You should not require contracts for Karate for kids is her point. Of course the employees are going to say such things. Even if it is in FULL RED PRINT like you stated. The consumer relies on you to fully explain the cost, I agree with Elisabeth! You pray on parents with younger childern who want to see their childern do the best they can! Of course, they sign a contract cause they trust what you say and you do not fully disclose the amount you end up paying or what is in the contract. Childerns Karate classes should NOT require a contract and Elisabeth is making sure other parents do not make the same mistake we did. I will advocate and have discouraged parents in the JACKSONVILLE area not to ever sign up with ATA and go to a karate place who does not require such a lengthy commitment from a child or parent to sign. If it was classes for me then that would be a different story, we are talking about childern under the age of 18!
A parent only wants the best for their child and your company takes advantage of that!!.. I still am paying my obligation for your contract unwillingly and have not defaulted on my contract but your companies reputation in Jacksonville is getting worse with you not willing to work with parents and cancelling contracts at a negotiable rate for a child under the age of 18 it will only get worse.
I personally have told my story to other parents and have had at least 3 to 4 parents thank me for letting them know as they were thinking of signing up. Again, I am still paying my obligation to your company and have contacted you 3 times, 2 by letter and once to the "new instructors" ( think there have been 3 in the past 3 years at the PV location) but I will never recommend you to anyone in Jacksonville and will make sure to keep posting on the internet and facebook my story to warn other parents not to go ATA. You should treat consumers better!
I have had 2 bad experiences with your instructors in the PV location that have warranted for us not to return since last year. I am sure there are good instructors out there but I like Elisabeth would discourage others not to go and sign a contract with your company.
Also, when you mention Cell companies or gym companies (btw gyms do not require contracts anymore) they have cancellations fees that only range 200 to 400 rather then paying over 3,000 to cancel a contract like your company requires instead of a standard cancel fee, at least have a negotiable cancel fee!!....
Your company should get rid of contracts..
