Scammed Badly But Seems I’m Not The Only One *Update*

Well finally it seems to be over. Eventually had an appointment to see the Customer Care manager on Monday, 4th of May at 3pm. I went with my friend Reno and his mother who went with me not just as a back up concerning the 3 month contract but also as witnesses to what was to happen at this meeting.

Once going in there and taking a seat I was greeted by the manager and after a bit of discussion concerning what we believed to be a 3 month contract, etc. The manager told us that we were only one of many people who had complained about the sales man who joined us up. After a short conversation with the Customer Service manager who was already meeting with another disgruntled customer, the manager came back.

It was a total shock when he said to me that Fitness First would grant my exit and I would not be charged any fee’s. I was given a form to fill out which, which I read, filled out and signed.

I feel that the sales man who joined both me and Reno up into 3 month contracts was made the scapegoat in the meeting. He was not there to defend himself and I believe it was the actual manager there at the time who was at fault. Numerous times the sales man went to see the manager in the office. I can not believe the sales man was at fault considering the business practises of Fitness First and by friend statements of the salesman concerned.

Walking out I commented to Reno’s mother that was too easy, so now I wait for the hammer to fall and expecting problems in the future. If there will be I am not 100% sure but for now this ordeal is over. I know I am protected through my bank account seeing that they can not take money from my account anymore.

I have not changed my attitude concerning Fitness First, especially knowing many people have been taken on a ride by them. These practise need to be outed and people need to be aware there are many companies out there ready to take your money using methods that need to be stopped.

Here is a story of interest, published by Choice and for more information click on the link to the website below.

Unfair gym contracts

CHOICE reveals the pressure tactics used by gyms to lock you into their contracts. Online 04/2009

In brief:

• We found the gym industry is efficient at signing up new members, but far less vigilant in explaining the price, contract and cancellation terms.
• Unfair practices and other traps can make it very difficult for consumers to cancel their memberships if they’ve had enough.

It’s a common scenario: you decide it’s time to do something about your health and fitness and head to the nearest gym, keen to change some bad habits. The sales people are charming, the gym looks good, and before you know it you’re sitting down with the paperwork and a salesperson who can’t wait to lock you – and your bank details – in.

But should you decide to quit, the gym’s sense of urgency suddenly evaporates. You’re forced to jump through the most outlandish hoops just to cancel a membership you should have every right to terminate over the phone. Yet despite an avalanche of complaints about aggressive sales tactics, elastic pricing, confusing contracts and overcrowded classes, gyms are big business in Australia.

 

To get an insight into what a typical consumer might encounter when they front up to a gym, CHOICE sent out two shadow shoppers to the major chains, posing as potential customers. Their experiences confirmed what the grapevine has been telling us – that emotive sales techniques, complicated contracts and unclear pricing structures abound.

 

Gyms in Australia

In Australia, although there are many smaller gyms, the industry is dominated by a handful of big chains.

• 
  
  UK-owned Fitness First has 89 outlets nationally and more than 360,000 current members.
  
  
  
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  The up-market women-only chain Fernwood has 77 outlets and 80,000 members.
  
  
  
• 
  
  Women-only gyms Curves and Contours are very basic, circuit-based franchise operations with 400 and 160 outlets respectively.
  
  
  
• 
  
  Virgin Active, which opened its first gym in Sydney in December 2008 (with another set to open in Melbourne). While more expensive than their competitors, these gyms are undeniably flash, with 'pay-as-you-go' and flexible contracts.
  
  
  

CHOICE Verdict

The best protection you can have against pressure sales tactics is to know your rights and be aware of the psychology that drives gym tactics. Don’t sign up until you’ve taken the time to fully understand the price, terms of your contract and conditions. If you choose to end your gym membership once your contract has expired, you don’t need to explain why.
Similarly, you – and not the gym – hold the right to authorise your bank to cancel your direct debit arrangements at any time as long as you are no longer under a contract. See CHOICE can help, to find out how.