IN AUGUST, I signed up for a package from a well-established spa and visited the spa thrice for facials.

During a visit, I was persuaded to add services to my package.

Although I rejected the offer, the staff member was insistent and offered me a lower rate, which I also turned down.

She then returned with her manager.

It was harder to refuse and I relented.

After my facial, the manager sat me down for half an hour, going through the profiles of customers who had signed up for packages worth several thousand dollars each.

For someone who had just started work, the amount was too high.

Also, did sharing other customers’ information with me constitute a breach of confidentiality? While it is fine for spa workers to recommend products and services to customers, they should stop once their offer is rejected.

My friends have also experienced such hard-sell tactics at other reputable spas.

Shouldn’t these businesses understand that people visit spas so they can relax?

The thought of having to face sales pitches during a treatment is a source of stress. Consumers have to be firm and not let spas push products down our throats, as it is our money that we are parting with.

More awareness needs to be raised about unethical sales tactics practised by spas.

Could more be done to protect consumers’ interests in such instances?

Ms Khoo Shu Hui

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