My Experiences with Golds Gym
1) Three years ago I signed up for a Golds Gym membership. In the state I live in there is a three day law in-which all contracts can be terminated. Latter, the same day I signed up, I went back to add my wife to my membership. All seemed well, and they signed her up.
Last month when I went to renew, I found that they had overcharged me nearly $200 originally. When they added my wife, they did not charge her the difference for a couples-contract, but the difference plus nearly two-hundred dollars.
The salesman said there was nothing they could do about it. I said that mistakes happen, and I would be forgiving, thinking it was a rare occurrence.
2) I signed up again for another three years, and made sure the pricing was in-order. As I sat down with the salesman and reviewed the contract.
I asked him about the checkbox that says "This agreement is NON-RENEWABLE if this box is checked." The salesman had not checked it. When I questioned him about it, he said "We leave it that way, that is how we do it here." When I asked if it would auto-renew if we left it blank, he would not answer, claiming he did not know. I insisted that we check the box. He acted like it was voiding the contract, but when I said I would not sign without doing so, he did put a line hap-hazardly through the box. I should also mention that he did indeed fill in a rate for a yearly renewal at almost three-times the cost of a normal membership. Strange he filled this in, if he was not sure if contracts did renew that way.
The entire section reads:
"Following the initial membership term your membership agreement will automatically continue on a month-to-month basis at a monthly rate of $___ for EFT Contracts. The monthly rate may be increased up to 10% per year after the initial membership term. PIF Members may renew at the rate of $___ per person per year. This agreement is NON-RENEWABLE if this box is checked. "
What concerns me is that they do not let you know that it is a renewable contract, they even outright lie to avoid the fact.
2a) Case Study:
We got a call from our next-door neighbor this week. She found out that her credit-card that she rarely uses has been billed nearly $800 (eight-hundred) dollars for the past 8 months for Golds Gym personal trainer/training sessions. She had signed up for a one-year contract. She had never received a statement or a bill stating that this was occurring. She only was made aware, when she checked her credit-card balance.
When she called to ask for a refund, the completely refused. They said they will give her 8 months of training sessions, but absolutely no money back. They also said that a phone call was not good enough to cancel, and they need written cancelation, and if she does not get it to them in the next week, she will be billed for a 9th month.
Form the research I have done, it seems Certified Mail is the best approach, but you will still have to fight it. Can you say, "Small claims court, here I come."
I should also mention that during the year of her contract the personal trainer simply stopped showing up, and she was without a trainer for two months. She had to approach the management before they would give her an extension of the contract, for the time she was not supplied with the services.
Summary
I like the local Golds facilities. They are not above average by any means, but they are sufficient for my usage.I hate the policies and the deception in the sales staff.
1) Check the box that says "This agreement is NON-RENEWABLE if this box is checked."
2) Cross out the lines that contain auto-renewal rates.
3) Pay with a credit-card you want to get rid of, and cancel it immediately afterward.
or Go somewhere else.
This is a compilation of information I have gathered on Golds Gym. Links to original sources head each section.
For Golds Gym stories, complaints: goldstruth@ctremail.com The gems are:http://www.consumeraffairs.com/health_clubs/golds.htm
http://golds-gym-sucks.com
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http://www.consumeraffairs.com/health_clubs/golds.htm
Joanna of Twin Falls, ID (01/24/08) I joined Gold's Gym in December of 2007. They said that my first bill would be in January. The bill should of been $30.24 per month and it was $50.24. When I called the local Gold's Gym, I got the runaround; said people were in when they weren't, no one ever called back and when I asked to speak to the manager they said that she was the one I needed to speak to about the billing and would be out of the office for one week. I then asked if there was another manager I could speak to and he said yes, but she was at a different Gold's Gym. I replied that was fine and asked for the number there. He said that the two different gym's computer systems are seperate and that my information wouldn't be able to be pulled up there so to just wait a week. I told him that was unacceptable. I called my bank and spoke to someone on there and she gave me Gold's Gym phone number (888)827-9262 because she said that they deal with this a lot. I thought that was strange.
I called that number and spoke to a gal named Paula who said that the reason I had extra charges was because when Gold's tried to take the money out of the account it didn't go through the first time and a fee was assessed. A $20 fee! I told her that was ridiculous. She responded that I most likely did not have money in my account, when I had over $1,800. She told me to fax in copies of my bank statement proving that money was in the account on that day with all of my banking information. I did not feel comfortable faxing in all of that personal information to a fax machine that she later told me was not even close to where her office was and it was not a secure location! I called my bank and informed them of why that fee was assessed and the bank said that they would fax in verification that the money was there. I also asked Gold's Gym what other underhanded fees there were going to be added to my membership every month and she informed me that they charge a towel fee. Yes, a towel fee. I guess too many people walk off with their towels and now they have the right to charge every member a $15 - 20 whenever they feel like it. She said mostly just once a year but sometimes more if more towels are needed. Isn't this something that should be included in our MEMBERSHIPS! I am not one to steal or cheat, but if I am paying for those flipping towels, I'm taking 'em. We will see how this turns out with the money, but I have a feeling that this slow draining of my money is just the beginning.
Dee of San Antonio TX (01/24/08) I joined a previous gym that was then bought by Golds Gym. Turns out that when they send you a renewal notice, IF you go in and renew at that time (usually 2 months ahead), they use the date you renew as the start of the next year so you are losing many days each time you renew. They also no longer honor the lower price that was promised when they took over so you are no longer grandfathered. I believe the renewal process for Golds Gym should be illegal and perhaps it is. Each year if you do not renew on the exact day of expiration the customer loses many days of membership and in many cases, months. I had renewed before I caught this one year and now I have to go to the same gym to renew and go on the exact day or the day before my membership expires.
Thomas of Simi Valley CA (01/11/08) I get nonstop phone calls from Golds Gym and I am not even a member, never have been and never will be. I want them to stop but they at Gold's Gym do not have a way to contact them. I guess I could email them but then what kind of emails would I get from them after they have my address? So I will not and refuse to relinquish any personal information to a company with these means of doing business in America. I called the Local center near my home and was treated like I am a member who is delinquent with their membership fees or pretty much like a criminal. Mental stress at home and while operating a motor vehicle, cost for the unlimited time they kept me on there fraudulent 800# (8004575375 also 8887972579 and others) which I got from spending MY time trying get this issue resolved using the internet and phone book. I was treated like I am a member who is delinquent with their membership fees or pretty much like a criminal when I called and spoke with Alicia who stated to me, "Well, you must have been a member if we have your #?" and this was after I told her the situation in a polite manner simply that this # is not whom you are looking for. I did not really want $ at first but this needs to stop and not on anymore of my time and if they want to do business like this then they need to be sued so that others do not get the insane treatment I have received.
Heather of Seattle WA (01/03/08) I have stage IV breast cancer. There are metastases to my spine and to the soft tissue between my liver and kidney. It is very painful, and it is considered incurable, with a poor prognosis. I must spend months in radiation and I am undergoing hormonal chemo. I have been through harder chemo and may have to go back on it. I have belonged to Gold's Gym since transferring over from the previous owners of the facility - about 15 years. I have paid, and paid, and paid for services I have not been able to use since this terrible fight with cancer. I went YEARS unable to use the gym. I am SO SICK that I simply DO NOT USE Gold's Gym. I just do not go there! So why should I have to pay monthly? I WANT TO CANCEL MY MEMBERSHIP. The people who work at the place are making it as hard at they possibly can for me to cancel my membership. I did NOT SIGN ON FOR LIFE. I signed up for TWO YEARS. But they seem determined to drain money from my bank account for the remainder of my life. They referred me to some financial service in Arkansas, with girls saying they CAN'T cancel my membership. After extreme pressure they said they would cancel it with a signed letter from my oncologist. But they did not accept it when it was faxed. We will try again. Now I need to have a lawyer. My oncologist at SCCA is appalled that a gym would treat a member in this way. I AM A VERY SICK PERSON. I do NOT need the pain and grief that Gold's Gym is causing me. My cancer has spread and it is worse. Gold's Gym is destroying my health as they cling to their USE OF MY BANK ACCOUNT. They are draining money from me that I could be using for medicine, healthy food, and some enjoyment of life before I die in pain from breast cancer. The stress from this, from knowing that they have access to my bank account and take out money every month for something I CANNOT USE, is hurting my health. Stress is very bad for breast cancer. Frankly, I think I should get money for pain and suffering incurred in fighting to get my bank account back from Gold's Gym.
Mike of Washington DC (01/02/08) Tried to update the expiration date on my billing credit card for Golds gym by calling the customer care line, but was told I need to fax in the request along with a copy of the credit card even though only the expiration date is changing, not the number. Recorded the whole call, and you can listen to it at www.myfileserver.info/goldsgym.mp3
Betty of Taylorsville GA (01/01/08) I signed a 1 year contract on 9/30/05 for my family of 4 with no automatic renewal (still have the contract on file). After 2 years I received a renewal request agreement in the mail. I decided not to renew and followed the contract instructions to cancel as stated in the contract; the drafts all but stopped after 30 days except $10. After 2 drafts, I emailed the corporate office. A few days later a lady emailed me (without introducing herself as being affiliated with Gold's Gym from an email address with juno.com). I read her email and surmised she must be with Gold's gym; she stated she had reviewed my contract and would stop the draft, but that she would not refund the $20 because my cancellation letter did not state my daughters' name exactly as shown on my contract. (I included the names in my cancellation letter only as a courtesy; my contract did not stipulate that I had to list the individual members in the cancellation letter.) I replied to her--stated the above and requested a refund. A month later the draft was taken again; now it's $30. I've emailed the lady again, and the corporate office through their website. I emailed my bank and am waiting to hear from them. I will be following up with another certified letter to Gold's Gym. I've lost $30 directly from unauthorized and unlawful withdraws from my account. The cost of this next certified letter is approximately $6 and have used my personal time for the last 3 months trying to get this stopped.
Anjelica of Belleville IL (12/12/07) My husband and I recently went to Gold's Gym to renew our membership for the 2008 year. We have been members of this gym since its initial opening in 2005. When we signed up we paid for two years (both husband and I) up front so we could be locked into $19.99 per month (for each of us) for life. This was the original contract we entered into. When the 2 year intial period ended we renewed in late 2006 for the 2007 year at the $19.99 per month (paid all this up front instead of the monthly contributions from checking, etc.). Well today we had an appointment with Cade to renew our membership for 2008. The very first thing we were told (after we got there) was that he wanted to see our original contract from 2005 or he couldn't give us the $19.99 per month. We were a little confused as during our last renew we didn't have to bring in our 2005 contracts. My husband, who is a very good record keeper, informed Cade that we did have my contract but his was misplaced (long story). Cade then proceeded to tell us that he couldn't give us the $19.99 price but could give us the special discount. I asked if they had copies of the original contract and was told no. I then stated well can't you look up how long we have been members and how much we paid and was told yes, but still needed the contract. At this point I think we were so fed up with being repeatedly told, well I can give you the special, that I asked if I could speak to the manager. Cade informed me he was the manager. I then asked if there was someone I could talk to at corporate that could help rectify the situation, and I kid you not, the response I received was, "That would be VP of marketing, but good luck in getting touch with him." It was at that point we got up, said forget it and left. I don't know what is going on down there at this gym but they have definetly burned this bridge. We were loyal, up front paying customers for 3 years and this is how they treat us. I guess the reason I am informing folks of our situation is so others can learn from it and be prepared. A company or location that doesn't keep good customer records/relations, especially in the gym business, is not a place I would recommend. We are no longer members of Golds Gym after 2007 year. We are going to join a different gym for a higher fee.
B of Cincinnati OH (12/04/07) I started going to Gold's Gym on Sept 27th. Ever since then they have been taking double payments from my checking account. It has been 2 weeks of my calling, and no one will call me back about this. As of yesterday my bank just went negative because two charges were deducted AGAIN! I will never NEVER sign with Gold's Gym or their new affiliation again. This is ridiculous--and I will be canceling my membership free of charge, per my personal (father-in-law) attorney. My bank account is now negative, and Christmas is in 3 weeks.
