Consumer Complaints Prompt Closer Look at Beauty Service Contracts

State consumer protection officials say complaints related to long-term membership contracts at some beauty and wellness businesses have increased modestly over the past year, prompting closer review of contract disclosure practices across the industry.

Common complaints center on difficulty canceling recurring membership plans and unclear terms around cancellation fees, issues officials say are not unique to Rhode Island but have drawn increased local attention as membership-based service models have grown more common.

Consumer Protection Focus

Officials say they are working with industry associations to develop clearer model disclosure language businesses can adopt voluntarily, rather than pursuing new legislation as a first step.

Consumer advocates say clearer contract terms would benefit both customers and reputable businesses, arguing that ambiguous cancellation policies create disputes that damage trust even when businesses do not intend to mislead customers.