Golds Gym
Ripoff dishonest business practice, ignores requests, calls

Last year after Dr Phil (briefly) endorsed Gold's Gym 2 Week Trial Membership, I decided to stop in and investigate. Two hours later I had signed a 2 YEAR, automatic draft payment, membership.

Now before you think I'm an easy-sell fool, let me explain. I was adamant about a two week membership only, as I wasn't sure I could commit to more due to aging parents who need care and an ungodly work schedule. The salesman (let's not delude ourselves and call them trainers or coaches) saw his opportunity and played on these two things until I was exhausted and in tears.

He also noted my 30 excess pounds was probably why I was single and he realized I must be very lonely. No, I'm not kidding.

If I didn't sign for a full membership, then why was I wasting either of our time? He asked. Was I serious or wasn't I? It isn't like I couldn't change my mind, he assured. If I move at least 30 miles I could cancel, or if I changed my mind within 3 days just give him a call and he'd convert it to a trial.

The next day, reality set in and before even 24 hours was up, I called to cancel. He wasn't there (or was he?) but I was assured it would be taken care of and invited to come back in for the trial membership. I didn't.

Every month since then my credit card has been charged, and apparently will be until the two year membership has elapsed. Phone calls are ignored, never returned, and even the receptionist at this facility admits "I hear a lot of that, ma'am." when I explain that I'm not blaming her, just want resolution and am furious with being scammed and then ignored.

I did get through to their 'corporate' office here in NC (Charlotte? Who knows) once, if you count beig connected to the most arrogant voice mail ever who informed me that "I get a lot of calls and will return your call when I can, but it may be a while.' I don't doubt she gets a lot of calls. A LOT.

When this person finally called back, she was so sympathetic to my experience that she suggested I BUY OUT my membership - you know, the one I've never used - for a mere $175. But she wasn't sure I could have that price, and she wasn't promising, it 'may be more'.

Repeated calls to Gold's Gym left for Troy, the manager-du-jour, go unanswered. The man who signed me up that day?"We can't verify your story because he no longer works here." How convenient.

An attorney told me years ago that any gym worth a dime will allow you to pay month-to-month and strive to keep you as a customer. And one who insists you debit and purchase a contract knows you won't be happy - and that should be your red flag. Shame on me for not remembering this in time. How true it is.

Before you think this is simply *my" local gym, BEWARE: I've called and sent emails to Gold's Gym Corporate and still have no reply from them, either.

As an independent contractor who travels the state, you can bet I am relaying my experience with this shameful company to everyone who will listen, as well as utilizing the internet, blogs, feedback to Dr Phil of my experience, and emails to friends with requests that they forward to everyone in their address books.

Company: Golds Gym
Country: USA
State: North Carolina
City: CHARLOTTE
Address: 8109 UNIVERSITY CITY BLVD
Phone: 7045480202

  <     >