Concord, NH (Jan. 6, 2011)- After indulging in cakes, cookies, pies, or whatever your favorite holiday treats may be, you might be thinking now is the time to lose the extra padding. If your News Year’s resolution includes shedding the holiday pounds, the New Hampshire BBB is cautioning consumers to be wary of signing on the dotted line without asking a few questions first.
Excited gym newbie’s may not know that across the country over 6,600 complaints have been filed with the BBB against gyms for anything from billing and collection problems to overall contract issues. Although losing weight is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions, too often individuals forget they are signing into a contract with terms and policies. BBB of New Hampshire provides some helpful questions to ask when starting your new membership.
New Year gym promotions and sales are all over the radio and TV networks. Whether you are an avid gym goer or are just getting starting with your gym regime, you have most likely paid attention to these gym discounts. Although everyone loves a good sale, BBB is cautioning new members to be on the lookout for introductory offers used to lure consumers into gyms. Understand the terms of the offer and know whether the price of your membership will change once the introductory period is over.
It is often forgotten that most gym contracts renew automatically each consecutive year. If you are thinking about signing up for the membership for just one year, you'll be surprised to see the bills keep on coming. So how can you cancel your membership once you are ready to call it quits? Canceling your membership normally takes more than just notifying the service desk. There could be stipulations regarding the cancellation policy, such as needing to cancel in writing, at least 30 days prior to the next billing cycle, or you may have to pay a cancelation fee. It is important to ask questions and carefully read through the cancellation policy to know what canceling your membership holds in store.
Is there a possibility that you may be moving in the near future? Gyms have a range of policies regarding moving which often depending on how far away you’re moving and if there are other locations nearby. If you are breaking your contract early, there will most likely be a moving fee that catches many people by surprise. If you are contemplating moving in the near learn the gym’s policies before getting a surprising bill at your new address.
Have you ever thought about what would happen if your gym went out of business? Your contract may be automatically transferred to a different location that is inconvenient for you. If this is the case, will the cancellation policy still hold? Knowing the answer to these questions may be worthwhile if you are ever caught in the situation.
When signing into any contract, BBB advises consumers to carefully read over the terms, conditions, and policies set-forth by the company. What if you are verbally promised something that violates the contract? A signed contract will stand against any verbal agreement. Get all verbal promises in writing and keep them in a safe place in case you ever need to back up your claims.
When starting your gym membership, be sure to ask questions, know the cost, and carefully read the contract so you can find the right gym for the new you!
About the BBB - BBB is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. The BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Reliability Business Reviews on businesses and BBB Wise GivingReportsTM on charities, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, your BBB also offers dispute resolution services for consumers and businesses. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 125 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada. Please visit www.concord.bbb.org for more information.