|
 |
Attorney General Mike DeWine
DeWine Offers
Gym Membership Tips
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today offered advice
for consumers who plan to join a fitness center in the New Year.
“If you’re joining a gym, review the contract before you sign it,”
Attorney General DeWine said. “Understand how long you have to cancel
and whether the contract will renew automatically. If a salesperson
says you can cancel at any time or use multiple facilities with your
membership, make sure those claims are included in the written
contract, and keep a copy for your records.”
In 2015, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office received approximately 170
complaints involving fitness or health club memberships. Top problem
areas included billing and cancellation issues.
Under Ohio’s Prepaid Entertainment Contracts Act, consumers generally
have three business days to cancel a contract for health spa services
(such as a gym membership), martial arts training, dance studio
lessons, or social referral services (such as a dating service).
Cancellations should be in writing.
Before signing a contract with a fitness center, consumers should:
Search for complaints on file with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office
or Better Business Bureau, and check online reviews for feedback from
current or past customers.
Read the contract carefully and make sure verbal agreements are
included in writing.
Determine the total cost, including any extra fees for fitness classes
or personal training.
Find out if payments will be withdrawn automatically.
Understand the cancellation policy and whether the contract will renew
automatically.
Check the length of the contract. It should not exceed three years.
Consumers who want to learn more about their rights or those who need
help solving a consumer problem should contact the Ohio Attorney
General’s Office at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or 800-282-0515.
|
|
|
|
