You've made the decision and it was your New Year's resolution - you're going to get in shape. And this time you mean it. To force yourself to keep that promise, you even handed money over to a gym to ensure that you won't back down.
But like many good intentions, the reality often doesn't match the dream. The place isn't what you thought and you just don't have the time to really get there. And you think you've made a big mistake. Can you get your money back from the company and what does it take to break the membership contract you signed when you handed over your credit card number or the cash?
Here's what the law in
Ontario
says about joining these kinds of clubs.
Buyer's Remorse
Sometimes you join a gym and find you either aren't really going to go, you don't like the atmosphere or it's simply not the right facility for you. Under the Consumer Protection Act, you have 10 days to change your mind. If you do it within that time period, you can cancel the contract and get a full refund, which must be given within 15 days.
Limited Membership
Call this provision of that same Act a way to protect you from yourself. It limits the membership you can sign up for to just one year. That way if you change your mind after the 10 day period or the club suddenly closes its doors and slinks off into the night, you're not stuck with a worthless lifetime deal in a place that no longer exists.
Payment Plans
The clubs may try and pressure you into signing a long term deal with them, promising a better rate. But be aware that under the law, they must also present you with the option of paying by the month. The bill may be 25 per cent more, but you have the option to leave or renew every 30 days and if the club closes or you find you can't go, you'll lose a lot less money.
Agreeing On the Agreement
If there's something in a contract or a deal you signed that either wasn't disclosed or wasn't delivered, you have the right to cancel the contract within a year of signing up for it.
Beware of Hidden Charges
It's against the law for any business to charge you hidden fees and they have to explain what they're for. Collecting a 'surcharge' for a non-existent tax is illegal. Make sure you ask what every expense listed on the deal is for.
Laying Down The Law
The clubs have to cooperate. If a person is found guilty of violating the Consumer Protection Act, they could be liable for fines up to $50,000 and two years in prison. Corporations or businesses may have to fork over $250,000 in cash for an infraction.
Source:
Ministry of Government and Consumer Services
See quick tips on what to look for before you sign anything
More tips can be found in the video on this story or you can
see Consumer Specialist Jee-Yun Lee's blog here.