Monday, April 14, 2014

Dorra Slimming Session

I've recently completed a survey online by Dorra Slimming, hosted on samplestore.com and it gave me a  complimentary slimming session with Dorra Slimming.
Jaslin from Dorra Slimming called me 2 weeks ago to schedule me for a session with them and over the phone, I've asked "Do I need to bring any cash down with me".
She assured me that this session is completely free. No hidden cost, nothing. I just have to make a trip down to get my complimentary slimming session that will last approximately 1.5 hours.



Well, I'm not particular fat and I've never been overweight my entire life.
All I have are some flabs here and there, and I was thinking since it's complimentary, why not. I can get rid of those flabs I've been wanting to be rid of and if it's really effective, I might just consider some of their packages (if it's affordable). With some exercise, I can get the toned body I've always dreamed of.



So, I went to Dorra's last Saturday.
The first thing they did was to get my IC for registration.
One of the counter lady came to ask me for more details about myself, like if I have any medical conditions, my lifestyle and my occupation.
I told her I was a student, doing a part time job.
Then, I was brought into a room to measure my height and weight.
(Note: My height was 3cm shorter than I thought it was.)



After all of these, I was brought to a consultation room.
5 minutes later, the same lady came in to ask more about my part-time job. Things like how long I've been in this job, how many days a week do I work and particularly, what kind of job it was.
WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO KNOW THAT?



Now, I was introduced to this lady called Sherry, who will be my consultant for the day.
And she brought along an assistant who will be sitting in the room to listen.
It all started out fine. She chatted with me, asking about what I was doing, trying to sound sincere while scribbling everything down.
1 sister, taller
Working at whampoa on Tuesdays, 2-9pm
Staying with parents
etc
No, you don't do that. That's rude.


Then she asked me to undress, with the assistant STILL in the room so that she can take a before photo.
That, I can tell was very important to her because she tried out so many shots just to get the perfect before photo.
Zoom, unzoom, flash, no flash.
I was so awkward standing there with someone just watching and I had to wait for her to get the perfect shot.
After developing the photos, she told me about how fats multiply and all the scientific explanations about stuff. At this point, I was so tired of listening to her talk and hated that someone else was there was watching and listening to our entire conversation.



Now comes the part which I was prepared for, considering the fact that this was a complimentary slimming session. She told me about the packages Dorra have to offer.
One that I could consider was the first timer promotion which costs about $328, exclusive of GST.
It includes all of these:
3x Novashape Therapy 
3x Fat Softening Therapy
2x Bye Bye Fat Treatment
2x Oxy Trimming Gel



Considering the price for this package, it was something I could consider if I wish to continue with the sessions.
And here's our conversation:

S: Can I take a look at your card? I can check to see if there are further discounts for you.
I took out my card and she placed the card in front of her.
S: Is this a debit or credit card?
Me: Debit.
S: Oh, then there will not be any promotions. You can pay by installments if you have a credit card.

So why did you ask for my card in the first place? You could have asked if I had a credit or debit card and told me the only difference is the payment mode.

S: So do you want the package?
Me: No, I haven't tried the whole process. I wouldn't know if I like it or not.
S: I'm not worried about the results. Results, sure have. So how?
Me: No, it's okay. I need to try out the first session first. This is my first time trying out a slimming session. I don't know if I like it.
S: Like I've said, I have confidence in my machines. But now, the results will be temporary. You need to pay for the package so I can use the gel inside for a permanent result.

And this went on for another 10 minutes or so.

S: So want to get it? You can pay half first and complete the payment your next session here.
Me: No it's okay. I don't want the package anymore.
S: YOU KNOW YOU WANT IT. It's just the payment part that you're worried about.

No, I'm not worried about the payment. I'm worried because you're selling me something before I tried it out. And all this time, holding onto my card.
At this point of time, I was so tired of talking to her and I just wanted her to shut up.

S: Tell me, how much can you pay today? 
Me: $50
S: Tell you what. Make it $80, plus GST so it's easier for me to remember.
Me: No, maximum I can pay is $50 (for you to shut up).
S: Okay, so after taxes, it's $53.50.



And now, the assistant decided to be useful.
She took my card out to swipe and got me to sign.
Only then, I was brought to the treatment room and the entire session took only.... 20 minutes, and I was brought back into the consultation room again.



S: This is your photo before and after. When can you come down for the next treatment?
Me: I'm not sure. Can I call you tomorrow to confirm?
S: You have to give me a tentative date today because our consultants are always fully booked.

You tell me your you have lots of customers but your centre is empty on a Saturday AFTERNOON. I was the only customer there hello.

S: So the next time you come, you will have to pay for the rest of the package. Maybe you can bring your parents down to pay for you and I can explain the package to them if they're interested to purchase it for themselves.
Me: I'll be coming by myself. You accept cash right?
S: Yes. But if you bring your parents and they pay by credit card, you can pay by installment.
Me: I'll pay by cash. How many sessions do I have left?
S: Four. This is the first session.

SO WHERE IS MY COMPLIMENTARY SESSION?!



And she left the room.
I was left in the room feeling all weak and guilty for giving in to her hard selling because of all the immense pressure she put on me, with the assistant in the room all the time until I paid.
And I didn't know if the whole thing was over yet.
I left the room to ask if I could leave and with a simple yes, she went on doing whatever she was doing.



I came home feeling so angry with myself, not to say guilt for being so stupid.
Yes, I could have insisted all the way but at that point of time, I was so tired of talking to her for the entire hour that I was wanted to pay to stop her from talking.
I was feeling so upset about the entire thing that I googled them when I got back. Apparently, other girls went through the same thing and they paid way more than me.



Dear Dorra, you can have faith in your machines but you got to gain the trust of your customers by letting them try the machines first before promoting any packages.
I could have been interested in your packages but your procedure was all wrong.
Who in the world asks first-time customers to sign up for packages even before their trial session?
I will not be back for the rest of the sessions.


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