently endeavored to provide assistance to the customer, notwithstanding the fact that this particular transaction predates the change in ownership and management. Nonetheless, we extended an offer to the customer for the potential exchange of the products in their possession. Our course of action aligns meticulously with the company's established policy, conspicuously presented at the checkout counter and expressly delineated at the base of the receipt, which unequivocally dictates a No Refunds. Exchanges within 14 days.

  Business Response

  Date: 12/21/2023

  We have diligently endeavored to provide assistance to the customer, notwithstanding the fact that this particular transaction predates the change in ownership and management. Nonetheless, we extended an offer to the customer for the potential exchange of the products in their possession. Our course of action aligns meticulously with the company's established policy, conspicuously presented at the checkout counter and expressly delineated at the base of the receipt, which unequivocally dictates a No Refunds. Exchanges within 14 days.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/15/2023

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  UnresolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I signed up for facial promotion and found myself in a sales pitch situation.
  At first I agreed to purchase a $4,000 red light Therapy device. I had buyers remorse before I even left the store and told her to refund me. She said she can’t Manager out of town for two days. She then sucked me into another deal for 3,000 for a higher product which she would sell to me for manufacture price as the box is damaged. It also included facial creams and an additional treatment.
  
  I had to go to work and send an email in the evening that I would come back the next day for a refund the products are still in the bag untouched.
  
  I am certainly embarrassed for falling for this horrible scam.
  
  The business only exists on Facebook. No phone contact no Google listing. There have been several complaints made about this business. They are using pressure and sales techniques on people who seek their help.
  
  I was never advised that I am not able to return this product by the sales person.
  If I do not get reimbursed I will file a police report as others have done. There are cameras everywhere in the business which need to be reviewed for proof that I was not informed about all sales being final.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/15/2023

  Sorry for the inconvenience, customer service is our top priority, and as Sabrine mentioned, we have cameras in order to verify this kind of information.
  We actually provide all customers with our email and phone number. Sabrine received texts messages from us and email with information and instructions for the products and the device that were purchased after her purchase.
  Sabrine sent us an email only last night, and left this review early morning, both not during our business hours.
  We recommend Sabrine to contact our customer service during our business hours.
  Thank you and best regards.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/15/2023

   
  
  Complaint: 20188012
  
  
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  The business has contacted me after they received the email from the better business bureaus. They asked for more information which provided.

  They are correct this with their response I contacted the Business Bureau before I had spoken so Someone from their business. 
  

  I have finally been contacted by the business to answer some question they had. I answered and i am now waiting again. There replies are very slow. I have tried to call numerous times but they are not answering to phone or texts.

  I wish I could resolve this today.

  Sabine Baker

  Business Response

  Date: 06/16/2023

  Once again, Sabine is leaving this rejection just 20 minutes after she received her last email response from our customer service. 
  As you can see, our customer service has already sent 8 emails with her since her first inquiry, which was 24 hours ago.
  My team and I are working very hard to satisfy every customer and doing our best to experience no delays, but we have to follow our policy.
  Review picture attached/Forwarded emails below.
  
  Thank you and best regards.

   

  ---------- Forwarded message ---------
  From: Center Stage <[email protected]>
  Date: Fri, Jun 16, 2023 at 10:26?AM
  Subject: Re: Center Stage - Inquiry #2091-482
  To: Sabine Baker Doulacare Charleston <[email protected]>
  
  
  Good morning Sabine,
  
  
  Again, I'm sorry for the inconvenience it may cause, but it has been only 16 hours since I replied to you.
  We have to take this time to investigate the situation you described.
  My colleague will take care of this to ensure the quickest resolution of the issue.
  They will be in contact within the next 2 business days through this email and will review our previous conversation.
  We always do our best to provide the best customer service and to preserve our customers.
  
  
  Thank you and best regards,
  Ashley P.
  Customer service representative 
  Center Stage

   

  On Thu, Jun 15, 2023 at 16:45 Center Stage <[email protected]> wrote:
  
  Hi Sabine,
  
  
  We are terribly sorry for the inconvenience, my colleague will take care of this to ensure the quickest resolution of the issue.
  We take every inquiry seriously, especially the situation described in your previous email. 
  They will be in contact within the next 3 business days through this email and will review our previous conversation.
  We always do our best to provide the best customer service and to preserve our customers.
  
