Banned Over $8 Late Fee - Another spa/gym scandal?

[Fredrico]

FITNESS CLUB'S $3,000 LIFE MEMBERS

Banned over late $8 fee

 

Published on Sep 20, 2011

 

 

MY HUSBAND and I signed up for lifetime memberships with California Fitness in 2006 and we paid $3,000 each. We patronised the gym regularly until last year when we became irregular because of work commitments.

 

When we tried to use the gym this year, we were told that our memberships had been revoked because we had not paid the annual administrative fee of $8 on time last year.

 

Imagine our shock on learning that our combined membership value of $6,000 had been thrown out of the window because of late payment of a small administrative charge.

 

When we signed up for the membership, the salesperson did inform us of the annual $8 administrative fee but did not give the remotest indication that our membership would be revoked without notice if we failed to pay it within a certain deadline.

 

When we called California Fitness' head office here about it, a receptionist heard us out and promised to get back. After just 10 minutes, she telephoned to inform us that the fitness club's Hong Kong head office, which is authorised to make such decisions, had rejected our appeal.

 

When we tried to reason with her, she brusquely replied that the decision was final and we could complain to the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) if we were dissatisfied.

 

We remain baffled. We were not apprised of the serious repercussions arising from late payment of the administrative fee when we signed up.

 

Even if that were so, surely the gym should only require us to settle the fee before proceeding to use the facilities, which is a common practice in other establishments.

 

What is the nature of a life membership like the one California Fitness sold us which pivots on the timely payment of an administrative charge of comparatively negligible value compared to the price of the life membership?

 

Were our memberships revoked because we no longer offered fresh revenue?

 

Charmayne Lim (Ms)

 

 

[Jman888]

call Jacky Chan, he is the spoke man

[Mockngbrd]

kenna snook

[Takumi21]

wow.. $3,000 to use the gym.. public gym only cost $2.50.. i can go how many times???

[Hamburger]

thats why i do push up at home.....its free

[Old-driver]

First and foremost the fee of $3000 is extorbitant life-time member but the establishment can fold anytime and it can be as soon as tomorrow.

Selling life-membership and ban ppl over 8 miserable bucks in arrears is uncalled for.

[Acemundo]

wow.. $3,000 to use the gym.. public gym only cost $2.50.. i can go how many times???

 

public gym equipment so bare minimum, plus the queuing time for equipment, weights already kill whatever interest in gym one has.

[SimonTan]

Such ponzi structured business...sure will need austerity or reorganization sooner or later.

 

Why not factor the $8 yearly fees into a onetime collection for the next 30years.

Only cost $240 and can really be worry free!!

 

Really cunning business strategy!

 

[Maxus-MIFA9]

public gym equipment so bare minimum, plus the queuing time for equipment, weights already kill whatever interest in gym one has.

 

well, if you got friends staying in condo, make use of it like I do ......

 

after few weeks, the guards know you well and they didn't even stop you .....

 

I find most gym in condo undeused during day time, condo maids only use swimming pool & spa ....

[Mustank]

must as well just safra, cheaper somemore

 

http://www.safra.sg/page.aspx?pageid=99

 

Edited September 20, 2011 by Mustank

[Acemundo]

well, if you got friends staying in condo, make use of it like I do ......

 

after few weeks, the guards know you well and they didn't even stop you .....

 

I find most gym in condo undeused during day time, condo maids only use swimming pool & spa ....

 

frankly speaking, gym condo equipment level is also quite basic. the only thing good is the under utilization.

 

actually not all condo security guard are so friendly. my previous condo, even resident have to sign in, much less giving non-resident a chance to use.

 

in any case, what i tryign to say is the comparison is biased. such gyms have classes, spas, comprehensive equipment, weights etc. common gyms would be much below their equipment/classes level.

 

like saying char kway teow lunch cost $3 at hawker centre while a dish in restaurant cost $60

Edited September 20, 2011 by Acemundo

[Kangadrool]

Never buy any services on pre-paid basis no matter how reputable the companies are (except mobile pre-paid service).

[Tayspiderx]

Din they closed their orchard outlet to H&M?

[SimonTan]

Most gym goers just do treadmills and simple weights. So a condo gym is more than enough.

Not say they want to train until like mr. Universe.

 

Yes...best is never to pay for membership upfront.

 

 

 

[Tayspiderx]

Dun know abt Safra but Home Team gym are in ulu locations...bukit batok, balestier & Sembawang

[Acemundo]

Din they closed their orchard outlet to H&M?

 

i think h&m eyed the venue and paid the landlord a handsome rental contract.

 

california orchard relocated to ngee ann city

[Maxus-MIFA9]

Dun know abt Safra but Home Team gym are in ulu locations...bukit batok, balestier & Sembawang

Ha ha.... reach there always landed in the Jackpot room ....

 

Condo gym better although less equipment but as well as the basic is there, everything is fine with me .....

[Acemundo]

Never buy any services on pre-paid basis no matter how reputable the companies are (except mobile pre-paid service).

 

hehe, my prepaid mobile phone card kena makaned many times.

 

crime because i didn't do top ups in 6 months' time even though i didn't use up the credits.

 

any business will want regular income stream+minimum committment