Anthony Yates
Many people join a gym to shed a few pounds or as a New Year’s resolution. It’s usually a smooth process. However, many gym goers find out it’s much easier to start a gym membership than cancel one. The FTC explains this is something they want to address.
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Per a scathing news release by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the agency is suing “LA Fitness and other gyms.” The FTC alleges the gyms make it “exceedingly difficult to cancel memberships and other services, which remain consistent until they are cancelled.”
The complaint claims that “tens of thousands of LA Fitness customers reported difficulties stopping their memberships.” More specifically, the FTC says cancellation is often restricted to certain times of the day. The process can also involve speaking to staff members who may not always be there. The news release names multiple gym chains with 3.7 million combined US members. It also points out that some memberships can cost between $30 and $299 monthly, not including various add-ons.
The FTC Blasts The Gym Cancellation Process As “Opaque And Complicated”
The FTC accuses LA Fitness of using “opaque and complicated methods” to make it difficult for consumers to cancel their memberships. Specifically, the agency takes aim at the archaic mail system, which requires customers to log in and print out a cancellation form.
They also point out that customers can just write a letter, but it’s unclear what information they should include. “LA Fitness has failed to clearly inform consumers that they can cancel add-on amenities and services individually, without affecting their gym membership,” the complaint reportedly reads. “For example, it failed to disclose that such services could be cancelled by virtually any gym employee,”
Finally, the news release claims that LA Fitness has trained staff to reject requests and to deny cancellations requested by phone or email, forcing people to visit in person. They also note that customers who attempt to bypass procedures by cancelling with the bank can face problems. Ultimately, the FTC claims LA Fitness practices violate the FTC Act and the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act.
The case will be decided in court.