  
  Thank you and best regards,
  Ashley P.
  Customer service representative 
  Center Stage

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/12/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  4/3/2023
  Dispute in amount of $359.69
  My husband and I were visiting Charleston on our way from Fl. to Ohio. Young woman got us into her company called Center Stage after complimenting me on my shoes. She then proceeds to discuss cosmetic products and applied an eye cream on me. She showed me that the product sold for $1500 online but she could sell it to me for $750. I did not want to spend that kind of money. My husband said it did make my eyes look good. She then offered a small box of the same product for $250. I still said "no" She got excited and went to the back and got the $750 package and asked if I would mind that the cellophane was slightly torn and a coupe small dents on the box. That would not bother me. She said that she would sell it for $350 and it would last 2 years. I wanted her to open the box because I was still not comfortable. I saw the container inside but unfortunately didn't have her open the bottle itself. My husband convinced me to treat myself. I purchased the product and asked her for a card. She gave me a small receipt with her name on it and used that for a card. She had also asked 3 times not to sell this on Ebay and make money. Ha!! Her and a man locked the door behind us when we left. That evening I opened the bottle to find that it is almost empty and a discolored lotion comes out of it. I have been disputing this case with my credit card company but unfortunately , they are siding with Center Stage. I am embarrassed and angry that my husband and I ( senior citizens) were conned in your lovely city.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/18/2023

  Hi
  
  We do not have a record of a sale from Karen, nor any customer service inquiry from her.
  Yet, we would be happy to discuss your experience.
  Our customer service sent an email to Karen to this email: [email protected]
  We would love to compensate her once we receive a record of the sale.
  Customer service is our top priority. 
  Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, we will give this case and its details careful consideration.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/01/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On March 15, 2023, I was invited into this shop by an employee whose job was to lure people in. She asked where we were from and when I said Cedar Rapids, IA, she got all excited and said they were opening a shop there. This piqued my curiosity so I went in. Without asking, another lady sat me down and began applying an eye serum around one of my eyes. While it was drying she continued with a furious pitch of two more items. After seeing results from the eye serum I agreed to purchase the three items for $436. She asked for my card, left the area and made the transaction. I don't remember signing the receipt and I was not given my copy. She then treated the other eye. No sooner did she finish when another woman jumped right in trying to sell me LED therapy devices for rosacea, wrinkles, and dark spots on the skin. I told her I didn't have time but she wouldn't take no for an answer. She brought my husband in and gave us both a demonstration of the instruments. Toward the end of this she left the room with the products I had already purchased. Upon her return she showed us a device that had all three lights. After a hard sell and continuing to lower the price, we agreed to buy the 3-light item. She took my card and left the room. She came back with two receipts for me to sign. Since I didn't remember signing for the other three items I signed what she gave me. Not realizing I did not get my copies, we left with 4 items.Upon returning to Iowa I checked our Visa statement. There was a transaction for $436 (first purchase) and one for $1046.40 (second purchase). There was also a charge for $4076.60. I googled to see what item was and I definitely did not buy it. This transaction fits into the time frame when she left the room. I disputed through Visa but since my signature was on all receipts they can't help me. The shop sent copies to Visa that have time stamps and the $4076 was between the legit purchases. There are no valid phone #s and no response to email.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/01/2023

  We apologize for the misunderstanding and for your experience .Customer service is our top priority and we do not want any customer to feel any kind of frustration.  However, our team has no inquiry from Wendy for any return, or any other customer service inquiry.

  We highly suggest contacting our customer service by email: *******************************

  Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. As mentioned, customer service is our top priority and we will give this case and its details careful consideration.
  
