CSL Plasma — Local services in Palm Bay

While I have to give CSL Plasma of Palm Bay credit for finally getting additional employees in the door, there failure to ensure those employees are properly trained or at least ensure they are following company policies, is negligent at best and down right fraudulent at worst.

A friend and I decided to start donating again after about a 6 month break. When we arrived, we were informed that we would be considered new donors again and as such, would be eligible for the new pay scale at $100 per donation.

What we were not notified of was that this pay scale was contingent upon completing the first so many within a specific period of time. When I logged into to complete my questionnaire before making the drive down one morning, I notice it said my next donation would only be $50. When I called and ended up speaking with the manager, I was advised that the information was in the paperwork I received. When I advised said manager that neither I, nor the other individual who was with me at the time, received any additional paperwork aside from or first initial visit, she told me that I signed or initialed my understanding.

How can I understand information I have not been provided? Instead of arguing further, I asked for a corporate contact. The number I was given sends you in an endless loop of “select this number,” and there is not any way to speak to someone or leave a message.

While I am not someone who relies on this donation money to live, some do. I have to wonder if they are being treated the same way… if it’s there livelihood in question as opposed to simply questioning my memory and intelligence. However, its the principle of the matter that has me making this complaint no where possible as the company is not registered with the BBB. For a company that claims to be “all about customer service,” during a time when donations are at an all time low, you would think the company and it’s employees would do what was necessary to keep donors coming in. While I wish to continue to help people, I refuse to do so through a company that acts in such a manner. Please think this over before making a a decision to visit this...

Updated 9/24- I’m going to update this weekly so people can get a full understanding of what to expect. Today I walked in at 10am and the line to donate is past where you check in.

I so wish there was another plasma donation center local to Palm Bay. Maybe the competition would force CSL to up their game. While some staff are very nice and efficient, the overall process in place to get customers in and out as fast as possible is lacking. In addition, not all the staff are actually nice. So, you end up spending an exorbitant amount of time here just to be made to feel like it’s your fault for even coming in. However, I would take cold and unfriendly people any day if I could get in and out faster. No matter the day, it always seems they are short staffed. I’ve walked out on more than one occasion simply because the lines are too long. This costs me money as well as CSL. A possible solution is to pay your staff a wage that is above the going rate so that people seek an opportunity to work here and a result you end up getting more people to apply for the job. Also, you can then expect a higher level of service from the staff… because if they don’t contribute at a high level… you’ll have more applicants in line just waiting to get in and work hard. CSL, spend some money to staff this place and you’ll make more money in the long run.

If you decide to come here … be prepared to not just sell your plasma but donate many hours of your life standing in line.

Just came in 09/19 at 12:30 and the line just to go through the check in is almost to the front door. The line to get stuck wraps around and almost merges with the check in people!!!! This is absolutely ridiculous. Management of this facility needs to take responsibility and do something to fix this issue. It makes for a crappy experience to the customer AND to the staff that have to also...

Edit: After a year of donating at CSL, changing my review from 4 stars to 5 stars. Staff does an excellent job, works fast, are all friendly. No wait even without an appointment. Biotest is a joke compared to this place. . . . I've been going to Biotest Melbourne for 3-4 years. CSL has all of the new tech that Biotest just got. Today was my new donor appt, but the checkin process seems efficient. New center, hardly any people, hardly any wait, tons of staff standing around ready to work.

Cons: 1) The arm rests on the donor chairs are a JOKE. Cushions that sit next to you on the bed. Mine fell off the bed multiple times, was knocked off by a tech, and because they're so low to the bed, my needle was at an awkward angle and donation was very uncomfortable. Hoping that this is not the norm. 2) Without the hepatitis specialty program, I'm being paid $100-140/month less than I was at Biotest. 3) Staff is still being trained; they've only been open less than 3 weeks. Patience with staff and technology is going to be REQUIRED from the donor. 4) The cash back rewards amount to approx $5.00/ month if you donate 8x a month. 5) CSL has not partnered with any ATMs to offer surcharge-free withdrawals. 6) No appointments offered, but from what I've seen, they don't need it yet.

Pros: Although I've lost $100-140 of monthly income, I'm saving $40-45 in fuel, plus 7-8 hours of commute every month.

Summary: If I had a choice, I would remain with Biotest for the higher pay. I will be returning to CSL due to the ease of living right next door.

I am rating 4 stars because of the discomfort of the awful arm rests..... one of the most important parts...