Mary of Kansas City MO (11/26/07) On 18 October 06, I signed a contract with Gold's Gym to workout there. The doctor had told me I needed to do something for my health. I work two jobs, so doubted my ability to do this but the person I talked with assured me that he would be my personal trainer and that if I didn't show up, he would call and encourage me to do the workout. This was all verbal. I never heard from him again. I worked out probably 5 times that year before Thanksgiving and then never went back because it wasn't working out to take off to go, which is the only option I had. When I joined, I wrote a check for the initial payment and they debited the other $280 from my account. Only once during the year did anyone ever call me to ask why I wasn't attending and this was some woman and not my personal trainer, but neither she nor anyone else ever tried to get me to do my workout, nor did she caution that I should freeze my account or close it out. I did not and do not remember that there is a clause in the contract that states that they can continue to debit your account whether or not you have been using the services until they receive a 60-day written notice. After the 1st debit, I stopped payment on the $39.99. I had not used their services in over one year. Also, when I tried to give them the 60-day notice that they stipulated so that they could get more of your money no matter what, they made it VERY difficult to get the notice out to them. You cannot do it online and you cannot go to the gym where you signed and simply cancel. I suppose that this contract is legal because I signed it; however, it is a highly unethical business practice. I will argue that they didn't do what they said they would do. I just closed my checking account after the payment was stopped on the $39.99 because they were now running through a debit for $39.99 plus a $25.00 late fee that they have now tacked on to the $39.99 since payment was stopped. That way they can get around a stop payment. This is ridiculous. I belonged to a gym for 3 yrs in another town where I lived and when I left, the account was closed with a smile and a thank you and I never heard another thing from them. Am I better off to just give them the money and tell everyone far and wide of their unethical practices? It doesn't seem fair that they should be able to perpetrate this kind of scam without some kind of recourse. I live from paycheck to paycheck and don't have extra money to give to Gold's Gym. I would think that the money I paid for an entire year when I didn't even use their gym would have more than compensated them. They basically got the money for no services rendered.
S. H. of Bulverde TX (11/10/07) So, I end up moving out of state October 23, 2007 and want to find out how to cancel my membership. I ask if I have to transfer my membership or do something else. The way he worded his response led me to think that I could not cancel. So I look further and find out that you need to give the billing company Conexion, more than 30 days notice. I find out I am leaving in the middle of the month, so what the hell am I supposed to do. Needless to say, I am charged $50 dollars to cancel and for the month of November and I am already out of the state. I will never use Golds Gym again they rip you off with hidden fees and rush you into signing the contract. Oh, and the billing company Conexion, they are highly picky about proof of your new address, something with your name just wont work.
Kathy of Annandale, MN (11/02/07) My husband signed up our family for a 12 month membership at Gold's Gym. During the sales presentation the salesman wrote down some notes that the Silver membership had a free month and no enrollment fee. The contract was signed on 12/10/06 and expired on 1/10/08. However, when I looked at the contract, I noticed that in the area where it showed the recurring fees and terms (extended fees) it appeared they were charging us for 13 months. The so-called manager could only ramble on about proration. She could only tell me that that's how the computer figures it. The contract clearly stated that the first EFT draft was to occur on 2/10/07, however, it occured on 1/10/07. Since day one we have had trouble with this gym.
Suzanne of Chicopee MA (09/26/07) I fulfilled my 24 month contract and filled out the paperwork to cancel the contract 45 days before the end of the contract, fulfilling the requirement of giving a 30 day notice. Since then I have been billed for 2 months membership fees. I followed their rules to the letter and am still being charged for a membership with should be canceled.
Rhodesia of Prattville AL (09/26/07) I became pregnant in Sept. 2006. I had my GYN write a note to Gold's Gym to cancel the membership. Unfortunately, the membership was only frozen until Sept. 2007. I had an unexpected charge for $49.95 from Gold's Gym this month. The manager, Johnny Stackley, stated that there was nothing that he could do. I went to my physician and got a note. I gave Mr. Stackley the note stating that I was having anxiety attacks and I was highly stressed. Mr. Stackley stated that this was not good enough. I would have to get a note stating that I was totally disabled.
Barbara of Mcallen TX (06/10/07) I was sold a promotional enrollment to open in January. The gym opened in late May. Additionally, the cardio equipment tv monitors have so much glare form the huge windows you can't see a thing and they are not doing anything about that. I lost 4 months on the contract = $129.84
Len of Carrollton TX (03/12/07) While having my car in to replace the rear breaks they said it was time to do the Transmission & Fuel injector service. Since they told me that it is recommend by Ford service manual to do this I had them perform this service. I picked up the car on Friday drove it home and di not drive it again until Sunday. When driving it the Check Charging System light came on. The first thing Monday morning I took it back to Goodyear with the problem. One of their mechanics drove the car said it was charging even though the Check Charging System light was still on. They said that the message the alternator meant it was bad. However we had never gotton that message in the 26 months (we bought the car new) we have owned the car. We finally gave in and took it to the Ford house for diagnosing & repair. It turns out thet the problem was a cable that had been damage during the Transmission service. This is a $42 cable that the Goodyear store attempted to repair (I have the dammaged up cable in my possession) and it is the root of the problem and why we were getting the Check Charging System message. However since this cable was shorted it also damaged the Alternator and it had to be replaced too. So I had to spend in excess of $1000.00 to fix damage done during the time my car was at Goodyear.
Andreea of Delray Beach, FL (03/06/07) I joined Gold's Gym over a year and a half ago. Beginning of last year, I made numerous phone calls to find out how to cancel my membership. One told me I could send a letter and my membership will be cancel immediately. Other one told me my membership would be cancelled in 90 days, and so on. A dozen sides of the story. I sent in at least 10 cancellation letter that were misteriously lost. I sent a certified, signature upon receiving letter and they had no choice but to admit that they had received the letter and cancelled my membership. But they did not stop charging my account. I was being randomly charged between $90-$146. I eventually had to change my account number to stop them from charging me.
Catherine of Englewood FL (02/07/07) I purchased the new Fortera SilentArmor Tires 11 months ago. When I last had them rotated the front alighnment was off. After paying $70 to have the front end of my 2004 GMC Envoy alighned I was told that it wasn't the alignment but a defective tire. When on the right front pulled to right when on left front pulled to left. I went to Goodyear and the Manager concluded defective tire. When replacing tire I was informed that due to tread they could only credit part of cost and would charge me $90 (I paid $150 each new) I called Goodyear and she offered me a deal of about $85 I told her that after all the tires I had bought from them over the years I expected better (this was the first claim I ever had) at that point she got a VERY snippy attitude and told me take it or leave it, I told her I would never buy Goodyear again, she said fine I could pay over $90 for the replacement tire since I felt that way. I didn't have a choice couldn't drive with defective tire (am praying for the other 3 and the replacement) my next letter will be to the CEO of Goodyear. The manager of the Goodyear shop said that other customers had been treated better with less of a claim than mine and that he thought it was because I am a woman. In this day and age I would expect better!!!!
Lynn of Auburn CA (12/28/06) Concerns Good Year Marathon Radial D rated trailer tires 225/15 Our fifth wheel came with 4 of them on. There was a recall and we got all new tires. Those proceeded to start wearing from the inside out also. My husband took them to Good Year and got a reduction in price you know pro rate as good tread still (Not much of one!!!) and got all new tires again. This was about 3 years ago. The trailer has been approximately 7,000 miles or less since then. We keep the tires covered in our driveway. Guess what they are bubbling and wearing from the inside out AGAIN. One blew out on freeway and almost caused us an accident. A piece of the tire went into our bedroom window and we had to buy a new window. Now a rvdealership just pointed out to us another tire has 2 bubbles in it. Again they have perfectly good tread left on them. We are going to replace them tomorrow. WE are NOT going to buy Good Year brand tires!!! Good Year should be shot for selling them as trailer tires. The rv people who put them on there must be in cahoots with Good Year and get a huge discount and they should also be shot. I would not recommend their trailer tires to anyone. I think if I find a consumers place to complain like the attorney general or whoever I shall send them a copy of this letter to.
Thomas of Gaithersburg, MD (12/21/06) For six years I was a relatively content member of Gold's Gym. After moving out of state, I called to cancel my membership. On day one, I was told I would receive a cancellation form by fax. It never came. On day two, I was again told I would receive a cancellation form by fax, in the next five to ten minutes. It never came. When I called again, I was told that it was against policy to correspond by fax! Then I was told I could send someone to the gym to cancel for me. When I asked how on earth this made any sense, I was told that sending someone for me would, in fact ,be inappropriate, and that it was just a suggestion. Some suggestion. Some help. Some gym. It was easier for me to transfer funds to purchase a home, and to cancel insurance, both of which I did by fax, than to cancel a stupid gym membership. Oh, I was also told that the manager was too busy to be bothered with my issue.
John of Boynton Beach FL (11/10/06) On numerous occasions this gym has had janitorial/public health issues. The showers are so filthy it is not only appalling, but a possible OSHA (mildew/mold) issue and definitely a public health concern. I visit this gym usually 5 days a week and recently had been out of town for a few weeks. After I got back, I resumed my visits to the gym and the shower stalls have the same dirty spots/mildew as they did 2 months ago even before I left. The walls, fixtures and curtains are slimey, have stains, snot and other disgusting things on them as well as gum on the floor, hair in drains, underthings left on soap dispensers at times. I have asked if they even have a janitor and the front desk personel couldn't even say yes or not for sure. They thought one had been fired and didn't know if anyone else was hired to replace them or not. I personally have NOT seen a cleaning person there in the last 6 months in the day or night. The carpet in the locker room is also getting constantly soaked from water and dryed out with a fan on the floor. There is mildew/mold spores I'm sure all over the place there. I have complained to them numerous times to no avail. It always falls on deaf ears and I'm tired of this.
Robert of Tacoma WA (10/10/06) I have a 2002 2500 hd silverado pu and have had to replace both of the front bearing hubs the truck only has 87,000 miles on it and there is lots of other people that have complained about this problem. Replacement has cost close to $600.
Marissa of Reno NV (09/02/06) Gold's Gym, in my opinion, simply wants you to sign up in their gym, take your initiation fee, take your credit card number, and after the initiation fee and the locked in your 12-month membership fees, they can easily trash you. Especially if you are a Senior member and would not look good in their TV ads. Their customer service, or lack thereof, is very poor; the facilities were only clean initially; thereafter, machines were not maintained properly, TV connections missing in machines, and locker rooms lack sanitation. In this particular gym, the recumbent bikes in the women's workout room smelled of stale urine. Ugh!!!! After so many problems with the manager and some of the staff, I canceled my membership and requested refund of the remaining two months. I never received a refund and never considered the numerous, valid reasons why I had to cancel earlier. They are just money-grabbers!!! Customer service is an alien word to this Club. I have been a member of one other single health club for over 20 years; never have I been treated so badly at any facility until I joined Gold's Gym. I forfeited the enrollment fee of $299.95 and $59.94--a two-month fee. The way I was treated so badly left me discouraged and distraught and hesitate to join another health club again.
Darrell of Ft. Myers FL (08/14/06) I am a Florida licensed correspondent mortgage lender with approximately 35 employees. I wanted to offer my employees an opportunity to go to the gym as a company benefit. Unfortunately, my secretary contacted Gold's Gym. We were told that they would be happy to offer the company membership, then I learned they went to each individual employee and had them sign a 1-year contract. One of my employees did not have a credit card to give them so the gym representative told him that he would not be obligated until he gave them a card number. The employee did not give them a card number and has never been to the gym but now they are threatening him with a collection agency. They constantly charge dues against the employees' credit cards and apply my company check to future dates. What was intended to be a nice thing for my employees has turned into a nightmare for us all. My employees, needless to say, are not happy about this. I asked if I could get my employees out of the agreement and the manager responded, "There is no way in hell they are getting out of a year contract".
Harry of Tallahassee, FL (07/24/06) When I was signing my contract they told me I could cancel any time. I signed the documents believing the Golds' sales manger words but when I tried to cancel they told me that I have the contract till OCT 2007, and no matter what, I need to pay till that date. I am paying them $43 every month without using my membership.
