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Question: My son signed a contract with a health club. After the
first couple of months, he ran out of time and money and wanted out of
the contract. The club wasn't willing to work things out with him at
all. I think they were terrible, not to cancel his contract.
Answer: Your son just got a good douse of reality early in life.
I think most adults have their own stories about contracts signed that
they severely regretted later. Your son isn't the only one. Consumer
agencies report that many Consumers quit using health clubs within a few
months.
When an individual reaches the age of 18, he or she is
responsible for decisions and actions they make. Signing contracts is
both a privilege and a responsibility. Here are some things to think
about before signing a contract. I'll focus specifically on health club
contracts, but the ideas apply in most situations.
For the most part, it is best not to sign a contract on the
spot. Some health clubs will want you to sign right away, and they may
offer extra, special incentives if you sign immediately. Unless you've
done some shopping and thinking about the financial and time commitment,
it is best to resist these "good deals." Generally, you can make a
better decision if you take the information home, read it carefully, and
wait a few days before making a final decision.
Contracts are agreements between you and the club. Make sure
that everything you've been promised is written in the contract. If you
end up in a disagreement, the contract will be the critical piece of
information. With promises made in conversation, it is almost impossible
to prove who is right.
Some of the questions you'll want to ask are -- is there a trial
period? Although it may cost more per month, it will be less costly in
the long run if you decide not to renew. Can you get a refund if you
need to cancel? Although it may not seem reasonable at the time that you
might want to cancel, you may have an accident, have to move, or simply
find that you can't keep up with the payments.
Let's say you do sign a contract on the spur of the moment. When
you get home, you realize this isn't what you really want to do.
Colorado law allows you three business days to cancel the contract. For
proof, you must cancel in writing. Because time is short, you'll
probably want to deliver your written cancellation statement and have
one of the employees at the health club sign that they received your
document.
Health clubs have different policies. You should check with the
local Better Business Bureau before visiting health clubs to
determine if there are unresolved complaints about any of them.
Last of all, you must decide if a long-term membership works for
you. It is not unusual for people's good intentions to fade in a short
period of time.
If you have a computer, you can check Consumer information about
health clubs at the Federal Trade Commission web site -
www.frc.gov. Or
write to the FTC for their list of Consumer publications: Public
Reference, Room 130, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, D.C.
20580-0001. Request the publication "Consumer & Business Publications."
Educators can receive bulk orders up to 200 copies.
If you would like a copy of a Colorado brochure detailing Consumer law
for health clubs, please call (970) 491-7610 and leave your mailing address.
For more information, contact your local
Colorado State University Extension office.
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