The Zoo Health Club Deceptive Advertising and Sales tactics Boynton Beach Florida

Dear Readers,

Daniel Dodson (from the Division of Consumer Affairs) and I had a conversation today about the above report. I explained to him that the author of the report was a disgruntled ex-employee.

Please note the author's acrimonious response to the President of the Franchise "calling him out" on March 19th.

This same ex-employee has gone the route of threatening and harassing staff to the point where a police report had to be filed. The Better Business Bureau conducted an independent investigation and removed his bogus reports from their website. He has been given a verbal warning from the police. He has also been warned by his current employer for professional conduct. He should be deeply ashamed of himself.

The staff of The Zoo Health Club will serve this community with all our heart. We have what I believe to be the best equipment in the world. We have several membership types to suit varying needs. The staff genuinely cares. We are located in a very convenient location. The facility and all equipment are brand new.

Let me welcome all of you into the facility. Please step in for a tour. The staff of The Zoo Health Club is proud to serve.

Sincerely,

Ray Wong
Owner & Proud To Serve
The Zoo Health Club Boynton Beach

You May Be Able to File a Complaint With the Palm Beach County Division of Consumer Affairs

Division of Consumer Affairs
50 S. Military Trail Suite #201
West Palm Beach, FL 33415
(561) 712-6600 - Ask for Investigator Daniel Dodson
(561) 712-6610 Fax

You May Be Able to File a Complaint With the Palm Beach County Division of Consumer Affairs

Division of Consumer Affairs
50 S. Military Trail Suite #201
West Palm Beach, FL 33415
(561) 712-6600 - Ask for Investigator Daniel Dodson
(561) 712-6610 Fax

You May Be Able to File a Complaint With the Palm Beach County Division of Consumer Affairs

Division of Consumer Affairs
50 S. Military Trail Suite #201
West Palm Beach, FL 33415
(561) 712-6600 - Ask for Investigator Daniel Dodson
(561) 712-6610 Fax

You May Be Able to File a Complaint With the Palm Beach County Division of Consumer Affairs

Division of Consumer Affairs
50 S. Military Trail Suite #201
West Palm Beach, FL 33415
(561) 712-6600 - Ask for Investigator Daniel Dodson
(561) 712-6610 Fax

It certainly sounds like the ads for this gym were quite misleading, and without knowing the going rate for memberships in the user's market, the fees do sound quite high. I would like to clarify however, that the user's remark about low end equipment is simply not accurate. Technogym is considered some of the best fitness equipment in the industry...in fact, it has been the sole supplier to the last 4 olympic and para-olympic games. It is a privately-owned Italian company, and is the second largest fitness equipment manufacturer in the world behind Life Fitness.

Who signs 36 month agreements anyway? or do you pitch and practice unethical sales terms to slip it by each consumer. Your gym layouts are garbage and your gym owners are ignorant and have no clue about fitness ! Lady Fitness of America was a disaster and a distant memory do you have any connection to that ? The Zoo Health Club is a generic over priced community hole in the wall gym. For half of the cost your able to step into a 24 Hour fitness or La Fitness with more choice and luxury. Oh and did I say Half the cost and month to month.

before you know it the zoo health club will be another failure; right next to the other gyms that failed to keep up with the times.

So lets all get a b.s. degree at Zoo university; where you will master the art of lies deception

In response to the Zoo Health Club negative report on 2/28/2009.

About a week ago we had to release one of our Zoo staff members from their duties. This person has made threats to the owner and other staff members and a police report had to be filed. It appears this report was written by someone that is knowledgeable about our business. This report contains specific words that we teach that are not common for the everyday person to use, such as to set a reservation instead of to set an appointment. The term that he went into the Presale office instead of he went to the gym is also a term that is not commonly used by the everyday person. Could it be possible that this report was written by that past Zoo staff member?

If so shame on you for telling lies and exaggerating the truth. With this individual using the words baited and switched, would this person happen to have experience in the used car business?

Part of the initial advertising campaign is direct post card mail outs and flyers to homes and businesses. We advertised NO CONTRACT OR $19.95 per month which is only two, of many membership options that we have to offer to accommodate the financial needs of the community.

We do offer a No Contract option for people that do not want to commit to a specific length of time. This is the most expensive option but is easy to join with no down payment. We also offer a membership for only $19.95 per month. This does have a down payment and is restricted to specific days, but was designed in consideration for the person that is willing to exercise during the traditionally slower workout days in a fitness facility. The most popular program, and the one that most people choose, is a 36 month term at an extremely affordable rate. For the person that has made the choice to live a healthy lifestyle, this is the most economical program. This membership option has a flexibility clause in case of relocation, extended travel, medical conditions, and even financial hardship. We also offer memberships that are paid up-front, 12 month term, 24 month term, Young at Heart Senior Citizens program, many company Corporate rates, Fit Teen Programs, just to name a few. In this financial down-turn, we know that one membership type will not work for all. That is why we work very hard with each individual to meet the needs of their fitness goals as well as their financial budget.

The TechnoGym equipment that this individual has never heard of is the official equipment of the US Olympics. It only takes a Google search to find that TechnoGym is Europe's largest manufacturer of wellness equipment, renowned the world over for its advanced design and technology. The quality is recognized by the greatest champions. All of the equipment is designed by biomechanical engineers and medical researchers, and is made from the best materials for your safety and reliability. Every piece of equipment is designed to perform natural, correct movements without unnecessary strain, for safe and effective training.

While we know that we cannot be everything for everybody, we do offer a clean, safe environment with state of the art equipment, superior Personal Training, affordable monthly dues and a staff that truly cares about their members.

Charles Cavuoto
President
Zoo Franchise Corporation

It has been reported that the Construction will not be completed until April 09
and The Zoo Health Club will be offering 9.95 gym membership special. What a joke!!