Marjorie of Snellville GA (07/21/06) We received a collections notice stating we owed Gold's Gym money. Our contract was paid in full for the twelve month period March 2005-March 2006 and was automatically deducted from our bank account monthly through March 2006. After our contract was not renewed, the deductions stopped. Now they are saying we rolled over to a month-to-month contract and have sent our accounts to collections. We did not authorize a month to month rollover and did not renew any contract. Total monetary amount Gold's Gym says we owe is $297.00.
Amanda of Carrollton TX (06/21/06) The Gold's Gym Customer Service Center should be renamed because they offer no service whatsoever. While trying to cancel my membership I was kept on hold for over two hours. This is the worst service I have ever received in my life. I cannot recommend Gold's Gym to anyone.
Shannon of Round Rock TX (06/19/06) My husband and I both got a membership when we moved to Austin 7 years ago. I canceled mine over a year ago because I got tired of how I was being treated and no one seem to want to help me anytime I asked. I also got a cheaper better gym to go to. When my account was canceled they also canceled my husbands by mistake so they said. So after they re-instated him the first did not have his name spelled right and so they could never find him in the system then we went to cancel a month ago and they were caught still taking the bank draft out. When I called them on it they still did not have his name spelled correctly for the past 6 years and they had our address from 3 years ago. Then their excuse for not canceling the account correctly was a computer glitch. I am so tired of dealing with them and I would never recommend them to anyone.
Khalid of Jacksonville FL (06/19/06) When I attempted to cancel my membership with Gold's Gym I had an extremely difficult time. I was not under contract, however I was forced to pay for months of service, which I did not even use. I faxed another cancellation notice. I tried to verify that my cancelation notice was received (4 Hours after I had sent it), and was told to call back later. When I asked to speak with a Supervisor I was forwarded to voicemail, and no one ever returned my phone call. This has taken up much of my time. I simply want to cancel my membership, and prevent them from deducting money from my account.
Ruth of Roseville MN (06/18/06) Gold's has an outrageous contract to begin with. It states that no verbal agreements count as being part of the contract, and it also states that no one can get out of the year's contract unless they are permanently and totally disabled, or move at least 25 miles away. In either case, proof on paper must be provided. Also, the contract automatically renews at the end of a year. The contract must be voided within 30 days of signing, but the character telling you about it says that it has to be voided 30 days before the first charge date a month into the official membership, and then gives a free trial more than 30 days long. They tell many lies, all in the name of getting a person to sign the contract, and then act like they said nothing. I asked wait a minute, where does it say I can cancel any time for a free refund in this contract? and he shook his head and said never mind that, just listen to me. The manager there, Dave Castor, says that everything between the Gold's Gym employee and the potential customer is just personal, and doesn't represent Gold's Gym in any way. I went through a lot of stress getting this resolved, but since I WROTE DOWN in the contract that I could get a full refund and terminate at any time before the date the guy gave me, I got this resolved. Otherwise I wouldn't have. These people are like a concrete wall. If you have a similar experience, Please: file your complaint with the BBB, AND your state's Attorney General's Office. They need all the complaints they can get before they can help everyone on a larger scale.
Theresa of Alexandria VA (04/26/06) Went in for a 1 week free trial. Was sent a bill in the mail from "Conexion" saying they would charge my credit card monthly for a membership. I NEVER signed anything, requested a membership, or gave them any payment information. My name was on a false account with someone else's credit card. This other person had been using the membership in my name. No one has returned my calls or emails and all have beenvery rude and unprofessional. It has been 1 month since I have been contacting them and still nothing.
Heather of Falls Church VA (04/26/06) I joined Gold's in October because it was closer to my home - even though I belonged to another gym. It was cheaper but a bit too far for my morning workouts after moving. Gold's opens at 5 - sometimes - 3 times in the last 2 months they have opened late and not just a few minutes - around 6AM leaving its members standing around wondering what they pay for. They are over priced and I would rather go to a lesser known gym that is of the same quality but at least when you get up at 4:30AM to work out they are open. NEVER AGAIN
Dale of Tallahassee FL (04/14/06) I have tried over and over to cancel my membership and they just won't do it. They then try and send me a letter stating that if I don't pay they will do what they do to make me pay out the rest of my contract. How in the hell can they do that. When you try and cancel they don't want to give you the form so that you may do that. Then they want to complain when you don't pay them. My bank account is always at a negative because of them hitting it all the time.
Tim of Reno NV (04/13/06) This was a corporate membership through my work that i signed up for in March of 2005. We were all promised that the Gym would be open for buisness in June of 2005. When we found out after paying that the gym would not open on time i tried to cancel and they told me just to wait until it did open and go in. It finally opened in mid october of 2005 after I had already joined another club because i didnt want to wait an extra 4 months for it to open. So I went in and filled out the form to cancel like almost everyone else did at my work. Then a couple of months went by and they started taking money out of my account again saying that they had denied my cancellation. So after being pushed around to different member services people, i finally got someone to cancel the membership and put in for a refund. well the refund never happened and now a different person in member services says that they will not give a refund since i didnt cancel in three days of signing. Well how am I supposed to know in three days that i dont like it if the gym is not even open? We were promised alot of stuff at the gym that never came. They talked it up on paper but it was not everything they said it would be when it opened 4 months late. I never used the gym so I feel that I am entitled to a full refund.
Phillip of Rockville, MD (04/12/06) Last October, I went to the nearby Gold's Gym and talked to Patrick. I was hesitant about signing up, due to the high costs (I am a high school student). I knew for sure that I was gonna leave the membership in 4 months, so I specifically asked Patrick if that was possible and he reassured me that I could leave after a minimum of 3 months membership. I started with an initiation fee of $50. Now, after more than 3 months, I submitted my cancellation form to only realize that Patrick secretly put a 1-year obligation date (till October!), intentionally hiding the fact and legally binding me to keep paying. I desperately sought him again in the gym to demand an expanation, but I was told by the manager that he was already fired for deceiving other customers likewise. I can't believe how the business manipulated and abused me. I really can't afford to pay $40/mo till October (already paid two more months after submitting cancellation), and the corporate office never receives any calls.
Carmen of Los Angeles CA (04/04/06) I had enrolled in Gold's Gym last year under the impression that you are allowed to cancel anytime. However, after the 3rd month of being a member I found out I was pregnant and i could no longer be going to the gym to do intense workout. I was in a tight budget having a child at home and the monthly fee for the gym was $60 a month. Besides that I had a previous C-Section less than 8 months ago and I couldn't exercise any longer. After bringing a doctors note to the gym and letting them know abou this they still refused to let me cancel. I thought that was absoulutely crazy because i guess they need to see you practically dying in the hospital in order to cancel your membership. I had to get a second doctors opinion to finally get them to cancel my membership without any fees. They had tricked us in the beginning by telling me and my husband that it was ok to cancel any time at all.
Bonnie of Spokane WA (04/01/06) Never again will I use Gold's Gym!!!! I had told them I was moving away, 50 mile from the nearest center. They would not let me out of the agreement. Being ignorant of THEIR contracts, I had to do so in writing. Well, I understand this. they made additional charges to my account after I had moved away. Rounding up to $800 worth for a whole year. I tried to fight it, they had sent out a collection aganency to collect it. I just ended up paying them so this matter would not go no further. I will never go back that gym again. I had joined a gym where I was paying "by the month" and cancel at any time by coming into their facility, speaking to a rep. upfront, and canceling right there if I chose to do so (which I did after 2-years of using their facility). I never received a bill from this one particular facility and enjoyed the benefits they offered. They offered MORE than Gold's gym had for the same price.
Jack of Old Hickory TN (03/29/06) My wife and I took the tour as we were looking to join a gym. We have a 3 year old and as soon as our guide heard that the fact that they had FREE child care during our workout was the big selling point. Now after 9 months of FREE childcare they want to charge an addition $10.00 a month. We signed a 2 yr. contract thinking that it meant they had to stick to their end of the bargain. Not so. We called the location and was told to call the corporate office. We called and had to leave a message. Finally after 2 weeks we got a call back and they stated that in the contract it says they can change that policy. Anyway, you don't have to look very long on the internet to find a lot of complaints about Golds Gym. As soon as my contract is, yes I plan on completing my end of the bargain, we're changing gyms and sending a certified letter telling them so. I hear it's nearly impossible to cancel your membership.
Glenn of Greatfalls MT (03/28/06) I had to sign a contract of obligation for twelve months. My payment was $38.00 per month that totals $456.00. I found there was very poor parking and the gym was over crowded and you had to wait for machines. When I asked about how to use the machines I was told to get a personal trainer (thats about $150.00 to $250.00 depending on what you want. after six months I gave up and quit going. At the END OF MY CONTRACT I informed them they were no longer allowed to automatically deduct from my checking account. I was informed by them that they would continue to deduct payment until I informed them in writing at least thirty days ahead of time that I was terminating membership.They(Golds) claim (and it says on their contract) that the contract does not expire and they may continue to charge people for their membership even though they havent used the facilities in months and have notified them that you are not renewing your contract. We are paying in advance for use of the gym so why do we have to continue paying when we arent using it and no longer belong.
Jared of Belleville IL (03/14/06) I came into Gold's gym about two months ago to sign up for a membership. My thought was that I would walk through the door and fill out paperwork, I would then be given a card, pay for my first month and leave. This was NOT the case. When I came in, I filled out a set of paperwork that asked me questions. I put that I work all day, and would only have opportunitys to work out after 10 PM. That's why I chose Gold's gym. I was introduced to Jeremy, who seemed nice enough. Jeremy read my paperwork, and insisted on showing me around before I signed up, despite my anxiousness. I obliged, and after the tour, I was more ready to sign up as soon as possible. My friends spoke so highly of the gym that I couldn't wait. When it came time to talk business, that's when it changed. Jeremy presented me with three different options of membership, and I was under the impression that these were the only three. The first was over a thousand dollars, the second was over three hundred, and the third was one hundred and sixty-eight dollars. I earn a modest living and my ONLY option was the one hundred sixty-eight dollar package. I grudgingly agreed, even though all my friends had told me that they paid one hundred and eighteen for their initial membership. I assumed that the price had gone up since then. Jeremy then introduced me to Amy, a personal trainer, while I wondered why I was meeting her at all. We set up a meeting for later that week, but as I said earlier, I don't have time in the day. I walked out with a sense of accomplishment, but as I got to my car with no membership, and one hundred and sixty-eight dollars missing, I wondered what had just happened. I came back later that week and was told that Jeremy was sick, but he was the ONLY one that could grant me membership. Then I was told that I still owed one hundred and eighteen dollars. This was a shock to me, because I simply couldn't afford it. I had already given them one hundred and sixty-eight dollars, with no receipt! I called back later that week to speak with the store manager, Julie. It was very difficult to reach her, but she was very understanding on the phone. She agreed to help me, but it would have to be at a time when she, Jeremy, and myself were all present. She told me she would set a meeting and call me back, I never received a phone call. As I said, I earn a modest wage, and one hundred and sixty eight dollars can make or break me. I've felt the effects of losing money, but I still don't have a membership. I only wanted to work out late at night, and now I've all but given up on my money. I think I was treated unfairly. Why would they take my money and run as if to say, "Ha ha, gotcha!" when as a business, they could make more off of me in the long run by charging me monthly and providing good service. Why wasn't I told about any of the other membership options? Why wasn't I important enough for Julie to call back? Why wasn't I told about the WHOLE deal before I signed up?
Sonia of La Quinta CA (03/08/06) Attempted to stop automatic gym membership deductions of $20/monthly for the last two years w/o any resolve. Daniel was the member; he became completely and irreversibly (blind & on dialysis) disabled in January of 2004 and Gold's will not stop the automatic deductions from my account, in spite of the many requests, including formal bank submission forms. My son is on a fixed income of under $1000 per month; his care requires much expense and I (his mother and my account) can no longer put up with the injustice.
