Blast Fitness recently bought out 39 Ballys Fitness locations, including the one in Amherst.
They are not honoring Bally's LIFETIME memberships.instead, they are requiring that you sign up using ABC Financial's Payment Processing. This is a violation of the original terms and conditions of the Ballys contract.
BEWARE, and look at the complaints against ABC FINANCIAL. I would not recommend doing business with any company that uses ABC Financial.
Also the NYS Attorney General's Office has set forth specific laws governing health clubs under New Yorks Health Club Services Act
No health club contract can exceed $3,600 per year (excluding tennis and racquet ball facilities);No health club contract can be for a term longer than 36 months;All health club contracts are cancelable within three days of the signing of the contract, and at any time for any of the following reasons: if the health club ceases to offer the services stated in the contract; if the consumer moves 25 miles from any health club operated by the seller; and if upon a doctors order, the consumer cannot receive the services as stated in the contract because of significant physical disability for a period in excess of six months. Such notices must appear on all health club contracts.
The health club must provide refunds within 15 days of such cancellation. Health clubs must file a bond or other type of financial security with the Secretary of State for the benefit of consumers who have pre-paid for their memberships in the event the club closes. Clubs must put a notice of this bond in all their contracts and must post this notice in their club. Clubs are exempted from this requirement if they do not offer pre-paid memberships, or if payments do not exceed $150,
memberships do not exceed one year and the contract does not contain an automatic renewal provision. Consumers can check to see if a club is bonded by calling (518) 474-4429, faxing (518) 473-6648 or writing the New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services, 8, One Commerce Plaza, 10th floor, 99 Washington Ave., Albany, N.Y.,
12231-0001.
All contracts which do not comply with the act are void and unenforceable. Aggrieved consumers can sue in small claims court where a consumer can receive an amount of not more than three times the actual damages plus reasonable attorneys fees.
0 comments