How do I get out of a 3 yr contract with Ballys after 5 months without moving or medical reasons?

Question

I only wanted to use their trainer but i was told to sign a 3 yr contract to do so. I was told I can cancel within 30 days but then I was told it was too late. When I called, they said then told me that I had to to write them at most 10 days after the 30 day period, if they told me that, that would have been the first thing I wouldve done!!! am a full time college student with no way to pay for it. I am willing to pay a cancellation fee but NO WAY am I going to shuck out over $1000 ! I have checked MI laws to no avail so has anyone faced a similar situation or have any advice?

I only wanted to use their trainer but i was told to sign a 3 yr contract to do so. I did not do it to get "something for nothing" but the the quality of the gym was subpar at best but I stuck with it until I came in and found it hard to get a machine. If the gym was quality, I wouldnt have any problems with it. I was told I can cancel within 30 days but then I was told it was too late. When I called, they said then told me that I had to to write them at most 10 days after the 30 day period, if they told me that, that would have been the first thing I wouldve done!!! am a full time college student with no way to pay for it. I am willing to pay a cancellation fee but NO WAY am I going to shuck out over $1000 ! I have checked MI laws to no avail so has anyone faced a similar situation or have any advice?

To clear up the confusion, I had to use the gym at least 12 times within 30 days. I called to cancel but they said that I would not be able to make up the 12 visits prior to the 30 days. What they didnt tell me was that after the 30 days, I had 10 days to write in and have them review my case until just when I called this month. I stuck it out for 5 months but with getting there, the amount, and the condition of the gym, i cant do it anymore.

Answer 1

Yeah, i know since i am in a situation like that too. You can't cancel, and the only way to cancel is to pay off the rest of the amount in your contract. I had went over with Bally staffs and that's the only thing i can do. So i said what the heck, keep it and pay every month and go to the gym to exercise. .I'm sorry you didn't know that and if you can't pay off the whole amount, then pay monthly, and try to use the gym so your money won't be wasted for nothing.

Answer 2

You don't make sense. They told you that you had 30 days to cancel. When you spoke to them they said that you actually had 40 days- 30 plus an extra 10 to get your letter to them. So at what point did you actually try to cancel? If you had done it within the 30 day period as they clearly stated, you would not be too late because you still had ten days to write to them. So at what point were you told it was too late? Am I missing a key point here?

Ok- that makes more sense. Get a copy of your contract and see if it mentions the 12 visits thing. You should have just gone there and entered and left 12 times. I would not pay them and let them take me to court, stateing that you did actually try to cancel within the 30 days. Go to the gym and speak to a manager- tell them your story and see if they can help. Good luck.

Answer 3

The health places have a very clearly worded contract that is next to impossible to get out of.

You can cry all you want about them not telling you about the 30 day cancelation period...but if it's in your agreement you are stuck.

I live in Michigan and I've tried researching laws about this for a few people. I couldn't find anything helpfull.

Bottom line is you may be stuck.

Answer 4

Very simple - youve learned a crappy lesson. Next time NEVER sign a contract when they say " all you have to do is call and cancel later!" This is a scam that the sellers tell you in order to part you with your COMMON SENSE and to get you to sign on the line. Because they know what the majority of us forget - that your life will go one and you will completely forget about that 30 days trial version, and you will be on the hook.

You got scammed bro. Next time, NEVER sign a contract PERIOD. Besides, what were you doing? Trying to get something for free?

Answer 5

Unfortunately, you signed a legally binding contract.

You can negotiate with the gym for a cancellation fee, but they're completely in the right to charge you the montly dues through the completion of the contract if they want to.

Answer 6

learn to be more careful of the contracts you sign, don't try spending more than what you have, and dont be as scumy as to pull this stuff again. you joined the place and signed a 3year contract just so you can have a trainer for 30days and then cancel everything.. you were trying to use the system and that is disrespectful.

go talk to someone at Ballys and explain to them that you would like to get out of your contract.

Answer 7

Your problems may be solved as this company is likely going bankrupt anyway. But check for class action suits - there are many against Bally's. Join a locally based gym and forget the nationals I say. They typically don't have all those contract stipulations anyway. www.ballysucks.com and other sites are worth checking for a wealth of links and info regarding their unethical practices.

Answer 8

Get a lawyer.
But you may just end up losing more money.

Payment plans can usually be worked out with the help of a local credit councelling agency. Check your yellow pages for those and call a few up.

Or, since you're paying anyway, go back and work out.

Answer 9

I use to belong to Holiday Spa long time ago. These idiots automatically renew your membership and they hold you to it. Well, I had moved out of town and when I got my mail, there was this bill from them. I called them and they said I didn't cancel the renewal. I refused to pay and they reported me to the Credit Bureau. So be prepared. I would never have no stupid contracts like that.

Answer 10

See if they will let you sell your membership to someone else.