From Krystal M.
SVETNESS Personal Training
Please note all concerns were addressed by Svetness and the comment below no longer represents my experience with Svetness.
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Disclaimer: I have never written a negative review of any product or service in my life. I tend not to do so unless my experience has been horrendous and I feel compelled to warn others out of fear that they will follow in my footsteps. That being said, BUYERS BEWARE -- avoid this place at all costs. There are better places to spend a couple grand.
On all fronts, the Salesman, the trainers and the management/policies, this organization is HORRIBLE.
First, for background, I am locked into a 6 month contract that I was coerced into by Jason, the personal training manager aka the "Salesman." Jason initially encouraged me to lock myself into a 12-month contract since it "produces the best results." There is no free training session or free trial period to test out their services. Signing a 12-month contract would be all well and good if the training services were guaranteed or no money back. Jason essentially coerces you to sign into a year-long lease and if you actually take the time to read, there is no remedy for breach of contract on Svetness' part or ability for the customer to terminate. Even more incredulous is that the Salesman encouraged me not to read the contract stating that "no one reads it," rushed me through it and made me feel like I was spending too much time. Buyers beware - READ THE CONTRACT. In fact, the Salesman should encourage you to BRING THE CONTRACT HOME, Review it and make sure you are comfortable with the terms. Do not be coerced.
Second, the trainers . I am not sure what their hiring policy is, but it seems to be any random joe on the street that looks fit . NONE of the trainers I have worked have been professional. Even though I purchased the 6-month, 2 day a week package, since March, I have only worked out with a Svetness trainer once a week. They try to console you by saying you don't lose your sessions, but at this point, I do not want another session with someone from Svetness again! I am on my FIFTH trainer, and each trainer has either not had the time preference that I specified and asked for, been thoroughly unimpressive trainers in terms of technique/motivation, or horrible with communication. With my most recent trainer, I attempted to set up a schedule, to which he agreed. However, he did not inform me that he was going on vacation and when I tried to ask him why he didn't tell me so we could readjust, he did not respond until three days later to tell me I was not a good fit . My third assigned trainer was fired for lying about agreeing to a time to meet with me.
Next, the management and oversight is HORRIBLE. There is NO management of these trainers. As I implied, they are not beholden to a certain schedule. They do not appear to answer to anyone. They can be fired on a whim. I imagine their official title is a "independent contractor," but if I was a business owner in the business of PEOPLE and helping PEOPLE, I would make sure all personnel under my purview were professional and adhering to their scheduled times and promises! Good luck getting in touch with "Svet" to voice your concerns. Instead you will be redirected to an "Office Manager" to deal with billing issues. Note the Office Manager that I was dealing with, Sunita, was also fired. I have never had such bad customer service in my life.
One last thing, a co-worker that I suggested this organization to for its convenience (prior to having experienced the aforementioned horrible customer service) also signed up for training. And, HER trainer also flaked on her twice in a row.
This leads me to believe that everyone in this organization is incompetent. Worst of all, I will have to continue to let them "work through their issues" or otherwise pay over $3000 for receiving absolutely nothing in return.