  
  Thank you and best regards

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/20/2023

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On Sunday, March 19, 2023, I was visiting Charleston for my birthday weekend. A girl outside Center Stage commented on my shoes and asked where I got them, then asked where I was from and proceeded to tell me they were opening a store in my town and pulled me in to tell someone inside that I was from the town where they're opening a store soon. I asked where they're opening, and she said she'd look up the address (which she never did). The next thing I knew I was having eye cream applied and I hadn't expressed any sort of interest in. My husband came in and she showed him my dramatic results, which I agreed were initially dramatic. I told my husband they were opening a store in Summerville, and my husband also asked where, and she evaded the question by applying the cream to his eye! My husband asked if I liked the eye cream and because it was my birthday and feeling pressured by the salesperson, he agreed to purchase the smallest size at a ridiculous price. She then led both of us back to another room to try to sell us another product that was astronomically priced and I became uncomfortable, as did my husband. We explained that we had to leave and check out of our hotel, she told us to try a trick that her husband uses by TELLING A LIE TO THE HOTEL that we had lost something in our room and needed extra time to search the room for our personal item "and bingo, you have a free late check out!" This infuriated my husband. She was refusing to allow us to leave and my husband felt unsafe and that we would have been robbed or harmed if we didn't purchase product! We continued to refuse any more demonstrations or to purchase any more product and we felt held hostage. My husband grabbed our belongings and led me out of the store abruptly. When I got home, I confirmed the lies and I'm humiliated and infuriated reading these exact same scenarios. I want a refund for this product. It is unopened and I have the receipt - this company should be ashamed!

  Business Response

  Date: 03/20/2023

  Hi, customer service is our top priority and we do not want any customer to feel any kind of frustration.
  Our team has no inquiry from Ms. K******* Howard for any refund, or any other customer service inquiry. 
  We are sorry for the inconvenience, and we will contact Ms. K*******, we thank her for sharing her thoughts with us, we will give your case and its details careful consideration.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/21/2023

  
  
  Complaint: ********
  
  
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  I have not been contacted by Center Stage Customer Service.  Do I need to reach out to the store directly?  Do I need to revisit the store to return unopened product?  Who will be contacting me on processing my return?
  
  Sincerely,
  
  
  
  Kristina H*****

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/16/2023

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  We were in charleston when a worker at the "Center Stage Spa" stopped us to ask about one of our shoes, then she proceeded to ask where we were from and told us they were opening a store in that area and she would get us the address. I went to get the brochure, which was taking a long time then she pulled us over to the make up desk and talked about an eye serum for 20 minutes after repeatedly asking the price and her dancing around she finally showed us the price and started to haggle with specials. I told her i could not afford it, my friend asked questions and she lowered the price more but we really just wanted to leave and she kept going on. She told us the product was to last 2 years and sold it to me for 272, which was a large discount. WE finally got to leave and when I got back to where we were staying the pump on the bottle didn't work, I opened it to see if it was blocked and saw that there was barely any product in the tub and wouldn't last 2 years barely 3 months. I went to the store they were closed and told I have to email. I emailed them sent pictures, videos, message about my complaint how what I was told was false and that I wanted a refund. They responded saying that someone would reach out within 72 hours. I still have heard nothing and want a refund for the rip off product and broken container. The real price was 1500$ and I am upset about the lack of product in the tube for the quarter of a price i paid for it. That tube should be completely filled with product. I looked up reviews and apparently this company has done this before and lured people in with lies that they are opening a store and to get a brochure and then keep talking and asking questions so they can't leave.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/17/2023

  Hi, 
  Customer service is our top priority and we do not want any customer to feel any kind of frustration, but our team reviewed her inquiry twice. We have multiple emails with ******** *******, trying to compensate her. 
  As already mentioned in our emails, since her product was purchased for a discounted value, our company has considered that as final sale.
  Our management has our copy of the receipt that shows her signature authorizing our policy.
  Unfortunately, due to company policy we are unable to do a refund, but again, we have given this case and its details careful consideration, and we determined that we will send her 2 brand new products.
  As mentioned, customer service is our top priority.
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/17/2023

  
  
  Complaint: ********
  
  
  
  I am rejecting this response because: The company is sending new products which is not the result I wanted and they are still scamming people by saying that the product lasts 2 years etc. I would still like this complaint posted for others to see and be warned, however since the company will not and refuses to issue a refund there is nothing more on that matter.
  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  
  
