BBB Advises Consumers to Read Fine Print on Fitness Center Contracts
Complaints received by BBB for fitness clubs have increased more than 90 percent in the last 5 years. While some complaints regarding billing are basic errors, the majority of billing complaints center on being billed after the member felt their contract had expired. Many consumers either assumed their contract would not be renewed, or filed the appropriate paperwork to cancel, but continued to have fees withdrawn from their bank accounts.
Raleigh, NC, January 09, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Complaints received by Better Business Bureau for fitness clubs have increased more than 90 percent in the last 5 years. According to a new analysis conducted by BBB, the most common complaints consumers have about fitness clubs focus on two related areas, contract disputes (41.5 percent) and billing issues (31.7 percent). BBB has also seen a rise in complaints about fitness centers that sold memberships, only to go out of business a few weeks later (15.1 percent), leaving disgruntled customers behind trying to recoup their advance payments.
“This time of year many people are seeing and feeling the after-effects of holiday parties and big meals, and are resolving to join a gym and lose weight,” said Beverly Baskin, president and CEO of the BBB of Eastern North Carolina. “The trends we’re seeing in complaints against fitness clubs tell us that consumers need to read the fine print on the contract before they sign, and keep a close eye on their bank statements to make sure they’re not getting billed more than they should be.”
While some complaints regarding billing are basic billing errors (9.4 percent), the majority of billing complaints center on being billed after the member felt their contract had expired (22.3 percent). Many consumers either assumed their contract would not be renewed, or filed the appropriate paperwork to cancel their membership, but continued to have fees withdrawn from their bank accounts.
Contract dispute complaints (38.9 percent) vary, but typically involve disagreements over promises made by the salesperson versus what the membership actually included (23.8 percent), and the policy for getting out of the contract if the member relocated to another area (15.1 percent).
BBB offers the following advice to help you select a fitness facility that best meets your needs:
Determine your fitness goals. What are your fitness goals (build endurance, increase strength, become a better tennis player) and how will you accomplish them (swimming, weight-training, yoga). Considering these issues in advance will help you select a facility that is most appropriate for you. If you have a serious health condition, consult with a medical professional when setting your fitness goals.
Consider your budget. Most facilities charge an up-front membership fee to join and a monthly fee thereafter. What amount can you comfortably devote to physical fitness?
Check out the facilities. Visit several different clubs on days and at times that you plan to exercise to see how crowded they are. Do the facilities offer the equipment, classes, amenities (child care, personal trainers) and hours of operation you require?
Ask around. Check with friends and family for recommendations. And when visiting fitness clubs, ask members about their experiences and if they are satisfied.
Don’t give in to pressure. Many clubs will be offering “New Year’s specials,” but walk away from clubs that pressure you to sign a contract on the spot. In fact, take a sample contract home to read it thoroughly.
Read the entire contract. Does it list all services and facilities and the hours of operation? Is everything that the salesperson promised in the contract? What is included in the monthly fee and what’s going to cost you extra? What’s the total cost and payment schedule, including enrollment fees and finance charges?
Know the membership details. How long is the membership term and is there an automatic renewal? Can you go month-to-month? Some facilities give customers several days to reconsider after signing the contract; if so, get it in writing. What are your cancellation rights if you move to another area, are injured, or the club closes or is taken over by new management? Will the unused portion of your membership be refunded, and if so, how and when? These details should all be in the contract.
For more advice from BBB on finding reliable companies and businesses, start your search with trust at www.bbb.org.
About the BBB of Eastern North Carolina:
The Better Business Bureau of Eastern North Carolina is a 501 (c)(6) not-for-profit corporation serving 33 counties in Eastern North Carolina. The organization is funded primarily by membership dues from more than 3,200 local business and professional firms. The BBB promotes integrity, consumer confidence and business ethics through business self-regulation in the local marketplace. Services provided by the BBB include, reports on companies and charitable organizations, general monitoring of advertising in the marketplace, dispute resolution services, and consumer/business education programs. All services are provided at no cost to the public, with the occasional exception of mediation and arbitration. Visit bbb.org.
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“This time of year many people are seeing and feeling the after-effects of holiday parties and big meals, and are resolving to join a gym and lose weight,” said Beverly Baskin, president and CEO of the BBB of Eastern North Carolina. “The trends we’re seeing in complaints against fitness clubs tell us that consumers need to read the fine print on the contract before they sign, and keep a close eye on their bank statements to make sure they’re not getting billed more than they should be.”
While some complaints regarding billing are basic billing errors (9.4 percent), the majority of billing complaints center on being billed after the member felt their contract had expired (22.3 percent). Many consumers either assumed their contract would not be renewed, or filed the appropriate paperwork to cancel their membership, but continued to have fees withdrawn from their bank accounts.
Contract dispute complaints (38.9 percent) vary, but typically involve disagreements over promises made by the salesperson versus what the membership actually included (23.8 percent), and the policy for getting out of the contract if the member relocated to another area (15.1 percent).
BBB offers the following advice to help you select a fitness facility that best meets your needs:
Determine your fitness goals. What are your fitness goals (build endurance, increase strength, become a better tennis player) and how will you accomplish them (swimming, weight-training, yoga). Considering these issues in advance will help you select a facility that is most appropriate for you. If you have a serious health condition, consult with a medical professional when setting your fitness goals.
Consider your budget. Most facilities charge an up-front membership fee to join and a monthly fee thereafter. What amount can you comfortably devote to physical fitness?
Check out the facilities. Visit several different clubs on days and at times that you plan to exercise to see how crowded they are. Do the facilities offer the equipment, classes, amenities (child care, personal trainers) and hours of operation you require?
Ask around. Check with friends and family for recommendations. And when visiting fitness clubs, ask members about their experiences and if they are satisfied.
Don’t give in to pressure. Many clubs will be offering “New Year’s specials,” but walk away from clubs that pressure you to sign a contract on the spot. In fact, take a sample contract home to read it thoroughly.
Read the entire contract. Does it list all services and facilities and the hours of operation? Is everything that the salesperson promised in the contract? What is included in the monthly fee and what’s going to cost you extra? What’s the total cost and payment schedule, including enrollment fees and finance charges?
Know the membership details. How long is the membership term and is there an automatic renewal? Can you go month-to-month? Some facilities give customers several days to reconsider after signing the contract; if so, get it in writing. What are your cancellation rights if you move to another area, are injured, or the club closes or is taken over by new management? Will the unused portion of your membership be refunded, and if so, how and when? These details should all be in the contract.
For more advice from BBB on finding reliable companies and businesses, start your search with trust at www.bbb.org.
About the BBB of Eastern North Carolina:
The Better Business Bureau of Eastern North Carolina is a 501 (c)(6) not-for-profit corporation serving 33 counties in Eastern North Carolina. The organization is funded primarily by membership dues from more than 3,200 local business and professional firms. The BBB promotes integrity, consumer confidence and business ethics through business self-regulation in the local marketplace. Services provided by the BBB include, reports on companies and charitable organizations, general monitoring of advertising in the marketplace, dispute resolution services, and consumer/business education programs. All services are provided at no cost to the public, with the occasional exception of mediation and arbitration. Visit bbb.org.
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Contact
Better Business Bureau of Eastern North Carolina
Amy Wojciechowski
919-232-5008
www.bbbenc.org
Amy Wojciechowski
919-232-5008
www.bbbenc.org
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