I signed up with Main Street Fitness in Bozeman, MT on a promotional 2 year membership agreement. The owner Mike Murgatroy, set up my account with anautomatic payment directly debited from my checking account for $29.00 at the beginning of each month. After going through the written contract, I asked Mike what would happen if I needed to cancel my account before the 2 year agreement was completed. I was informed that moving to a different city in Montana would qualify as a legit means to cancel the membership agreement and waive any fees associated with terminating the agreement. After one year of membership my job required me to move away from the Bozeman area (which I had already anticipated previously to signing the contract). I asked the receptionist what was required to cancel my account with Main Street Fitness and was told I needed to submit proof of my relocation (such as a power bill or new rental lease). This was to be sent to First National Fitness in Utah, who acts as the billing department for The Main Street Gym. Which I thought was fairly strange and irritating. I signed up with The Main Street Gym to do business with them and no other outside company. I was not informed at the time of sign up that I would be dealing with a third party.
I sent a letter confirming my cancellation along with a copy of my new lease to First National Fitness at the end of Feb. Long story short, 7 months later (Sept '09) I was going through my checking account and realized that an automatic withdrawal for $29.00 was still being taken from my account every month dating back to Feb 09. I wish I would have caught it sooner, but sometimes it's hard to catch every little detail. I was furious and called Main Street Fitness immediately. The "manager" on duty stated that the noticed needed to be sent certified mail and there was nothing she could do for me, that I needed to contact First National Fitness and deal with them. Basically being pawned off on this other business that I didn't know existed. So I called First National Fitness, they informed me I needed to contact Main Street Fitness to sort everything out. On top of everything else, First National Fitness informed me they had not received my $50 cancellation fee. So at this point I was already out $203 for the gym I didn't use, and now had a $50 cancellation fee that Mike Murgatroy (the owner) told me to not worry about and could waive.
As of 11/29 Main Street Fitness has done absolutely nothing. They will not get me a copy of the agreement I "signed" and First National Fitness (whoever they are), will not discuss the matter any further and demands the $50 payment (which the Main Street Gym receives according to the representative at FNS) or be turned over to collection. I have spoke to owner Mike Murgatroy after the desk manager was unhelpful and he was very rude and answered everything with "it's in the contract". He was cold on the phone and offered no sympathy in any way shape or form. Poor business ethics.
consumer beware. Main Street Fitness will try and bleed you dry for every cent. Cancellation fees will not be waived and your membership cannot be canceled very easily. Make sure you put a "STOP PAYMENT" on your checking account to cancel any further charges and make sure to call First National Fitness to ensure they "receive" your cancellation letter and proof of new residence if you find yourself in my position.
I will never recommend anyone do to business with Main Street Fitness in Bozeman, MT. They DO NOT value their customers and will kick you to the curb once you are finished as a member. DO NOT sign up with The Main Street Gym and give into their promotional gimmicks.
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