  ******** *******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/26/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On Wednesday, November 23, I changed my mind on an in-store purchase, with an associate called Ruth, at Center Stage Spa, Charleston, SC, for $435.99. I refused the products, and I did not sign a credit card slip. The credit card charge went through. I have attempted to reach them several different times at several different numbers, leaving a message on the 843-303-0385 number, which offered no identification as to whom the number belongs. Regardless, I left a message for someone to return my call that day. I received no response. I attempted to send several emails via the “contact us” on their website, but the emails did not go through—something about the server being unrecognized. Finally I sent an email to them at centerstagespa.com and mentioned that I would contact the Charleston Police Department if I did not hear back from them. Within 50 minutes, I had a response from a customer service representative asking for more information. I promptly responded with the requested information. I was informed that a colleague would contact me within 72 hours to review my complaint. I never heard from that person. I contacted the first representative, and she told me there was nothing she could do.
  At this point, I feel like my only recourse is to file a complaint through the police department for theft.
  I can be reached at ************ or via email at **********@gmail.com.
  Thank you for your consideration and advice in this matter.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/26/2023

  Hi, ****** sent us an email after we gave her the email address in order to help her solve this matter. Our website works perfectly and so our phone number. Our team asked for more information to take a deep look into it, like our team always does for every customer.
  Our customer service has multiple emails with her.
  The response she received from our customer service was that after disputing the charge already with her bank, we can not issue her a refund.
  It is not in our hands, the bank is a 3rt party. 
  Again, we are sorry for the inconvenience, we understand her frustration, but this is the policy in every company.
  The moment someone issues a dispute on a charge, the whole amount is transferred from our marchent to the bank. 
  We gave this case and its details careful consideration.
  Customer service is our top priority and we do not want any customer to feel any kind of frustration.
  
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/17/2023

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  This occurred on 1/12/23 The Salesperson used deceptive lies to get a customer like me inside. She first said that the company was planning on opening a store in my hometown, which is a lie. They she said she wanted to show me an eye cream that worked okay. It started out at $750 and after talking awhile she lowered it to $200. I said okay but I had a $100 **** card to use. She took both the **** gift card & my credit card. She came back & said the gift card didn’t work & put it all on my credit card (another lie). She got me it the back room for a free laser treatment. She then started to sell me on laser equipment. It started at $9500. After talking & talking she & having her manager come they said they would give me a free machine but I needed to pay the $1200 warranty. I couldn’t get them to stop talking. They kept throwing free products at me if I paid the warranty amount . I felt like a hostage. I finally just got up & barged out of the room. It was an awful & humiliating experience. I’m in sales & I would never treat people like this.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/18/2023

  Hi,

  customer service is our top priority and we do not want any customer to feel any kind of frustration, but our team has no inquiry from Jane ******  for any refund, or any other customer service inquiry. My team and I need a little more information before we can start processing any refund request. Mrs. ****** never came to the store to try to return products or to apply for a refund by email/phone/any other method. And moreover, we can not find any receipt with her name on it. 
  Our team will definitely contact her to get a better idea, so we would be able to take care of this inquiry.
  As mentioned, customer service is our top priority and we will give this case and its details careful consideration.
  Sincerely,
  Center Stage

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/17/2022

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  The Salesperson used deceptive lies to get a customer like me inside. he first said that the company was planning on opening a store in my hometown, which is a lie. he then stated he had a gift for me and my friend, which was a lie. he did this to solely get us into the store and tell us how great his skincare product was. if the product is so good, they don't have to lie to people to get them to come into their store. I wish the BBB of Charleston would take action against this company, and not let them ruin the good name Charleston has for tourism. i did buy a product that I believe was sold to me with deceptive practices. the ingredients the salesperson bragged about were way down the list of ingredients; meaning the ingredient was in the product, but at such a low %, it would never do what he claimed the product would do. I feel deceived, and would like a Full refund. The product is still in the bow, wrapped in plastic.

  Business Response

  Date: 11/09/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 8, 2022/10/26) */
  Hi,
  Customer service is our top priority and we do not want any customer to feel any kind of frustration, but our team has no inquiry from ***** ******** for any refund, or any other customer service inquiry. My team and I need a little more information before we can start processing any refund request. Mr. ******** never came to the store to try to return products or to apply for a refund by email/phone/any other method. And moreover, we can not find any receipt with his name on it. Our team has no information about this customer and which products you wish to return.
  Our team will definitely contact him to get a better idea, so we would be able to take care of this inquiry.
  As mentioned, customer service is our top priority and we will give this case and its details careful consideration.