|
|
We get so many complaints about Bally Total Fitness, it's a workout just to sort through them. Maybe the most important thing to know about all health clubs is that the contracts are legally binding. If you want to cancel your membership, you must do it in the manner specified in the contract -- in writing, via certified mail, usually. Otherwise you end up like Kathleen (below).
Kathleen of Waterford, MI (8/4/05):
In April of 1990, I went to the Waterford Balley's (which at that time was
called Vic Tanney) with my sister-in-law to see what it was like. The girl
that met with us talked me into joining. After I filled all the paperwork
out, she told me that I needed to bring back a cancelled check to verify my
checking account. She also informed me that if I wanted to cancel that I
should contact them within 4 days. The following day I called and cancelled
the membership. I was then under the impression that everything was taken
care of.
Now 15 years later, as I am trying to get my finances in order to buy a
house, I find out that I was turned over to a collection agency and I owe
over $1100.00 to Balley�s. 15 years later!
Rebecca of Orange Park, FL August 24, 2008
Rebecca of Orange Park FL (08/24/08)
I paid for two 12-month memberships on 6/20/08. Ballys closed two months later. I am requesting a refund for services not received.
Wull of Noth Hills, CA August 23, 2008
Wull of Noth Hills CA (08/23/08)
Well my contract is already due and i expect that my payment will go lower from 35 a mo. to 12 as it says on the contract, but they charge me instead 17. They say they charge me 17 its becoz i stop paying electronically but its not true they keep on charging me electronically and i didnt miss any payment. I keep on calling thier customer service they say theres nothing they can do about it.
Amber of Bothell, WA August 19, 2008
Amber of Bothell WA (08/19/08)
I had a membership that started on Feb. 28, 2006 and all was well. When Feb. 2007 rolled around, I finished my year and decided that I didn't want the membership anymore, so I called and canceled. Should be fine right? WRONG. I found out 18 months later, that they never canceled my account and charged me the entire time. When I called to find out what was going on, they told me that they couldn't find record of my phone call and would have to have a supervisor contact me after investigating. I want my money back!! just for the 18 months they secretly charged me. I was told 18 months ago that my membership was canceled. As far as I am concerned, they have robbed me and my family. My husband and I will be contesting the credit card funds.
This has put a burden on our family. Since I canceled my membership, we had another baby, and all that money they stole could have been used for something useful,like DIAPERS or FOOD... Joyce of Torrance, CA August 19, 2008
Joyce of Torrance CA (08/19/08)
8/18/08 I use facilities in Torrance on Hawthorne Blvd. Today at around 10:00 am, I asked one of the men custodians for paper towel as the dispenser in the back is empty. (The custodian is the younger one of the two.) He looked at me with disgust in his face, like how dare I talk to him about such matters. He spoke in gibberish meaning it was neither English nor Spanish , as I speak both languages. This guy always says when asked about custodial supplies, That's not my job.
I then went to the front office and asked for the office manager, (Sergio). I was told he has not come in yet. I then asked who manages the store when Sergio is not around. The person who wears a red shirt ( a trainer, I suppose), shrugged his shoulders and said it's just us. (other two women conversing in front, behind the counter). I asked him I just want some paper towel. Again the same refrain, that's not my job. I told this employee that the center requires customers to wipe off their sweat after equipment use and I need the paper towel to follow the center's rules. Also, my husband says that the men's restroom is not up to par or not totally clean specially, Sundays. Amanda of Hayward, CA August 18, 2008
Amanda of Hayward CA (08/18/08)
I have been with Bally's for approximately 4 years and for the past year or so some instructors have come up with the idea to charge an extra 5 for 2 hr. spinning for example. I feel that we are already paying a fee/month and we have paid our dues and should not be obligated to pay any more money for classes. In fact, Bally's Hayward used to have 2 hr classes on Mondays w/ a gentleman named Paul. No extra charges were added then. Why now? I can see charging non-members for the class, but not existing members. There are other members who feel the same way, but sometimes get talked into paying extra.
I know it is unlawful to do this, not to mention, not part of our contracts. Some of these instructors are awesome, but that is not an excuse to charge extra for a class they want to offer, especially when it has been offered in the past without extra fees. It is bad enough that there is poor maintenance on some of the equipment and generally it takes a while before bikes, for example, are repaired.
If instructors are willing to teach or lead a class for an extra hour because it will increase motivation and health in its members, it should not come with a sign attached. In todays difficult times, managers should be more conscious of money issues for people are barely making it and are making sacrifices to pay a membership for a mutual goal: live healthier.
It is has been become a burden to take a 2 hr. classes because of the extra cost. Therefore, if a family of three or even two take this class, it's an extra 10/wk, something not all of us can afford. I feel it is unfair and illegal to add charges (to pocket) at our expense.
Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.
|
|
|
MOST-VIEWED PAGES
|
|
NEW COMPLAINTS
|
|
|
Print This 
Email This
