Gold's Gym Corpus Christi, Texas Deceptive Business Practices + contract = sales goal met Corpus Christi Texas

Beware! I'd like to inform you of the unethical and deceptive business practices going on at the Gold’s Gym located in Corpus Christi, TX. Based on the reaction from the manager of the gym, they may already be aware and possibly condone these behaviors.

 In June 2014, I foolishly purchased a Groupon deal that seemed enticing. The deal was for three-month membership at the Gold’s Gym for $69. I went into Gold’s Gym to redeem my voucher and was helped by (now former) employee Eljie Grino.  He signed me up for my three-month membership and then proceeded to inform me that there was a current promotion that would allow continuity of my membership at the end of the Groupon. This “promotion” was based on the Groupon and was only available upon initial sign up after I indicated I wanted to think about it. He told me the membership fees would only be $21.64 per month after taxes, not biweekly. I asked several times to clarify because I knew that Gold’s has biweekly dues (the main reason I never had a membership before). After assuring me on several occasions that the monthly fee was only $21.64 after taxes, I agreed and proceeded to sign the electronic pad. I was unable to see exactly what I was signing. The whole process took less than 10 minutes and Eljie wasn’t even going to provide me with a copy of the contact until I asked him for a copy. He emailed me the copy and I went about my business and did my workout at the gym.

 The Groupon Promotion expired at the end of September and I soon began to see charges from Gold’s Gym beginning on 10/3/14 for $21.64. I wasn’t surprised until I again saw another charge for the same amount on two week later. On Friday, October 17^th, I called and spoke with Gold’s manager, Mark Jackson, who was not helpful at all. He indicated that he needed to speak with his boss and would return my call on the following Monday, October 20. Needless to say, I haven’t heard from him. The common response I’ve received from everyone at the gym is basically, “Oh well, he lied but you are still stuck in this contract.” I indicated that I wasn’t trying to get out of my contract, but instead pay the amount I initially agreed upon. From my understanding after speaking with an employee about this, actions like this are the reason that employee is no longer employed there, however, the manager would not confirm this.

 In hindsight, the contract that was emailed to me was not viewed until I began to get charged. I had already paid for the three month Groupon and since I wasn’t being charged yet, reviewing the contract slipped my mind.

 At this point, the bank card to which Gold’s gym is linked, has issued me a new card to replace the soon expiring old one. My dues can no longer be taken without the current information. However, the dilemma remains, should I stop paying dues and have the folks at Gold’s Gym ruin my excellent credit score? Or should I give Gold’s Gym my new information so that the deceptive business practices can continue to thrive?

 Look out for a class action lawsuit, if not by me, then someone who is also fed up with the incessant thievery by Gold’s Texas Holdings Group, Inc. 

This is a version of the letter I sent via certified mail to Gold's Gym Corporate about a week ago. Today, I received an email from Corporate Employee Cheka Clyde which simply stated, "Here is a copy of the contract you signed" and proceeded to obnoxiously circle my signature in the attached document. 

Terrible, awful customer service. 

***Pay attention to the reviews. Do not sign a contract with Gold's Gym!*