Are you shopping for care treatments? The following information may be of interest to you before you purchase beauty, tanning, massage or hair removal services.

When you purchase a package that includes care treatments that will be given over several visits, the establishment that offers these services is required to provide you with a contract. Make sure this contract accurately reflects the merchant's promises to you.

Contents of the treatment package contract

The contract must indicate:

  • the name and address of the establishment;
  • your name and address;
  • the location and date the contract was signed;
  • a description of the services to be provided;
  • the treatment start date;
  • the address where treatments will be given;
  • the number of treatment sessions included in the price;
  • the price of each treatment session;
  • the total amount you will have to pay;
  • the terms of payment;
  • a clause that explains contract cancellation terms. This clause is presented in section 46 of the Regulation respecting the application of the Consumer Protection Act.

The merchant is required to give you a copy of the signed contract, along with a cancellation form. You can use this form if you wish to cancel your contract.

Total amount of the fees

The total amount indicated in the contract must include:

  • the cost of the package;
  • membership, registration, evaluation and administrative fees as well as fees charged to open a file;
  • taxes.

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Before purchasing a series of care treatments online or by telephone, find out the details of the merchant's offer.

Information the merchant is required to provide

Before making your purchase, the merchant must provide you with the following information:

  • the merchant's name and contact information, including the telephone number, fax number and email address;
  • a detailed description of the services offered;
  • the total amount to be paid, including the cost of the services, other fees that may be added and taxes;
  • the frequency and terms of payment;
  • a description of any additional fees that may be charged;
  • the currency (Canadian dollars, US dollars, etc.) in which the transaction is to be paid;
  • the merchant's cancellation and refund policies.

From the moment you enter into an agreement with the merchant, the merchant has 15 days to send you a written contract that includes the same information, as well as all other mandatory clauses.

Purchase made on a group purchasing website

If you purchase a prepaid card, such as a voucher, that can be redeemed for a care treatment package on a group purchasing website, you are entering into 2 contracts.

The first contract is between you and the company that manages the group purchasing website. This is the purchase contract for the card. The contract must include all the information concerning the purchase of the card, such as the terms and conditions of use.

The second contract is the one provided by the merchant that offers the care treatments. This contract must contain all the mandatory content for a care treatment package contract.

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A business that offers a series of care treatments cannot:

  • collect payment or a deposit before the first treatment is given;
  • collect payment in one instalment. The total amount of the invoice must be paid in at least 2 approximately equal instalments. The instalments must be claimed at regular intervals, for example, at the start and midway point of your treatment package.

Exceptions: payment in one instalment

The business can demand payment in one instalment in either of 2 situations:

  • the total value of the package is $100 or less (including taxes);
  • the treatments are given over 3 days or fewer, regardless of their total value.

You are free to purchase the products required for a series of care treatments wherever you choose, even if they are sold by the merchant.

What if you decide to purchase the products from the merchant providing the treatments? The merchant is required to give you a written contract if the cost of the items is over $100. This is called an "accessory contract".

Information that must be indicated in the accessory contract

The accessory contract must contain the following information:

  • the merchant's name and address;
  • your name and address;
  • the location and date the contract was signed;
  • a description of the products purchased;
  • the price for each item;
  • applicable taxes;
  • the total amount to pay;
  • a clause that explains the contract cancellation terms. This clause is presented in section 50 of the Regulation respecting the application of the Consumer Protection Act.

Before purchasing a treatment package that includes tanning, massage or hair removal sessions, find out about the cancellation terms. You can cancel a contract with a merchant offering these treatments at any time. Important: Depending on when you cancel, you may have to pay a penalty.

Last update : February 28, 2023

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The information contained on this page is presented in simple terms to make it easier to understand. It does not replace the texts of the laws and regulations.