Make Sure All’s Fine Before You Sign on the Dotted Line

Here are some tips to avoid being ripped off when joining an athletic club.

Comparison Shop First

* Contracts, like merchandise, differ from one club to the next. Take the time to be an informed consumer and know your rights.

Visit the Health Club

During the Hours You Plan

to Use It

* Health clubs can be very crowded at peak hours such as mornings and early evenings.

Read the Contract Carefully

* If you don’t understand something, ask questions. Read every word, especially the small print.

Before Signing Be Aware

of the Following:

* Rules and regulations of the health club.

* Initiation, processing and/or start-up fees.

* Finance and late charges.

* Monthly membership dues and how they are to be paid.

* Terms of cancellation.

* Address of corporate office.

Never Be Rushed

* If you have doubts about the purchase, go home and think about it before signing. Never sign the contract just to get rid of a high-pressure salesperson, especially if you cannot afford the purchase. Statements that you must sign today to get a good deal are rarely true.

Don’t Sign a Contract

With Blank Spaces

* Cross-out any blank spaces on the contract and any paragraphs that do not apply to your purchase.

* Initial any changes to the contract.

Get All the Promises

in Writing

* Make sure that the deal the salesperson has promised you is in the contract. Often times, consumers find that the contract terms are different from the deal the salesperson has promised.

* If you’ve been promised something extra, make sure the salesperson adds it to your written contract.

* If the salesperson won’t do this, don’t sign.

Get a Copy of the Contract at the Time You Sign It

* You are entitled by law to receive a copy of the contract when you sign it.

You Have a Three-Day Right to Cancel

* You must cancel in writing to the address specified in the contract.

* Although not required, you should send your letter by certified mail with a return receipt requested. Keep a copy of the letter and return receipt for proof of delivery.

* In calculating the three-day period, do not count Sundays, holidays or the day you sign the contract.

Source: Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs