Hello. I've been massaging for 20 years. I used to purchase all my supplies for work at Bodywork Emporium in Sherman Oaks, many years ago. I preferred Bodywork Emporium to Massage Central because it was more spacious, so the energy somehow felt better. When the emporium closed, my only option was Massage Central, until I moved to the east coast. Then I moved back to California and my table got stolen from my car. I needed a new table. I wanted the Earthlite Spirit Portable Massage table package (the table, face rest, carrying case). So, I looked online but decided I wanted to see it in person and I like to give my business to actual stores, not just shop online for everything. I spoke with the owner on the phone, which was quite nice and finished convincing me that it's better to buy it in person. I never had any problems before at Massage Central. They have a lot of supplies that we need. Can we find it cheaper online? Yes. No doubt. But obviously at the store we can get it immediately.
So, it was Saturday and we (my boyfriend went with me) got to the store at 5:25. They close at 6pm. There was no parking, not in the lot, not on the street. I finally got inside the store at 5:40. The employee stated as soon as we walked in, that she needed to be out of the store by 6 and I needed to be quick, which was fine because I knew what I wanted. Her energy was bad and I tried to ignore it because we all have bad days. That being said, when you are at work, you stuff your bad mood and/or frustrations away. Ok, so.... I got confused with the Earthlite Avalon table and she kept saying that we needed to hurry, to give her our debit card and get our things because it was too late to buy a table and she needed to be out the door by 6. I wanted a table, lotions, oil, face covers, a bolster, possibly some sheets, and maybe something else. She was very short with me and I assured her I'd be fast. But, much to her dismay, another client walked in. Wanting a table. The employee said there was no way she could ring both of us up. That other client said she had cash and wanted one of the cheaper tables, now. Like me, she came out from the valley, fought traffic to make it on a beautiful Saturday, when everyone was going out towards the beach. Sundays they are closed. It's impossible for me to make it out during the week, so Saturday evening was my only option. The traffic was horrible and there was no parking. Or I would have been inside at 5. Anyhow, the employee told the other customer that she was sorry (in a very frustrated/annoyed tone) but she should just go because she couldn't help her. At this point, I wanted to leave too. I looked online (I had visited this site before & you can live chat with someone) and I found: http://massagetablesnow.com/earthlite-avalon-xd-portable-massage-table-package/
That was done out of frustration and being rushed. I really didn't want to purchase anything from this woman. Originally, I wanted the Spirit table. I ended up paying $409 for the Avalon package (which is $328 online). As you can see, it's cheaper. The table I wanted (Spirit) is more expensive, but this lady rushed me & I mixed up the names of what I wanted.... it was only $438 online, for the whole everything.
I didn't leave because at this point, my boyfriend was extremely upset and just wanted to take the table which I had been wanting for a few months (since Christmas) but because of our schedules, we couldn't make it out. We bought the table. It's a beautiful teal Earthlite Avalon table. I also grabbed a bottle of lotion and another Biotone cream. I needed more supplies. I walked out of the store at 5:57pm. I had checked in on Yelp, so I was supposed to get a 4 piece free mini-travel kit from a company, that I don't remember the name but obviously, but there was no time for that. That woman would've had a heart attack had I asked her about it. So, now I need to order everything else I need online. My boyfriend told that woman she shouldn't be working in retail and that he was going to talk to the owner. Honestly, I've never seen an employee treat customers that poorly. I love my new table (even though I wanted the Spirit). It's because of that kind of service we received and the prices, that these kind of stores end up going out of business. It's unfortunate but I won't be returning to Massage Central. I would rate the place a 1, but I love my table and the owner was nice on the phone. Had he been there, this wouldn't have happened. You do not treat customers the way this woman did. I've seen her before (she's like 60) on many visits. I've always been nice to her & it always feels like she's not happy there. She never remembers me, which never happens anywhere I shop. That kind of energy isn't what is needed at a massage store. I don't think I've ever written such a long review. I am VERY unhappy with the whole experience & I hate to say it, but I'm going to be buying all my massage products online. read more