[John Barracato]

I was a customer of Tuscany for quite a while and enjoyed the massages there so much that I decided to buy a package of five. I went with a friend and when I checked out, I was told my package had expired!! I still had two left. I was shocked and very upset. When I purchased the package, I was never told there was an expiration date. Had I known that, I would have never purchased it because I know I can't get there every month. My husband went in several times asking for a manager to call me, which she never did. We also asked that the owner call, and she never did either.

I think it's extremely poor business not to return a phone call and try to come to some mutual agreement. They have now lost six customers - myself, four friends that I always brought when they were visiting and my husband who bought me multiple gift cards. Obviously, they just don't care.

Becky Barracato

[dblwyr]

It may be that if you purchased a 'stored value card', it is a credit memo under Florida Law. And, as you can see by the information below, gift cards and credit memos cannot have an expiration date except in specific circumstances.

501.95 Gift certificates and credit memos.—
(1) As used in this section, the term:
(a) “Credit memo” means a certificate, card, stored value card, or similar instrument issued in exchange for returned merchandise when the certificate, card, or similar instrument is redeemable for merchandise, food, or services regardless of whether any cash may be paid to the owner of the certificate, card, or instrument as part of the redemption transaction.
(b) “Gift certificate” means a certificate, gift card, stored value card, or similar instrument purchased for monetary consideration when the certificate, card, or similar instrument is redeemable for merchandise, food, or services regardless of whether any cash may be paid to the owner of the certificate, card, or instrument as part of the redemption transaction, but this term shall not include tickets as specified in s. 717.1355 or manufacturer or retailer discounts and coupons.
(2)1(a) A gift certificate purchased or credit memo issued in this state may not have an expiration date, expiration period, or any type of postsale charge or fee imposed on the gift certificate or credit memo, including, but not limited to, service charges, dormancy fees, account maintenance fees, or cash-out fees. However, a gift certificate may have an expiration date of not less than 3 years if it is provided as a charitable contribution, or not less than 1 year if it is provided as a benefit pursuant to an employee-incentive program, and the expiration date is prominently disclosed in writing to the consumer at the time it is provided. In addition, a gift certificate may have an expiration date if it is provided to the recipient, or to a purchaser for transfer to the recipient, as part of a loyalty or promotional program when the recipient does not pay a separate identifiable charge for the certificate, or if it is provided in conjunction with a convention, conference, vacation, or sporting or fine arts event having a limited duration so long as the majority of the value paid by the recipient is attributable to the convention, conference, vacation, or event. An issuer may honor a gift certificate that has expired on or before the effective date of this act.
(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to a gift certificate or credit memo sold or issued by a financial institution, as defined in s. 655.005, or by a money services business, as defined in s. 560.103, if the gift certificate or credit memo is redeemable by multiple unaffiliated merchants.
(c) Enforcement of this section shall be as provided in s. 501.142(3), (4), and (5) for violations of this section.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2007-256; s. 1, ch. 2007-334; s. 50, ch. 2008-177.
1Note.—Section 3, ch. 2007-78, provides that “[s]ection 501.95(2)(a), Florida Statutes, as created in CS for CS for CS for SB 1638 or similar legislation, does not apply to prepaid calling arrangements as defined in s. 212.05(1)(e), Florida Statutes, including prepaid cards for wireless or wireline telecommunications service.”

[PennBF]

I think you may want to go to the Seniors vs Crime office in Brownwood, (next to the Theater in Brownwook in the Sheriff's Annex.) I believe they may be able to help you solve your problem?

[John_W]

I remember about six months ago they had no problem talking to The Villages Sun Newspaper. They did a big article about the woman who owns the place and her brother who owns Garvino's Cigars across the street. Seems they like to talk when it's to their best interest. Let us know how this turns out.

[Jima64]

Some companies wonder why they eventually fail. Maybe the owner is not in control anymore. Don't give up on this. Does your card show any expiration date or time limit?

[kas52]

You might get their attention on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/tuscanydayspaandsalon/?fref=ts

[Bay Kid]

Does the card have an expiration date?

[My Daily Run]

That is terrible but the apple must not fall too far from the tree as my son went into Garvino last year and wanted to buy a gift of cigars but doesn't know much about them so he took a cigar from his father's collection and went into Garvino to purchase some and he noticed that his father likes cigars of a certain length and size so he took the cigar out of him pocket and started his search...the owner came up to him and accused him of stealing the cigar. My 40 year old son defended himself and the owner insisted that he go into the office to look at the camera. They did and it was obvious that my son took the cigar out of his pocket and besides they do not even carry the cigar that my son was holding. No apology...as my son left a few men came out and asked him what happen...poor business practice from brother and sister.

[Jima64]

Originally Posted by My Daily Run

That is terrible but the apple must not fall too far from the tree as my son went into Garvino last year and wanted to buy a gift of cigars but doesn't know much about them so he took a cigar from his father's collection and went into Garvino to purchase some and he noticed that his father likes cigars of a certain length and size so he took the cigar out of him pocket and started his search...the owner came up to him and accused him of stealing the cigar. My 40 year old son defended himself and the owner insisted that he go into the office to look at the camera. They did and it was obvious that my son took the cigar out of his pocket and besides they do not even carry the cigar that my son was holding. No apology...as my son left a few men came out and asked him what happen...poor business practice from brother and sister.

Guess the owner should have looked at the tape first. They do have a tough time with people that just walk out with merchandise speaking of village businesses in general. Owner could have handled it differently.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by My Daily Run

That is terrible but the apple must not fall too far from the tree as my son went into Garvino last year and wanted to buy a gift of cigars but doesn't know much about them so he took a cigar from his father's collection and went into Garvino to purchase some and he noticed that his father likes cigars of a certain length and size so he took the cigar out of him pocket and started his search...the owner came up to him and accused him of stealing the cigar. My 40 year old son defended himself and the owner insisted that he go into the office to look at the camera. They did and it was obvious that my son took the cigar out of his pocket and besides they do not even carry the cigar that my son was holding. No apology...as my son left a few men came out and asked him what happen...poor business practice from brother and sister.

What a lousy way to do business. I'm sorry for your son's experience. You have to wonder why the owner didn't consult the video first before making accusations.

[dblwyr]

Just call them, tell them they are in violation of Florida law, and you expect the matter to be corrected. Otherwise, you will call the state agency and report them. Seems rather straightforward.

[Pibb26]

I have used this same package of massages at Tuscany before. You can buy 3 or 5 I think it was. They are deeply discounted massages that you pay up front for in order to get the lower prices. I was told at the time of purchase that I had 4 months to use the 3 massages. It also was printed on my receipt at the time of purchase and after each massage I had. These are prepaid series, not gift cards. I have had a gift card from there too and there are no expiration dates.
I have never had anything but great experiences at Tuscany and the staff is very good as well!

[ConnieNonnie]

The only negative at Tuscany & Massage Envy is
Hour massage is really 50 min. They count 5 min.
To change clothes before & after.

[doran]

Both Tuscany and Garvinos are not on my list to ever go into--both have a bad reputation here in the Villages. I do hope that either the gift card is refunded or she is allowed t use the certificate--I also had a bad experience there and will never return!

[brovelli]

I also had looked at that promotion in June (our aniverisary). I guess I talked to someone else because they were very clear that it was only good for 6 months. I decided not to do it. b