Consumer complaints against physical fitness centres have risen significantly in the first half of this year.
Between January and June 2004, the Consumer Council received a total of 143 cases compared with 195 in 2003 and 159 in 2002.
Here are some important points which consumers should pay heed:
- Be sceptical of sales traps
Do not be easily taken in by offers of "free trial" and "special discount" which sound too good to be true. And do not hastily make a deposit or hand over personal document unless you are completely clear about the offer. - Think before you sign
Never sign any document which you do not clearly understand. If you are unfamiliar with the English language, ask for a Chinese translation for reference. - Membership termination provisions
Find out about such things as the procedures, notification period, penalty and fees and charges, etc. - Risk of prepayment
Assess your own financial ability and the real need for such service in the long term, and find out about other options of payment such as on a monthly or per lesson basis. - Remember to cancel "auto payment"
If you have made such payment arrangement, make sure you have formally notified the fitness centre of your membership termination, as well as your bank or credit card centre, to avoid unauthorized charging.
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