Here is what happened to me and countless other parents.
I responded to a card in my childs backpack that the school had distributed for East West Karate. It was a "special" for 2 private lessons, free uniform, 2 free weeks of classes for $29.00. I took both of my kids ages 4 & 5 and the day we went, they got their uniform & free lesson. They thought is was fun. The sales pressure started 2 days later when I went back for their second private lesson. The manager, asked me to come into his office to tell me about the karate specials they were running until the end of the month. A 3 month contract for $129 per child, no enrollment free or any other costs. I decided to sign them up. I was told that if I did not cancel after the 3 months it would automatically bill for another 6 months. I assumed that it meant $258 for each child.
They went to the classes and everything was fine. Then when the 3 months was over, I received another contract for $200 PER MONTH for both kids for an additional six months. He tried to also make me pay an additional $190 enrollment fee but I said that was crazy and I would go somewhere else, so Barry Van Over said he would waive it because he liked my kids.
When it was time for them to get a new belt, I was charged $50.00 for a new belt. They sell them for a few dollars each (to other karate schools that are a part of united professionals)! What a ripoff.
After the six months, I told barry that I could no longer send the kids to karate because I did not like their new instructors (the instructors that taught my children quit) and I thought his prices where too high. I gave them a letter saying I would not renew and wanted my contract canceled. I gave the letter to Barry's wife and walked away. A few minutes later (they thought I left the building) I heard Barry yell at his wife and say "do not ever accept another letter from anyone wanting to cancel. I will not cancel any contracts for any reason, you are supposed to convince people to stay!)
ASF (the company that "buys" all of these contracts) said too bad, we will not cancel unless the children become disabled. I informed my bank to put a stop to the automatic withdrawals of $200 per month. I later started getting collections call and letters from ASF for $1400. I do know that ASF pays the karate schools a set amount and that is why they use them.
In the meantime, East West Karate is know known as "Premier" run by the man known as Doyle McMahon. Barry Van Over is the VP of United Professionals/Premier Management Group. All of the marketing materials show Barry Van Over & his step daughter Devin on everything.
All these players want is more signups, more contracts, more students. They forgot about the teaching aspect and they have taken the true meaning out of the DOJO!
Debbie
Knoxville, Tennessee
U.S.A.