Jennifer of Saint Louis MO (03/05/06) When my fiance and I purchased our membership (as a couple) this location was a franchise. We joined only with the understanding that he could bring in powerlifting equipment and powerlift there. We were given permission and the manager showed him a closet where he could keep his equipment. One day when he went to get it, it was gone. We were then told that Gold's Gym Corporate took over the franchise and that the regional manager Tim, gave away the equipment to another member!! While I was at work, my fiance went to this gym and confronted this Tim. His attitude was very much, oh well tough luck, the bars are gone. He told us it was Gold's Gym Corporate policy not to allow personal equipment. We explained that we had been given permission and asked to be reimbursed. He said Gold's would never reimburse us but we could call Mike, the member he gave the equipment to. My fiance called him and explained the mistake and asked for his equipment but the man hung up and wouldn't answer. He also took other people's equipment with Tim's permission. Those other people contacted Mike and were treated the same. I contacted Tim and told him Mike would not give us the equipment and since he as the manager would do NOTHING, I would call the police and tell them he and Mike stole them. We have witnesses who saw all of this happen. At that point Mike called him and threaten to sue for giving out his phone number and only then did Tim agree to have Gold's pay for the equipment. The check was delivered along with a cancellation letter and a prorated refund for the enrollment fee.
Crystin of Wilmington, NC (02/17/06) My fiance and I applied for Golds memberships about a year and a half ago and were signed up by the manager. This man lied and mislead us. He told us it would be ok for us to cancel our membership after 6 months or if we wanted, we could tranfer it. He also told me to put down that I was 18, that it wouldn't make a difference, even though I was under age and had no parent or guardian present. When my fiance went to cancel, because we were moving, they told us that we had been signed up for a 2-year membership and we would have to pay the full amount. We had no choice so they withdrew around $1500 from my fiances account. That was $1500 we didnt have, so we now owe the bank this money. When we moved back in town I went to the gym because I figured I might as well take advantage of the membership since we paid for it. I talked to the same manager that signed us up and he denied ever telling us we would be able to cancel or telling me to write down that I was 18. He also told me that there had never been one payment to our membership and that I was no longer a member at the gym.
Ann of Rockville MD (02/10/06) My 23-yr-old son joined Gold's on some membership deal. Months later he joined the Army. He didn't cancel the membership. I called to find out how to cancel it, and did what they said, sending the certified letter. A few months went by and we began receiving letters from a collection agency. They asked for the documentation which I again provided...but the dunning goes on with the balance growing. Unlike other examples I do have the proof of delivery with the signature. Doesn't seem to make any difference. Charges being piled on each month. My son is in Korea and it is still very hard to even communicate with him. By the time I can, the charges will have doubled again.
Bj of Guilderland NY (02/07/06) On February 11, 1991, I contracted with Gold’s Gym to purchase a two-party membership under a special promotional plan being offered during the “Grand Opening” of the first Gold’s Gym in the area. This “one-time” promotional offer, referred to as the “Charter Membership” (ie: Lifetime)plan (hand written onto my contract), had as its incentive, the opportunity to lock in your monthly membership fee FOR LIFE. The membership fee contracted for was $29 per person or $58 for the two-party plan. In addition, an up-front deposit in the amount of $258 was required to secure this rate. As explained to me by the Gold’s sales representative, Chad Kies, this deposit helped Gold’s Gym secure some of the initial capital to open the gym and in return I was able to contract a LIFETIME rate – one that I was GUARANTEED would never increase. A win-win situation for both parties. Since 1991, Gold’s Gym has increased its rates periodically but, as expected, my rates stayed at the locked-in rate of $29 per person as initially contracted. On two occasions, during such rate hikes, my rate was erroneously increased but the matter was quickly resolved as Gold’s Gym acknowledged the error, agreed my rate should never increase and corrected my rate back to the $29 per person as stated in my contract. On January 20th, 2006, during a routine audit of my online banking, I noticed that Gold’s Gym had withdrawn $39 for my January membership fees vs. the contracted amount of $29. This was done without any prior notice from Gold’s Gym having been received, without my knowledge and without any written consent on my part. Please note that nowhere in my contract is it stated that Gold's Gym has the right to deduct any amounts other than contracted, especially without any prior knowledge or written consent. I immediately contacted Frank Patinelli at the 20-Mall location and was informed that Gold’s Gym had initiated an across the board increase for all members, regardless of the contracted plan originally purchased. Mr. Patinelli stated that Gold’s Gym had mailed letters to its members but I informed him I had not received any such notice. I then requested he fax me a copy of this letter for my review. Upon receipt of and my perusal of this letter, I was surprised to find two things: 1)The letter was dated November 29, 2005 2)The letter made no mention of the increase affecting those contracted under the “Charter Membership” lifetime plan. First, in regards to the date of the letter: Per paragraph #12 of the Gold’s Gym contract it states that Gold’s Gym must submit, upon a minimum of 60 days, written notice to members of such increases. Not only did I, along with many other Charter Members, NOT receive any such notice, but my rate was increased on January of 2006, thereby not meeting the 60 requirement notice. In addition to the minimum 60 days notice, members also have “14 days (from the postmarked date of such notice) which to notify Gold’s Gym of their intent to cancel”. Although the membership I purchased under contract guaranteed against such increases, Gold’s did not meet the basic requirements they set forth for any members under contract with them. As a result any member who had an increase to their rates prior to a minimum of 74 days, (60 days minimum notice plus 14 days to respond), has had their rates increased illegally. Secondly, the letter DOES NOT state the increase applies to all members, regardless of the contract purchased and I have not spoken to one Charter Member who received this letter. This further lends to the belief that either Gold’s Gym did not intend to apply this increase to its Charter Members as done historically or that Gold’s Gym tried to pull a fast one of the very members who formed the foundation for their existence. I believe that Gold's Gym must adhere to the contract I purchased and that over the years, by their actions, have reinforced the fact that my rates were never to be increased.
Judith of San Antonio TX (01/12/06) First of all I have been a member of this gym for 3 years and have been fairly satisfied until recently. Over the past month I have seen the level of service and cleanliness at this facility drop at an astounding rate. Wanting to give the staff there a fair chance to make things right, I called the club two days in a row and each time was met with a negative attitude by your representatives. I personally know of three members who have decided to register a complaint with our local health department as well as to no longer come to this center. One of the main problems aside from the negative attitude that your staff members have is that the dressing rooms are dirty and unsafe. I am afraid to go barefoot in this area for fear that I might catch a fungus. I will not even shower or dress in this area since that would mean having to touch the faucets and feel the slime which is present in that area. I spoke with the manager in charge on 1/11/06 and she stated that she would have the facility cleaned and the problem resolved by the time I came in at 5:30 am. To my dismay the place was filthier than it had been the day before. One other problem is that the facilities operating hours are from 5:00am to 10:00pm but over this last few days I have arrived to find my fellow workout buddies waiting outdoors for your staff to arrive. This is just plain wrong.
Valerie of Lakeway TX (12/20/05) I paid my anuual membership last year in full. When My renewel came due I sdecided not to renew. I call to see what the cancellation policy was. I was told since I had paid my membership in full for 1 year, there was no need for a cancellation letter it would just terminate. One month later I recieved a bill on my credit card. I called and spoke with Sarah who informed my I did in fact need to send a letter and it needed to be a 30 day notice. So I actually would have to pay for two months.
Breann of Spring Lake NC (09/29/05) When my mother and I signed up at Gold’s Gym, Amanda lead us into believing that we could cancel our contract at any given time and we asked her several times and she continued to say that we could no matter the circumstances. She also said included with the two year agreement we would each receive a personal trainer and that this personal trainer was already included with our membership. She never once mentioned any terms for cancellation except that we could cancel at any time! She set up an appointment for us to see a trainer and he told us that we had to pay thirty dollars a session on top of what we are already paying for a membership. I explained to him that Amanda told us that the personal trainer was already included and he told us it wasn’t. I called (NFFS) National Fitness Financial Systems (the company that drafts my account) to cancel my membership and they said that I was in this contract for two years and I explained to them that Amanda told me that I could cancel at anytime. NFFS refused to cancel my contract and brought to my attention that it states on the contract that you have to cancel at any time prior to midnight of the third day after the date of this contract. I didn’t cancel because my appointment with the personal trainer was about one week after I signed the contract. I confronted Amanda about the situation and she tells me that I misunderstood her. My mother was there as a witness and the both of us can’t be lying about what Amanda told us. She proceeded to call her manager who to my surprise believed his associate over me. I called my mother and put her on speaker phone to let her tell J.J. what Amanda said and he still refused to believe me. I do not like deception. J.J. told me that I was the first person to ever complain about Amanda and that he personally trained her and he knows she wouldn't deceive me or anyone being that, according to J.J. she doesn't receive commission off of signing people up. I want out of this contract and so does my mother because Amanda lied. A source who doesn't want to be identified but works along with Amanda told me that Amanda has not only done this to me....but several others.
Nance of Hummelstown PA (08/29/05) I received a 6 month gift certificate membership at Gold's Gym for Christmas last year. The first day I went, I was given a paper to sign which I thought concerned the gift membership. I was asked for my credit card number, and refused to give it to them since the membership was pre-paid for six months. I was asked if I wanted to decide to continue on a month-to-month basis, and I said yes. I stopped going when my gift membership ran out July 10th. In August I was billed. I called and told them I wasn't going since my membership ran out. That's when I was told that I had to 'request' to cancel two months in advance. I just settled with them today, to get them off my back and cut my losses, but ended up paying for three months membership that was never used. Something should definitely be done about this practice of theirs. I was given the gift membership by a friend who knew I couldn't afford it on my own as I live on a small disability pension. He was horrified that his gift to me ended up this way.
Dustin of Denver AL (08/09/05) I joined the gym while I was living in Auburn and was a student at the University. I left the school after 1 semester and was told to send written confirmation that I had moved 50 miles or more away from the Gym. I sent all the confirmation to them at the time I moved. This was in February 2005. I have not heard a thing from them until today (9 August 05) when I was called by a collection agency saying that I owed them over $1200 and trying to get me to send a lesser amount as a settlement.I tried to tell the lady, who was so rude, that I had sent in the proper documentation. She stated that they had received it but since I didn't send it certified mail it was not done properly. I explained to her that I wasn't told that it had to be certified. I asked her why I wasn't contacted immediately to let me know that it wasn't accepted. She stated that it wasn't their responsibility to contact me with this info. Please think twice before signing a contract with this Gold's Gym or any of them from what I have read in these complaints.
Stephanie of Bella Vista AR (07/29/05) I paid for a gym membership for myself and my husband. It was explained to us that we only needed to put a down payment of $100.00 to join. The enrollement fee was waived. advanceput an additional $200.00 on the membership to reduce our monthly payment. We had signed up becasue this was the only gym within a 50 mile radius of our home and we felt pressured to join. After leaving the facility, my husband and I decided we were not happy with the facility itself and changed our minds about signing up. We returned 3 hours later to cancel our membership. We were told that we could only cancel with the manager who signed us up and needed to contact him the next day. I contacted him the following day and, after trying to get us to keep our membership, he agreed to cancel our membership. However, he would not refund us any part of our deposit or the money that we advaced on the membership. He stated that the contract was clear, NO REFUNDS. I said that I did not feel it was fair to keep the entire amount of money since it was never disclosed to us that we would not receive a refund if we put additional money down. In addition, we had never used the facility. He said that if we had paid the entire $2000.00, walked out and walked back in 5 minutes later to cancel, the same rule would apply and we would be out the entire amount. I asked to speak to another manager and was referred to the District Manager, Rob Lambert. On my first attempt to contact Mr. Lambert, he assured me that he would call me back to discuss the matter. I have since left 2 messages and have not received any calls back.
Jennifer of Warner Robins GA (07/28/05) I entered a year contract with Gold's Gym and my last day with them was to be July 31, 2005. I paid them all year by using automatic withdrawel from my checking account. A few weeks ago I called to make sure that they had it in the computer that my contract ended so I would not be charged again and was told that because I did not give a 30 day notice that I would be charged again for August. I told him that my contract ended in July and I did not need to give a 30 day notice, that was what a contract was for. He stated that in the contract it states I have to give a 30 day notice. What the contract says is AFTER the contract initial monthly payments, this contract will be extended on a month to month basis. Thirty day written notice is required to cancel without incurring additional libility of one months dues. This says after the contract, not before your contract ends you need to give a thriry day notice. If that is what they mean then they need to make it clear. I thought I had done everything right and they tell me I did not, it's not their fault the contract is not clear. I also tried to give a written notice that Richard would not take he said he did not need it so I have kept it along with what happened, I am sure they will try to say that I can't cancel because I did not give them a written notice. I have closed my checking account so they can not get the last month, I was a hassle but I held up my end of the contract and all they are after is a few more dollars. After telling my story I have heard many more about Gold's Gym even the lady at the bank had a bad time with them.
