With my new Medicare plan, I get to visit certain gyms for free. (Really, this is something that all insurance companies ought to do, but oh well.) One of the gyms is less than a quarter mile from my house: Bally’s.
When I went to find the phone number — I wanted to find out what, if anything, I needed to bring — I found out that Bally’s no longer has its infamous contract terms. You can simply go month to month.
Now, maybe I’m just clueless and this has been true for awhile, but as I recall, Bally’s always required a monster two-year contract. Plus the ubiquitous joining fee (which seems to exist simply so that it can be waived).
That was enough to drive a lot of people away — and probably brought in tons of revenue for Bally’s, since I’ve heard a zillion stories about signing up for the gym and not going. But on a two-year contract that’s a big deal!
So, assuming this is a relatively new change that the store has made, do you think it’s a sign that the recession has made merchants more desperate? Or, at least, more realistic?
Anyone else see any signs of the times in day-to-day life?
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Bally's has had the month to month option for at least two years as that's when I stopped going there and they tried to switch me to it then. I have had two friends that went to the same location that signed up for month to month, only to find out they had been converted to a 36 month contract without their approval. Luckily, I have smart friends and consulting with the BBB and att. general was enough to get them out of it (that and the fact that the contracts were unsigned by them), but a quick search online says that it is pretty standard practice with Bally's.
If you do go there, don't sign ANYTHING!!!!
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Abigail Reply:
June 8th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
Christina,
Good to know for other people, but the membership is through my Medicare program. But once again a good reminder to READ THE TERMS!
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Christina Reply:
June 8th, 2010 at 5:59 pm
I understand, but I just wanted to warn you in case they present you with a stack of paperwork when you get there. I'm sure they'll make you sign a liability waiver and so-forth.
And the problem with my friends' contracts was that it was NOT in the terms that they signed. The 'contract' that Bally's supplied to verify the 36 month term was neither shown to them, nor was it signed by them (which is why they eventually got out of it, but not before being charged automatically for several months).
[Reply]
Christina Reply:
June 8th, 2010 at 5:59 pm
I understand, but I just wanted to warn you in case they present you with a stack of paperwork when you get there. I'm sure they'll make you sign a liability waiver and so-forth.
And the problem with my friends' contracts was that it was NOT in the terms that they signed. The 'contract' that Bally's supplied to verify the 36 month term was neither shown to them, nor was it signed by them (which is why they eventually got out of it, but not before being charged automatically for several months).
[Reply]
Abigail Reply:
June 8th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
Christina,
Good to know for other people, but the membership is through my Medicare program. But once again a good reminder to READ THE TERMS!
[Reply]
I think some merchants have become more desperate, especially the ones who sell items that get cut out of the budget first when times are lean. One example is furniture retailers.
I bought a set of mattresses three years ago at Denver Mattress and got the standard treatment. Not bad treatment, just standard. About a year later, I went back to purchase two bed pillows because I liked the mattress set a lot and figured the pillows would be just as good. A few days later, I received a lovely thank you card in the mail! For buying pillows! Have to admit, it was nice to be acknowledged for my business. But I'd never experienced anything like that before.
I also noticed that sales staff in other stores were making a point to welcome me when I walked in the door and offer there assistance much sooner and more graciously than ever before. Guess I look like I've got more disposable income than I do. ;o)
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Retailers more desperate/ realistic: It seems like more and more eateries are offering smaller affordable meals, or just more affordable meals. Like the Taco Bell 2$ meals, or the TGI Friday's 3-course packages. I'm especially happy for the micro-meal offerings since I've been trying to cut back on food.
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