..................October 10, 2000..................
I always heard about crooked gym contracts, never thinking that I would get involved in something like that. Guess what…
Late February 2000 I went to sign up at the Midrand branch of this new and upcoming gym. It was located in my area, open 24 hours and I was sure that I could join on the basis of my medical aid's vitality plan. All of these factors made me feel sure that the American Health & Sports was the gym for me.
Then came signing up… During this laborious session I was convinced (by a husband and wife consultant team) that although there were at the time talks of linking the gym with the vitality plan, that it would not be the reality for quite some time. So instead of paying R250, I had to pay more that R1000 for a short-term contract. So under protest I signed up - 18 months of fitness coming up! However as a matter of interest, I phoned a senior consultant at the medical aid firm; she assured me that their vitality plan was indeed linked to the American Health & Sports.
The thought that I was just nailed by a smooth talker from the gym infuriated me, so off to the gym I went. At confrontation the consultant told me that he was unaware of the vitality plan and that regretfully I had already signed on the dotted line. So I had to grin and bear it!
After about a week I had cooled down sufficiently to go back to training. I arrived, bag in hand, at my 24-hour gym; 10 o'clock at night and the gym was closed! This time I returned to the scene of the crime less friendly, insisting that my money be returned. This could not happen (remember the dotted line), so after a heated debate it was agreed that I would get an apology, T-shirt, and the opportunity to transfer my contract to someone of my choice at no extra charge.
This was great, matters seemed to be resolved, I even got the T-shirt, and I could do a good deed by finding someone less fortunate that might benefit from training at a gym. I put the word out, and thought that after some travels abroad, I would come back to an appreciative soul that would be keen to work their way into the spirit of summer. I was right, a friend of mine had been out of work for a couple of months, and he was in serious need of a self-esteem boost.
So, at the start of October 2000, I once again approached the gym, with the apt candidate, only to realize that my details weren't even on their system - after more than six months! The perpetual wheel of dismay was still turning. When I wanted to clear this matter up I had to learn that the team of consultants that were originally involved had been relocated, and no one knew anything about my contract. Further investigation by the new gym manager at least led to the uncovering of my hard-copy contract. The snag again came about when the guy who was supposed to take over the contract was told that he had to pay R395 in transfer fees. So much for good will and customer care!
After numerous explanations and pleas (even to top management) I am still still no better-off than nine months ago!
For question, or if something similar happened to you, please mail me at [email protected]