Jacob of Bryan TX (06/02/05) I'm a veteran who has been called up to active duty and these guys at the College Station GOLD'S GYM location won't allow me to cancel my membership because it's not described as "permanent."
Jeanne of Asheville NC (05/31/05) I signed an agreement with Gold's Gym of Canton, GA on Riverstone Parkway for membership and for personal trainer in March of 2004. I was told that the contract would be void if I ever moved more than 50 miles away. At the time that was irrelevant to me. But, a month later my husband filed for divorce and in August of 2004 I sold my house and moved to Asheville, NC. I called the fitness director at Gold's Gym in Canton to tell him I was moving. I called several times and left several messages and I never heard back from him. I assumed everything was taken care of or that I would hear from him shortly to tell me whatever I needed to do. I was obviously very naive and didn't understand how this whole thing worked. These fitness directors at Golds Gyms want you to feel all cozy and warm when they are signing you up and want you to think they are your "go-to" person. I didn't realize that he was just a salesman and once I signed this thing he wouldn't even remember my name.
Tami of Shakopee, MN (11/16/05) My 16-year old son (John) and I joined Gold's Gym last December during their preview stage. My son is disabled so I talked extensively with the manager, Tom, about the need for a unisex bathroom and changing room. I was told there would be. However when the gym opened we were told to use the nursery bathroom, that only had a small toddler toilet, and a closet in the pool area as a changing room. This was humiliating for my son. I had scheduled a personal trainer to work with John, but he left the company and Gold's has not contacted me about this matter. The plan was for me to exercise while John would be with the trainer. I stopped at the Gym on 11-7-05 and talked with Norman, a trainer, about this but he hasn't gotten back to me. I am very disappointed and I would like to know my options to get out of my contract and my personal training sessions.
Jennifer of Miami writes (9/25/01): It was a brand-new gym. I joined 3 weeks before it was due to open. They kept delaying the opening, first by a few days, which was acceptable. Then, by 2 months. I was furious. They would not let me out of my contract so I stayed. The gym finally opened with no compensation for its members. Just as soon as it opened, it closed. It wasn't even two months. That was when I noticed that Gold's Gym had withdrawn membership dues 3 times in one week! I was totally irate by this time. I incurred insufficient funds fees two times. I called, wrote letters. One month went by and nothing, and through all this, the gym was still closed. The next month rolled around, they withdrew the dues again, The gym was closed for two months and they were charging their regular fees as usual! I kep calling, going over there, no one was ever there to see me or take my calls. When the gym finally opened they gave everyone the option of cancelling, so I did. I was told I would receive a full and total refund in one business week. It has been two and a half months. I call every day, and every day I get a different story. Today I called and was told the person I needed to speak to wasn't there so i just showed up. He was there! I couldn't believe it. I just want my money back! What can I do? Every time I go there or call I am made to feel stupid. They are very rude and mean there. It's incredible that they are still in business. I am by no means a rich person, I live pay check to pay check. I thought that I git a great deal signing up at this gym, they have totally ripped me off! Jennifer should stop wasting time on the phone. Instead, she should send a certified, return-receipt-requested letter to the gym, demanding payment in full of all dues and bank late fees within 30 days. Be sure to keep a copy of the letter. If payment isn't made within 30 days, she can (and should) sue the gym in Small Claims Court.
Jessica of Brooklyn, NY, writes: I have a membership with the Totowa, NJ, gym. I moved to a completely different state back in June and sent them a certified letter with my lease stating that I can no longer belong to this gym due to relocation. So since June my checking account has been depleted of $39.00 a month. After sending Golds gym a certified letter I called to follow up that they received my info. The woman at the counter said that they did. So I discarded my certified receipt. I contacted my bank to stop payment and they say that they can't. Totowa gym refuses to give me back my money. I am very stressed out over this. It is not fair. I am now sending them another certified letter stating to terminate my membership but who knows what will happen. Are they allowed Well, it depends. Jessica needs to read her Gold's contract and see what the cancellation provisions are. She should then send a certified, return-receipt-requested letter that follows the cancellation provisions to the letter. And above all, she should not throw away the receipt or her copy of the letter, contract, etc. Andrew of North Beach, MD, writes: In the autumn of 1998 I joined the Gold's Gym near my office so I could work out during lunch. My office, at the time, was near the gym but far from home(about 60 miles). Knowing that a job change or transfer was a possibilty within the next 12 months I was sure to check on the requirements for getting out of the contract. The contract stated that if I moved more than 50 miles from the gym I could cancel. I already lived more than 50 miles from the gym so I asked the sales agent (TJ), after explaining my situation, if I were to change jobs and no longer worked nearby if I would be able to cancel my membership. When I told him I currently lived more than 50 miles from the gym his exact words were "well, I guess you've got an easy out then". I verified with him that by this he meant I could get out of the contract under such a condition. As fate would have it, three months later I was offered a better job in the exact opposite direction from my house(very far from gym). Therefor, I sent written notice to Gold's Gym. There was no response for about a a month and I assumed all was well. Then I recieved a past due notice. Then a girl from Gold's called and spoke to my wife. She said to send in the $50 cancellation fee. I sent in the fee with another letter asking them to provide me something in writing that they had released me from the contract. Instead, they cashed my check and continued to send past due notices. Eventually they sent me a notice claiming that I owed them for two months plus fees. Every time I tried to call them I was told the person I needed to speak with was "on the floor". Then a collection agency started calling me, they were trying to collect the full contract amount plus fees, about $900. I sent them and Gold's a new letter and a copy of the original letter. I also contacted the Gold's franchise headquarters in CA. The girl at the CA headquarters was very helpful and ultimately was the only person I could ever get a hold of via telephone. Although there was not much she could do, she did contact the Glen Burnie Gold's regarding the matter and sent me a copy of their response. In their response they claim they never received my original letter (I neglected to send it certified mail) and maintained that I would have to pay at least two months dues plus fees which came to about $200 (Funny, they say they never got the original letter, yet when they called my wife to get the late fee they stated they did receive it). In the meantime, as I later discovered, the collection agency pulled my credit report. I believe this was an illegal act since they had my correct address and phone number. Anyhow, I have told all involved that at this point I will not pay anything and I am sure this is not over yet. Advice for anyone dealing with Gold's Gym: 1. EVERYTHING THAT IS SPOKEN MEANS NOTHING UNLESS IT IS WRITTEN IN THE CONTRACT. 2. THE CONTRACT IS NOT FLEXIBLE. 3. SEND ALL CORRESPONDANCE VIA CERTIFIED MAIL. Tim's advice is right on target and it applies not only to Gold's but to everyone with whom you enter into a written contract. Tim is wrong about one thing, though: he has no legal grounds for refusing to pay and he would be well-advised to pay the $200 and chalk it up to education. Contracts are legally binding and oral promises mean nothing. Simple as that.
Kevin of Lynnfield, MA, writes: On the encouragement from a friend of mine I joined the Men's basketball league. I did not join the Club, just the b-ball league. I signed up and paid with a Visa card over the phone, $160 for 16 games. I was placed on a team whereby none of us knew each other. In my opinion the league was disorganized in that we recieved 1-day notice before the first game, 8 were assigned to our team and 4 of whom knew they could not participate in many of the 16 games. As it turned out, we had 3-4 showing up to each game (I only missed the first game). A few days ago I received a letter in the mail dated 12-28-99 stating that due to no-shows, a $50.00 fine will now be assessed to forfeiting teams. The fine would be spread out amongst the offending team. Also included in the letter which I presume was sent to all league members, was a phone list with names of all the league's participants. I called the club and spoke to the GM, David C. and expressed my dissatisfaction to the fine, which was never explained to me when my money was taken and the fact that my phone number and name were mailed to people I didn't know and without my permission. He told me they were the rules, he didn't care if it was legal or not (he clearly stated that he did not know if it was legal to assess fines or give out personal information). He then said that since I was so unhappy, he was kicking me out of the league. After asking for my money back, he said he'd send it out that day. I haven't seen it yet. I very much enjoyed playing in the league because it gave me a chance to compete, win, have fun and get excersise twice a week. I will very much miss the run which is difficult to do in the evenings during the winter. I also am out more than half of the $160.00 I paid in advance for the entire season.
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http://www.felipecoimbra.com/blog.php?y=2005&m=9&d=23
Gold's Gym from Hell Sep 23, 2005 11:12pm Select language: Ok, I started working out at the Gold's Gym in Auburn, AL in July. When I decided to join that facility, I knew I was going to leave Auburn soon, as I had been applying for other jobs. Despite that, I decided to join it. I signed a one-year contract, but I asked about cancellation "Oh, we're very friendly to people who want to cancel it. It's a college town and people move out all the time, so all you have to do is pay a cancellation fee of $50" I thought: ok, that's easy. I'll do it. Two months later I went to cancel my membership and big surprise: Fill out a cancellation form and send to the corporate office, but you can only cancel if you have medical conditions or if you're relocating somewhere where there is not a Gold's Gym ... Oh, and you have to prove it. At my new job I was going to be living at a hotel and traveling. It's ridiculous I have to ask my employer to write a letter (official with a company's header letter) so I can cancel a gym membership. So, I sent my cancellation to the corporate office, and I thought I was done with it until I checked my credit card statement. So I called the Auburn's location, and they said I had to talk to the corporate office. "Do you have their phone number?" I asked. "No, sorry." Well apparently only a few people at the gym has this phone number, so I had to keep calling back until I could get one of these people on the phone (leaving a voice mail... Well, leaving two voice mails don't help either). So I finally got the corporate office's phone number. I called them... and nobody ever answers it, you have to leave a message so they can call you back. For me I had to leave another two messages and wait (I had given up) four more day before some one returned my call. That phone conversation was quite interesting: "We sent out a letter to you a couple of days ago to tell you your cancellation request had been denied" ... Two days ago was Oct 21! I sent my cancellation on Aug 15. I hadn't proved I was moving, so now if I don't want to keep paying $170/mo I have to send another cancellation request and in the meanwhile, yes, I have to keep paying for it ... or else they will send my name to collections. It looks like they have a whole system in place.
Lessons learned: 1. Never sign up a one-year contract when you don't plan on staying for the entire period. 2. Always read the contract because sometime they tell you one thing and that's what you think you're signing up for, but it's not, and at the bottom they have a little sentence saying they don't honor verbal agreements. 3. And lastly: never join another Gold's Gym.
Sep 26, 2005 1:23pm (From: ben) I think you meant "two days ago was Sept 21!" not Oct.
Mar 9, 2007 1:48am (From: Felipe) I have Gold's Gym Corporate phone number for Auburn, AL (their office is in Colombus, GA). It is: 706-322-7311. But don't even bother calling them: They never answer it and no matter how many voicemail you leave, they never return calls... Yeah, it's a big scam!
Apr 27, 2007 1:06pm (From: K.Lamera) Golds Gym's coperate office, takes no resposibility in resolving any issues. after not being able to stop my local gym from charging me membership fees long after the membership was cancelled; I have called the coperate office several times. Eventhough they collect franchise fees, they refused to help because my gym is not owned or operated by the coperate office. Unbeleivable!!!
Apr 28, 2007 2:52am (From: Felipe) Yeah, I wish I knew all that before I joined Gold's Gym. I had to pay an extra $260 to them because they wouldn't accept my cancellation and they would take 1 month to tell me that, so I had to start the process again (pay another month, give 30 days notice, and wait for another 30 days)...
