Archive for the 'Big Chain Health Clubs' Category

Buyer Beware Part 6- Big Chain Health Clubs

Brian April 3rd, 2009

Ever walk into a health club and feel like they are selling you the world for $1? How about the “one time special offer” that you can take advantage of only if you sign up that day. Big chain, large facility clubs can use some unscrupulous tactics to get you to sign on the dotted line. At many of these facilities trying to cancel your membership, for any reason, is like trying to speak with the President.

Here are some things to look for when shopping prospective gyms/health clubs.

  • Do they lock you in a sales office and use high pressure sales tactics to get you to sign up?
  • Are the employees happy? (just ask them)
  • Do the salespeople work on commission only or very low hourly wages?
  • Are they vague about cancellation policies during the sales pitch?
  • Do they have hidden fees which they attempt to gloss over when signing up?
If you said yes to some of the questions above it should raise some red flags. This type of facility only cares about getting your money at any cost. They could not care less if you walk through the door or not. 
Check out ripoffreport.com and consumerreports.com for some enlightening stories about the big chains.
In Health,
Brian