Was on FB Saturday and a link came up for a gym around the corner where they were sprucing a 'free' 6 week training course where you get 3 training session per week, body composition scanning, nutritional guidance amongst other things. It was 'open to the first 20 sign ups' and 'spots were filling fast'. Even had the typical Ends January 12. It said it was 'free' because in return they just want solid testimonials. Reading later I saw some FB post saying it was great and that they would be receiving their refund per the promotion.
I was thinking of doing with someone I know and after enquiring about the offer they said no problems come on in for the initial consult. Anyway so I sent the other party along as I could not make tonight. Suspected the initial sign up and refund aspect. Get a call towards the end of their consult saying the cost was $70 per week but no mention of the refund. The $70 covers the training and that in the physical paperwork it says 'you can divorce us after 6 weeks'. I suspected it would be one of these things where you need to cancel.
Anyway she was also asked to fill in details on an ipad and when she asked now what the guy scrolled through 'quite a bit of text' and said 'sign here'. When leaving she asked for a copy of the paper form and he said don't worry about it you can collect that on Saturday when you come for the shopping list (nutrition related).
Upon getting home she receives two emails. One from a debit company and the other from the gym saying thanks for signing up, then has her digital signature under a short summary saying she has committed to an open-ended $70 per week plan for a minimum term of 8 months totally $2,450. There is a 48 hour cooling off period.
Technically I'm not sure that they have broken any laws as the form she signed made reference to 'divorcing after 6 weeks'. I haven't read anything about people having problems cancelling after 6 weeks. I'm wondering whether this is simply a case of being somewhat deceptive/unethical or whether such practice may be illegal?
Ordinarily I don't particularly mind paying for the 6 weeks (it's a supplementary card) if I thought it would get results but the manner in which they have gone about it makes me pretty certain to can it. She asked about whether she can pay up front and they guy said something along the lines that it's better to pay each week.
Buyer beware or something that can be reported to an ombudsman of sorts? This is in Oz but if such tactics can be considered illegal in North America / UK etc then I might follow it up further.
I was thinking of doing with someone I know and after enquiring about the offer they said no problems come on in for the initial consult. Anyway so I sent the other party along as I could not make tonight. Suspected the initial sign up and refund aspect. Get a call towards the end of their consult saying the cost was $70 per week but no mention of the refund. The $70 covers the training and that in the physical paperwork it says 'you can divorce us after 6 weeks'. I suspected it would be one of these things where you need to cancel.
Anyway she was also asked to fill in details on an ipad and when she asked now what the guy scrolled through 'quite a bit of text' and said 'sign here'. When leaving she asked for a copy of the paper form and he said don't worry about it you can collect that on Saturday when you come for the shopping list (nutrition related).
Upon getting home she receives two emails. One from a debit company and the other from the gym saying thanks for signing up, then has her digital signature under a short summary saying she has committed to an open-ended $70 per week plan for a minimum term of 8 months totally $2,450. There is a 48 hour cooling off period.
Technically I'm not sure that they have broken any laws as the form she signed made reference to 'divorcing after 6 weeks'. I haven't read anything about people having problems cancelling after 6 weeks. I'm wondering whether this is simply a case of being somewhat deceptive/unethical or whether such practice may be illegal?
Ordinarily I don't particularly mind paying for the 6 weeks (it's a supplementary card) if I thought it would get results but the manner in which they have gone about it makes me pretty certain to can it. She asked about whether she can pay up front and they guy said something along the lines that it's better to pay each week.
Buyer beware or something that can be reported to an ombudsman of sorts? This is in Oz but if such tactics can be considered illegal in North America / UK etc then I might follow it up further.