May 15, 2007 4:49am (From: Dee) WoW...I have a similar experience with gold's gym. I just wanted to share what happened to my husband who got billed $1,126.45 owed to Gold's Gym because they say "he didn't cancel his membership" when he thought he did because he walked right in there and told the guy and he said "ok its finished i canceled ur membership" so he thought it was over. Nope its not cuz we just found out (1 year later) that he owes little over a thousand dollars now because he was still a member...but there were no letters or any type of contact saying that we need to pay or whatever because we assumed it was already cancelled so y would we get mail from them anywayz?? well i jus had to share my story with you...im still working on the case right now so yeah...lol
Jul 10, 2007 11:11pm (From: Disgruntled Member) Golds Gym Toronto, in the business of DEFRAUDING ITS MEMBERS, opening up for a few months, pre-selling yearly memberships at a great price, then being locked out of their premises for non-payment of their lease. Conveniently, I find out they've done it twice now. Great way to orchestrate a money grab, ripping off consumers. NEVER JOIN A GOLDS GYM IN CANADA, LESSON LEARNED.
Aug 14, 2007 2:34pm (From: Very upset) Yeah they took advantage of me and my husband as well. We moved from NY to Texas in March 2007 and our contract ended in June 2007. Well as of still now they are charging me a membership that I have not been using since March and I cancelled it when I moved down here. On top of that I was told I had a one year membership but wait no on top of that I apparently signed for an automatic renewal once the 1 year membership was over with. So now I am losing $110 per month. Well they left that part out when I was on the phone with them in March and they told me my contract was up in June with no mention of automatic renewal. So there is a serious problem here and I love the fact that we were taken advantage of. I am still working this out with them. Don't ever join and always ask questions before signing becuase I spent an hour reading that contract, and I must of somehow missed that part, or where the guy "x" for me to sign!!!
Aug 18, 2007 7:31pm (From: Felipe) This makes me so angry! And most gyms are like Gold's Gym. That's why now I only work out without signing any contract. I don't care how much more expensive it is!
Nov 16, 2007 12:36pm (From: Mike) I'm in a similar situation right now. I moved 2 months ago, and was actually going to keep my membership until I found out the closest gym was 43 miles away. I tried to go through the golds website and told them what was going on. a month later I still hadn't heard back from them and I got charged again. 2 weeks ago I was visiting friends and went to the gym I opened my contract with. I took a bank statement with my new address as well as numerous charges that were made in that area. I filled out the paperwork and thought it was over with, especially when I was told that it's not a problem to get out of the contract when you live more than 25 miles from a gym. the guy actually told me that they may even refund money from a previous month. then I get charged again and find out that everything has to go through corporate first and that I should call them to check on the status except no number is given.
Dec 10, 2007 2:04pm (From: person) I went and verbally canceled in September to prevent automatic renewal and wasn't told I couldn't. So in December when I saw I was still being charged, I went and canceled. According to the contract I had unwittingly agreed that they are STILL going to be charging me for 2 months since there's a 60 day prior certified mail requirement for canceling automatic renewal. I believe this is anti-consumerist.
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http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/143/RipOff0143161.htm
Report: GOLD'S GYM/ABC FINANCIAL Category: Health Spas GOLD'S GYM/ABC FINANCIAL CRIMES AGAINST CONSUMERS -- COMPLAIN TO FCC Continuation of my earlier report about Gold's Gym/ABC Financial in Acworth-Kennesaw, Georgia holding me to an invalid 'contract.' ACWORTH-KENNESAW Georgia *Consumer Comment ..Don't Give Up Rebuttal Box Respond to this report!
Are you an owner, employee or ex-employee with either negative or positive information about the company or can you provide "insider information" on this company?
Victim of th
is person/company? Are you also a victim of the same company or person? Want Justice? File a Ripoff Report and don´t let them get away with it!
GOLD'S GYM/ABC FINANCIAL Phone: 770-529-7200 Fax:
3160 COBB PARKWAY NW ACWORTH, Georgia, 30101 U.S.A. Submitted: 5/18/2005 7:11:28 AM Modified: 8/24/2006 10:37:33 PM K. 999, Georgia
This is a plea to anyone and everyone out there who is embroiled in a struggle with these criminals (or has been) to contact the FCC and file a complaint! There is a complaint form online where you can tell your story. I also encourage phone calls, emails, etc. to these companies (Gold's Gym and ABC Financial in Texas) telling them to stop extorting money from Americans.
I have now filed two complaints with the FCC and sent a volume of information (including copies of reports from this website) to the Georgia Attorney Generals Office requesting assistance from them under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act. E-Mails to the Georgia Attorney Generals Office at: consumer.law@state.ga.us to demand action against Gold's Gym in Kennesaw-Acworth Georgia are appreciated!
The Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs in Georgia is at:
404.651.8600 (toll-free at 800.869.1123), on the web at www2.state.ga.us/gaoca, or by mail at 2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, East Tower Suite 356, Atlanta Georgia 30334
Please contact them regarding the practices of Gold's Gym in Kennesaw-Acworth, GA.
ARE THERE ANY ATTORNEYS OUT THERE WILLING TO TAKE ON THESE CRIMINALS???? K. 999, Georgia U.S.A.
IT'S LEGAL there is nothing that can be done because you signed this contract You ended your earlier post by saying that you contacted the Georgia Governors Office and 'we'll see what happens next'. I can answer that for you, NOTHING!!!! Just as your credit card company told you there is nothing that can be done because you signed this contract and agreed to the terms. By law, all gym contracts have an auto-renewal clause and to cancel your account it has to be done in writing via fax, email and some gyms request that you even send certified mail so if it mysteriously gets lost it can be traced.
Wether or not you were explained all of this by the gym representative, only you know. However, when you sign a BINDING contract IT IS YOUR DUTY TO READ ALL INFORMATION. I promise you all of this is in your contract. Call ABC Financial and ask for a copy and I guarantee you will find this information verbatim. As far as you being angry that you could not cancel via phone THAT IS THE LAW.
Anyone can call in pose as yourself. Companies request all correspondence in writing so that when a problems arise and customers say I did not tell you to do this to my account, they can go in their files and prove that it was you who made the request via written request and they can compare the signatures with your contract to verify that the request was not fraudulent. Sweetie, this is common sense
. So in a nutshell you can write letters to everyone you want and take whatever measures you deem neccesary, but until you make full payment the account will remain open and anything balances existing past 90 days will result in you being referred for collections which will then begin to affect your overall credit score. IS IT REALLY WORTH IT? DOUBT IT!
You made the agreement, fulfill your obligation.If you did not read it or abide by the terms of written request to cancel that is your mistake. A fax machine is a form of technology that is mistake prone. Protect yourself and send the request via certified mail or even save your fax confirmation if you choose to fax it again. As long as you have that to prove, I promise you no one can hold this against you.
As I am sure you were told all of this when you called in. THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. Stop blaming others and just pay the balance. No lawyer in their right mind is going to take this case because you signed the contract and even gave your billing information. Sweetie, no judge will rule in your favor and furthermore, a judge is not going to hear,' they didn't tell me when I signed'. IT WAS YOUR RESPONSIBLITY TO READ!!!!!!!!! As sad as it may seem, representatives will tell you anything to make a sale. At the end of the day you've got to be responsible for you own actions. PAY THE BILL AND STOP WASTING TIME AND RUINING YOUR CREDIT!!!
Submitted: 5/31/2005 6:18:38 AM Modified: 5/31/2005 6:18:38 AM K.
ACWORTH-KENNESAW , Georgia U.S.A. NOT LEGAL!! THE POINT WAS MISSED I BELIEVE THE POINT WAS MISSED. GOLD'S GYM WAS NOTIFIED AND HAS BEEN NOTIFIED BY SEVERAL METHODS. CHOOSING TO IGNORE NOTIFICATION DOES NOT ELIMINATE GOLD'S RESPONSIBILITY TO DEAL FAIRLY, ETHICALLY AND LEGALLY WITH CUSTOMERS.
Submitted: 8/24/2006 10:35:36 PM Modified: 8/24/2006 10:35:36 PM
Mike Santa Paula, California U.S.A. Don't Give Up Dear K, Don't give up in your effort to hold Golds/ABC to account. These credit companies and businesses are determined to make it difficult for you to obtain restitution. They count on the fact that most people will give up rather than deal with the endless delays and lack of response. Reputable companies will work with you by phone to cancel service, especially ethical credit companies. The shady companies will obstruct you as much as possible and will stonewall you as long as possible with endless requests and referrals. The best thing to do is never sign up with any company with an auto-renewal contract. That is a clear warning signal that trouble is ahead. Spread the word and when enough people say no, they will go out of business or change their ways.
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http://www.my3cents.com/showReview.cgi?id=12900
I have been a member of Herndon/Reston/Clocktower Gold's Gym in Virginia. I had been considering renewal and went in there on 3/21/2006 to do that. I signed a contract for 16 months membership, paid up front, for $460.
Today I received a call from another sales person that the are not going to honor the contract that I signed and paid for.
He said that they are only going to make the membership good until 4/21/2007 (instead of 7/21/2007 which is what is written on the contract) and that he said he was going to change the contract to only 13 months at the same rate of $460.
I told him that this was not what I signed for and paid for. He started yelling at and berating me on the telephone because his sales person made a mistake and "I should have known that was not the offer" and that *I* was taking advantage of the club by accepting, signing for and paying for the membership. He continued to berate and yell at me on the phone, would not let me speak or listen to anything that I said.
I have never been treated with such anger, disrespect, rudeness and callousness from a customer service organization. I had to disconnect the telephone to get him to stop yelling at me, the customer.
Another manager called me and once again told me that he would not honor the contract that I signed and paid for.
I do not think that he should be taking his anger at his employee out on me. And then try to renig on a contract that is signed and paid for.
Please assist with this issue. I would like to keep working out with Golds but do not appreciate this "bait and switch" tactic that has been used and also that the person treated me so rudely.
User Discussion - Add your 3 cents!
ejack053824 (03/23/2006) Tell them tough shyt! I signed and paid for it now honor it or you will be summons to court and tell the judge.
dsmith68 (03/23/2006) I could not imagine going back to a place that treated me that badly.. but there is not much you can do until a) they put something in writing or b) they stop you from using the club at the start of month 14. Hopefully someone can correct me and give you a way out..
crewboy (03/23/2006) I agree. If you signed a contract with them, they are legally obliged to honor it as well. I would do as the first poster suggested. Tell the manager that he will either honor the contract voluntarily or you will get a court order forcing him to do so. Not to mention that he may have to pay your legal fees if it gets that far.
Sparticus (03/23/2006) Definitely a bait and switch. What's with thess gym places having modern day adult bullies working for them? Must be a prerequisite for employment.
bill (03/25/2006) A contract is a contract is a contract. If they made a mistake, they should eat it. At this point I would demand my money back and take my business to another gym.
yoke (03/27/2006) I would demand my money back. They will probably tell you that you signed a contract that you can't get out of. Remind them the same thing, that they signed the same contract and unless they are going to go by the contract you want your money back.
wvgal (08/04/2006) rj - Try contacting the Fairfax County Consumer Protection Office at 703-222-8435. You can access their website & file a complaint on-line at www.fairfax.va.us/consumer.htm. Hope this information helps. :-}
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http://local.yahoo.com/details?id=12544366
by ejik_kapitalist 12/03/2007 READ THE FINE PRINT BEFORE YOU SIGN UP!
It is impossible to cancel this membership. You are allowed to cancel "by reason of death or permanent disability", but only "upon payment of a cancellation fee of $150.000".
Make sure you understand: They consider paying the $150 late fee a PRIVILEGE to the dead and permnently disabled. If you simply want to stop going, or take your business elsewhere, you are NOT even alowed to quit by paying the late fee. You have to keep paying monthly subscriptions until your contract expires.
Oh, and here's another catch: The membership has automatic renewal! It's in your contract: Without "30 days written notice of cancelation", they will keep charging you FOREVER.
Gold's Gym is a huge ripoff. Just do a Google search on Golds Gym Cancellation and you'll see. If you're thinking about signing up, please choose a friendlier gym. Or consider jogging. It's free and you can quit whenever you want to. Was this review helpful? 00 Report Abuse Comment on Review
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http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002732638_healthclubs11.html
Consumers often bent out of shape trying to quit gym
By Emily Heffter
Times consumer-affairs Reporter
Joining a gym can be expensive and intimidating. But it can be more expensive and intimidating to quit.
Lots of us make the commitment — about one in five people in the Seattle area belong to a health club.
State laws aim to protect consumers from high-pressure sales tactics, unfair advertising and super-long-term contracts. But getting out of a membership isn't easy.
Consumers report that automatic withdrawals of their monthly dues, a lot of small print in the contracts and complicated rules make it hard to stop paying for a membership if you've moved away or quit using it.
Health clubs sometimes keep sloppy books and don't always follow through by actually canceling memberships, complaints to the state Attorney General's Office and the local Better Business Bureau show.
It's easy to sign up for a membership at the front counter of a club, but members must cancel in writing or call a national customer-service number. Often, there's a charge. At Gold's Gym, members have to fill out an application and include the reason they want to quit.
How to quit the gym
Get a month-to-month membership if you're not sure. It might cost more, but health-club contracts are legally binding.
Ask how long you have to change your mind. State law requires health clubs to refund your money and cancel your membership within three days of signing the contract, and some clubs will give you a month or so to try out the club. For example, at Bally, you can cancel your membership within a month as long as you visited the club at least 12 times in the past 30 days.
Read the contract. State law requires the contract to explain how to cancel your membership, so read it carefully. After you've belonged to the club for a year, you must be allowed to cancel with 30 days' notice. You can also cancel if the club moves more than 10 miles away, if you move more than 25 miles from an affiliated club, and if you become disabled.
Cancel in writing. Even if the club says you can do it by phone or in person, cancel in writing with 30 days' notice and keep a copy.
Source: Revised Code of Washington; International Health, Racquet, and Sportsclub Association; Washington Office of the Attorney General
Read the fine print
The fault isn't always the health clubs': Many members don't read their contracts and end up unwittingly committed to 12 months of payments. Instead of properly canceling in writing, they close credit cards or checking accounts to thwart automatic withdrawals. But then clubs turn members over to collection agencies, and that hurts their credit.
At one point during a billing dispute with Bally Total Fitness, Luke Thoburn was getting four calls a day from collectors.
The club had agreed to cancel his membership when he moved from Los Angeles to Carnation, he said. But after he sent the club his new address, they sent him a bill for $800, saying he wasn't far enough from the nearest club, in Bellevue, to free him from his three-year contract.
He refused to pay, and they turned his debt over to a collection agency. After about eight months, he was able to prove he was no longer a member, and Bally canceled the charge.
"It was a real hassle," Thoburn said. "It soured my opinion of all clubs."
Washington passed a law in 1987 to rein in health clubs' high-pressure sales tactics and outlaw lifetime memberships.
State law makes it illegal to have more than a one-year contract in Washington state. Clubs must give you three days to change your mind about a contract, and the cancellation process must be clearly laid out in your contract.
Dana Cooley, a local apartment manager, says he signed up at the Capitol Hill Gold's Gym and agreed to have his $31 monthly dues taken out of his checking account on the fifth of every month. But the first month, the gym took the money out on the wrong date, and he bounced a check.
Cooley says he called a customer-service number in Colorado several times to try to cancel his membership and the recurring charge. The club agreed to stop withdrawing the dues automatically but wouldn't cancel his membership.
"Right now, what I'm planning on doing is not paying the $31," he said. "Obviously, it's going to be a mark on my credit."
Shaun Kalinowski tried to cancel her Bally membership after she separated from her husband, with whom she had shared the membership. The club wouldn't let her, even though she had moved.
"The contract in question does not give Ms. Kalinowski the unilateral right to cancel her membership contract for any reason or no reason at all," a letter from the company read.
Bally offered to let her quit — for $231.25 — but canceled her husband's month-to-month part of the membership because he was not the primary member.
"It's a contract," said Matt Messinger, a Bally spokesman. "When it comes to quitting our health clubs, if you're a month-to-month person, you're more than welcome to stop coming and stop paying your bill.
"But if you've decided that you're going to make a commitment to fitness ... that's an obligation."
Cooley says he never used his Gold's Gym membership, a sentiment common among people trying to quit. But health-club representatives stressed that not using doesn't mean a thing.
Don't buy on impulse
Bally's Messinger compared a membership to buying a car. It doesn't matter whether you use it — you still have to make the payments.
"The biggest mistake that people make, especially when it's the new year, is they go shopping on impulse," said Brooke Correia, a spokeswoman for the Boston-based International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association.
Health-club employees say attendance spikes in January and drops off around Valentine's Day. Some members who haven't seen results try to quit and get out of their contracts, said Terry Cantlon, a fitness manager in Houston who worked for several years in Seattle.
Cantlon believes that many billing disputes are motivated by other emotions involved with quitting the gym.
"They feel bad," he said. "Embarrassed, shameful, lazy. ... I think that's why there's more buyer's remorse and more complaints in this industry."
Chuck Matheny thought he had successfully canceled his membership at the Arlington Gold's Gym. He agreed to put his membership on hold and thought that it would automatically cancel. Then he got a big bill and a threat about sending him to a collection agency.
Besides being annoyed that he had to settle the bill, Matheny was hurt. He had worked out at the gym for several years and felt he had been a model customer.
"I just couldn't believe their attitude," Matheny said. "It was like having some member of your family take money out of your dresser."
Seattle Times staff researcher Gene Balk contributed to this report.
Emily Heffter: 206-464-8246 or eheffter@seattletimes.com
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Don't fall in the trap! by kokakola ,Jun 10 '07 Pros: none. Cons: Nothing is "gold" about this gym, just the opposite! I would believe the negative comments before buying into those self-promoted reviews here. My personal experience at Gold Gym compels me to warn others. The salespeople are sleazy at best. They never give you a straight answer, but rather yank you around to juice you dry. The bottom line is Gold Gym would drain your pocket. And that's how they "change your life" (a slogan Gold Gym uses: "how can we change your life today"). The equipment are not well-maintained. The locker room is filthy. The staff are unhelpful. And most important of all, you get too little for your money. To stay fit, just take a 3-mile walk in the park 3 times a week. It's free! Product Rating:
Overcharged with Automatic Draft by courtney1009 ,Jun 04 '07 Pros: Great Space, Great Machines Cons: Customer Service, Overcharged Nice gym, but considerably overpriced for the area. I thought I would try it out and I did for a year. Since, I only signed a 1 year contract I did not think I needed to cancel my membership. They have continued to draft money out of my account, since I did not give written notice of cancellation. This is after that automatically renewed my contract. So overall great workout, POOR customer service.
Gold's Gym is a scam by pinknose ,Apr 26 '07 Pros: it's a gym Cons: shady bastards I moved and found out I had to cancel my gym membership. I found out the membership does NOT transfer to other Gold's Gyms. I sent in my information they requested along with the $50 fee for cancellations. I then received a letter telling me the FINAL payment that would be withdrawn from my account would occur on 3/10/07. After I paid it, I closed the account. Now they tried to take out a payment in April and are threatening me with other charges for closing the account! They say the account is not closed and will continue to withdraw money from my current accounts monthly! I had no problems with the gym until I needed to cancel. Many others have similar complaints. They are a money-hungry scam. Apparently, they have a company that does the billing for them and the two don't communicate well.
STAY AWAY - Poor Service, Bad Company, Over priced by jdwilliams8 ,Mar 03 '05 Pros: - Nice Equipment - Clean Environmnent Cons: - Over priced - Rude Employees - Arrogant Company - Ripoff - False Promises If a company has ever forgotten why they are in business, it is GOLDS GYM. While the gyms look nice and clean, the blood running through this dragon is cold. Customer service is beyond horrible, there are hidden fees for every thing you do, they make every attempt possible to make you feel uncomfortable, they take advantage of those who do work out there by trying to sell them over priced fitness gear (clothing) and rip-off rates on all fitness shakes (protein shakes, etc).
I have been a member at several clubs over the past decade and GOLDS GYM is BY FAR the worse I've ever used. It's not the equipment, it's the company and their ethics. I've tried to be forgiving ... but they continue to burn me time and time again ... and for that reason I've taken the time to write my FIRST ever EPINION -- in hopes of keeping you out of their claws. My advice: STAY AWAY!!!!!
DO NOT SIGN THEIR CONTRACT by happydude101 ,Dec 26 '03 Pros: just another gym Cons: Unfair extorting bastards I signed up in January of 2001, at Gold’s in Deerfield Beach FL. I used the auto-pay credit card feature (another clause with teeth). I paid every month for the entire year. 17 days before signup anniversary, I called to cancel (due to relocation). That wasn't acceptable, because they insisted I wait in line at the post office to send a registered letter. They wrote back, that cancellations in writing are due 30 days before anniversary. But they would be happy to take another $200 to cancel their contract. I canceled my credit card. No word for all of 2003. Then on 12/26/03 (yes Virginia, after Xmas!) A collection company is seeking $565 for one Gold's Gym.
This legalized extortion. Do not give these scumbags any of your money. I wish them nothing but bad things, because they could give a crap less about good customer service, and treating people with any degree of fairness. I hope they burn in hell.
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Gold's Gym Capitol Hill by sexybwnt ,Mar 16 '04 Pros: DON'T USE CAPITOL HILL GYM Cons: Great equipment Canceled membership in Oct. 2003, basically a month to month as contract for a year expired. Signed forms and was told had to wait a month to begin new discounted membership. Thing was I joined another gym under a temp. six-month membership. I phoned Gold's after the six month membership was over to find if discounted rate still applied and was told I owed money for the six months I was gone! I did not visit the gym during this time and have filed a complaint with the BBB. Their practices after canceling are very deceptive. I received no bill and assumed the membership was cancelled.
Horrible Experience by ryanisflyboy ,Dec 27 '06 Pros: - They are everywhere, I don't understand why. Cons: Nearly impossible getting out of the contract, the staff is unsympathetic. I need to be fair. If you enjoy paying lots of money to use run-down equipment then Gold's Gym is perfect for you.
If you want to give it a fair shot, don't. The best word I can think of to describe these guys is "slimeballs."
My wife and I fell for the trick. Please don't do the same.
Remember that when you sign that contract you are not signing a monthly membership. You are agreeing to the $$/month TIMES the leangth of the contract. That is what you are paying. Then, you set up a payment plan for that huge payment. So, 2 years at $49 means you promise to pay 1,176. Also, you must be vigilant to be sure the agreement doesn't auto-renew. If you want to cancel - stay alert.
Golds gym is a rip off and flat out sucks.. by ihategolds ,Oct 17 '05 Pros: There are no pros, none, cant think of one. Cons: Poor management, unhelpful customer service. Be very careful signing a contract with Golds. Unless you know you can stay there for the duration. The one in Spokane on 57th has poor management, turnover is high so its no wonder they cant get anyone there with any competence. I made sure to sign up for a month to month contract.. yeah good luck getting it canceled. BEWARE!!!
Beware Gold's Gym Membership: Carbondale by ylimrev ,Sep 16 '07 Pros: has equipments that any other gym has Cons: rip off fees---big time!! Appalling cancellation fees!!!
Never...never...sign up for membership!! On the contract, the very fine prints are very misleading. If you read it, if sounds like you can cancel anytime for valid reasons (like health reasons or if you're relocating) without difficulty!----NOPE!!! It actually means...and i found this out after---Gold's Gym membership actually means you can cancell only after paying them $200 dollars!!
For whatever reasons---YOU HAVE TO PAY $200 TO CANCEL! --yes even if you'll die if you exercise or the nearest Gold's gym is 100 miles away---YOU HAVE TO PAY!...what a rip off...and if its about cancellation?...you'll find the most unhelpful staff there is..They're gonna pass you around!!
Beware people! your better off going to other Gym..believe me!!
Deceptive Contracts by hatshepsut1502 ,Nov 26 '03 Pros: brand new facility Cons: deceptive contracts, unmotivated instructors, inflexible aerobics schedules, sauna dirty, showers dangerously slippery I joined Gold's Gym in Buford, GA beginning of 2003. As I was about to sign up, I asked the clerk, J., what it will cost to cancel the contract and he told me that it was merely $50.00, no strings attached.
Well, I decided to cancel the contract later that year only to find out, that canceling the contract would cost me approx. $281.
Stay FAR, FAR away! by eric0232 ,Jan 26 '08 Pros: none. Try the YMCA. Cons: bureaucratic, incompetent, duplicitous, genuinely dishonest. These guys are crooks pure and simple. The contracts are deliberately misleading, and often conflict with federal and state laws. My contract has the solution to the sub-prime mortgage crisis: simply ban bankruptcy in the contract. I've been trying to cancel for five months now, and Gold's Gym simply keeps referring the issue to a different person, each claiming, "I haven't contacted them." This is after discovering that they were billing me after cancelling within the trial period. This is the first business I have ever had to sue, and the first business that I have ever had to warn others to avoid at all costs.
PS - The positive reviews are from Gold's Gym employees.
Mismanaged Billing by laspos ,Oct 27 '07 Pros: Managed to eventually cancel the contract Cons: Mismanaged and inexperienced staff in billing department This must be my worst experience with a billing department ever. The company had my credit card and deducted the monthly amounts. However with all the proof of payment they still handed me over for collection. When I contacted the billing department they acknowledged that payments were up to date and could not give an answer why I was in collection. I actually had a contract with World Gym. However they closed down and Golds Gym took over the contract. I am not sure if this was actually legal, however with just a few months left I let it slip. Be very wary of this company, read the small print and don't let the sales staff win you over with false promises.
Stay Away From Gold's Gym by devlynne ,Sep 30 '07 Pros: none Cons: misrepresenting contract, poor customer service As a federal employee I was told that I could cancel at any time. I used the gym twice and found it noisy and dirty with broken equipment and not enough floor space to stretch. I tried to cancel 2 weeks into the contract and was told I can't. They put me through to a supervisor who would not listen and then left me on hold for 20 minutes when I asked to speak to someone higher up. So much for their honesty and customer service. There are numerous websites with tales such as mine from many others. Once they start billing you they WILL NOT STOP.
Not satisfied with this company by mdoherty3 ,Nov 10 '06 Pros: There's parking. Cons: Their pricing scheme is a con for sure! Gold's gym is a franchise so the experience will vary according to where you go but my husband and I were very dissatisfied with the service and the atmosphere at the Gold's Gym in Somerville, MA. In comparison to the gym we use now, I would give it a negative rating if I could. Plus, they continued to charge me after I had already sent in a cancellation request, they claimed they never got it. In my opinion, it's a complete waste of money, pay a little more and go to Bally's or BSC.
Worst Customer Service Ever by bugfriend ,Jun 21 '06 Pros: Individual gyms vary, but most are well maintained. Cons: Worst customer service I have ever received. The Gold's Gym Customer Service Center should be renamed because they offer absolutely no service whatsoever. I am trying to cancel my membership because I recently moved, and I have been on hold for over 2 hours with no end in sight. They obviously do not care for their customers, and there is no way to get to an operator or even a real human being. I cannot recommend Gold's Gym to anyone.
Checking account nightmares by justhanginout3 ,Jul 20 '06 Pros: Faciltiy Cons: Ethics, Billing I love the facility, the people are friendly BUT (big but) they charge your checking account any amount they want, for any reason, and will never issue a refund. They owe me almost $300. I have spoken to several other people who have similiar stories, they continue to bill after memberships are cancelled, they charge for services never provided.
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http://golds-gym-sucks.com/Main/Billing
Here are some interesting Gold's Gym billing stories and testimonials. The first is from Wes Tatum: My one year membership ended in March of 2005 with the Gold Gym in Richmond, Va. This is the Harvie St. location in the "Fan District". After my year obligation ended I was continually billed for another entire year. I ended up paying another $419.88 and never stepped foot inside the gym. I spoke with the Conexion company that handles all the billing and collections for Gold's and they were of no help and blamed all fault on Gold's policies. But when I speak with Gold's they claim ignorance and refer me to Conexion. So, apparently neither company realized that payment was being recieved for someone who was not using the gym. (And they track how often you use the facility every time you scan upon entrance.) But they sure didn't mind depositing my monthly payments for an extra year. Very displeased with service concerning billing! Gold's Gym and Conexion make a great combo if you are looking to get ripped in the gym and ripped off monetarily.
Elliott writes in about his experience with the Seattle Gold's Gym: I was working in Seattle for Amazon.com at the time, for a summer internship, so I wanted to work out at a Gym and signed up at Gold's Gym downtown, which was nice enough, until it came time to cancel. At first, they said I was on a one-year contract, so I spent a lot of time recovering my original conract to disprove this and terminate without penalty. I then met, after many failed attempts, with their accounts manager, Erica, who told me my account was finally cancelled. This was in August. Then I discovered in December that I was still being billed! I wrote, called, and faxed them but got no reply, so I simply cancelled the debit card number they were billing. Very, very, shady
Didi Crowder, Tysons Corner, VA I had the misfortune to be a Gold's member prior to major surgery. As I was out on medical leave and unable to do much, Gold's was happily ripping me off for the regular monthoy fee, even after telling me it was taken care of prior to the surgery. I was going to be on hold followed by a 10.00 monthly fee, but that did not happen. For close to two years now they have been charging me 29.99 a month. I call, FAX, e-mail, it does not matter. It is easy to join, but just try to put your membership on hold or quit..I figure they have made hundreds of dollars on me (as they have on the fellow in the article above). There does not seem to be anyway to correct the problem. The gym says it is up to the financial people and the financial people are unable to make a decision or trake care of a problem, let alone do simple holds, at least they told me it would be simple. I do not know how they can continue to get away with it.
Mark Kramer, Golds Member of 6 years Most of the Complaints about Gold's Gym come from members who simply do not read their contracts and/or get convenient memory. I see alot of complainers that write about putting their membership on hold. There simply is no such thing. A member may freeze if he/she follows the clear and simple rules. A member such as myself simply pays $10.00 in most cases and signs one of their Freeze Forms. In the more modern Golds Gyms, you might be able to email the authorization but as a member we continue to have our credit card(s) debited each month and when you come back to the gym you get your months that you did not use back, but the burden is ALWAYS on you as it is in the REAL WORLD, as opposed to fantasy land!
Justin Storm It seems that many of the people who write nasty complaints and go to the BBB are not effectively understanding the real source of the problem. When you sign up at Gold's Gym, nearly anywhere in the world, you are usally signing up for a 1 or 2 year term contract! Remember that if you buy a month to month agreement, it will be priced nearly double or more so the vast majority of people benefit from having Gold's Gym finance their term-contracts. Month to month arrangements are put forth mostly by declining gyms that are unable to get people to commit to their own health program. At Gold's Gym, it is the ONLY gym in the world, that a MEMBER can transfer into or out of any Gold's to any other Gold's in the world and simply pay $35.00 to do so. Thus the commitment is to yourself! Cancelling a term contract can only happen by paying the ENTIRE SUM in full and then received a letter of closure from Gold's. If someone wants to fight this, they are somewhat like Don Quixote, jousting at Windmills. Use this ENERGY to work out and improve your health and fitness and longevity. If you are not seeking to improve, go to LA Fitness or Ballys or 24 Hour where people walk aimlessly around without goals. Its time people start taking responsibility for our own actions in life. Its alot like leasing a car. You can park it in the garage, but you still have to pay for it, so make sure to use your Gold's membership and inquire about transferring. If you have any problems whatsoever, the Senior Management at Gold's are probably the single highest caliber business professionals that have ever been in this industry and they have the infrastructure to help you, but first speak to the General Manager of the Gold's Gym and use email as a tool as well. Unlike corporate establishments, Golds usually has an owner involved in each gym. Keep up the positive outlook or change your m.o. Those who exude postive energy live longer and better! Peace Out... Caleb experiences Gold's ineptitude and / or shadiness in VA
I faxed my cancellation to my local Gold's in Merrifield VA (right next to one of their corporate offices, no less) in October. (Remember, you can't call to cancel, that'd be too easy for the customer). On my fax I requested that I be contacted to confirm my request to cancel was fulfilled. Surprise surprise, no call back from the monkeys working there. Guess what? It's now December and I receive a bill at my door! I KNEW that my original request was going to be ignored. Shame on me for trusting Gold's.
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******************************************************************************************** http://www.oag.state.ny.us/press/2003/jan/jan09a_03.html
Department of Law 120 Broadway New York, NY 10271 Department of Law The State Capitol Albany, NY 12224
For More Information: (518) 473-5525 For Immediate Release January 09, 2003 AGREEMENT TO PROTECT HEALTH CLUB MEMBERS Spitzer's Office Obtains Settlement With Gold's Gym Attorney General Spitzer today announced an agreement with the world's largest gym chain to protect consumers who pre-pay for health club memberships.
Gold's Gym Franchising, Inc., headquartered in Venice, California, agreed to compel its 32 local outlets across New York State to post performance bonds as required by state law, something many have failed to do.
"Compliance with bonding requirements is essential in protecting consumers from loss in the event a health club closes down," Spitzer said. "Since 1999, my office has intervened on behalf of consumers on at least six occasions to obtain judgments and settlements recovering more than $213,000 for approximately 1,800 individuals throughout the state. However, these legal actions would not have been necessary if the health clubs had complied with the law and had posted appropriate performance bonds."
Spitzer's investigation discovered that only three of the 32 Gold's Gym locations in the state had posted performance bonds. Also, Spitzer's office raised concerns about clauses in some of Gold's Gym franchisee contracts that altered or limited the consumer's three day right to cancel under the law. Under the terms of the agreement, Gold's Gym will act to ensure that its outlets provide, at a minimum, the required opportunity for cancellation.
In addition, Spitzer's office raised concerns about provisions in Gold's Gym contracts that attempted to disclaim franchiser liability in the event that services were not provided as promised.
In settling the case, Gold's Gym agreed to pay $50,000 as costs and penalties to New York State and to monitor all of its 32 franchises in New York State for compliance with the law that requires performance bonds and to compel any future franchises to comply with the bonding law.
This case was handled by Assistant Attorney General Doris K. Morin under the supervision of Assistant Attorney In Charge Gary Brown of the White Plains Regional Office.
Individuals with questions about laws protecting them when joining a health club are encouraged to contact the Attorney General's consumer help line at (800) 771-7755.
New York Health Club Services Law
New York State law requires that most health clubs post a performance bond to protect their members against breaches of contract. Specifically, the law requires bonds in the following denominations: $50,000 for health clubs that sell contracts for no more than 12 months; $75,000 for health clubs that sell contracts of one to two years; and $150,000 for health clubs that sell contracts of two to three years. Health clubs with multiple locations are required to post additional amounts up to $200,000.
Health clubs are exempted from this requirement: (a) if they do not offer memberships worth more than $150; or (b) for health clubs that require longer term commitments, if monthly dues do not exceed $150, paid-in-full fees are not discounted by more than ten percent, memberships do not exceed one year, and the contract does not contain an automatic renewal provision.
New York State Health Club Services Law covers contracts for instruction or training in bodybuilding, exercising, weight reduction and figure development, martial arts (including judo, karate and self-defense), or other types of physical training and contracts for health and sports spas and tennis and racquetball clubs. Specifically, this law provides the following protections:
Limits health club contracts to $3,600 per year (excluding tennis and racquet ball facilities) and to terms no longer than 36 months;
Provides consumers with a three-day right to cancel the contract after signing;
Provides the right to cancel a contract at any time for any of the following reasons: if the health club ceases to offer the services stated in the contract; if the consumer moves 25 miles from any health club operated by the seller; or if upon a doctor's order, the consumer cannot receive the services as stated in the contract because of significant physical disability for a period in excess of six months;
Requires health clubs to provide refunds within 15 days of cancellation; and
Provides aggrieved consumers the right to sue in small claims court and receive an amount of not more than three times the actual damages plus reasonable attorneys fees. Consumers also are encouraged to consider the following tips when signing a health club contract:
Become an educated consumer and visit or call at least two other health clubs to learn about dues and when they must be paid, hours of operation, variety and frequency of classes and ability to use multiple locations;
Do not give in to high pressure sales tactics or feel obligated to sign a contract immediately;
Tell the health club representative you need time to think about joining the club and ask for free passes to determine if the club is right for you. Talk to other members; and
Check to see if a health club is bonded or has filed the proper financial security to protect you against losses of pre-paid membership dues. To verify a club's compliance with these requirements, consumers can call (518) 474-4429, fax (518) 473-6648 or write to the New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services at 84 Holland Avenue, Albany, New York 12208.
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