Olympic Gym Formerly Known As Gold's Gym Gresham Oregon

My membership started in 2003 w/then Gold's Gym - I went month-to-month January 2006 for the convienence of knowing I could cancle and not be dinged for breaking a contract.

As of July 27, 08 I had to move the following wkend well out of the area of Gresham. I went into the gym, cancelled my membership and was instructed I had access at the gym until "opening day of the Olympic's" (08/08/08). I think, this is perfect, I'm leaving Gresham 08/02/08 - this is why I do a month-to-month.

Today (08/11/08) $39.50 was taken out of my account, I call the gym, speak to the guy behind the counter (Kevin), he is zero help and gets me the General Manager (Chris - who I've discovered from reading other complaints on Rip Off is worthless...) wastes my next 16 minutes repeating that I signed my cancellation and although I was told 08/08/08, that would be the day of my last PAYMENT; my membership is valid through Sept 7, 08.

My arguement to his defense of "well, you signed a contract and we need 30 days notice otherwise you'll get charged..." is I didn't know I was moving on July 7th - and I'm a month-to-month client so I only have to pay for the month I'll actually use the facitility!! Chris was not willing to bend the rules and give me a refund even though Olympic Gym takes pride in being a "family owned business for 14 years" and being a strong member of the Gresham community.

Chris claimed he is not able to give me a refund. There is no way. I asked to be connected w/the owner, he said that wasn't possible. I asked where I send a written complaint and he said to him!! I told him that would be pointless b/c it would stop at his desk and nothing would happen.

This is so ridiculous! I've been a good standing member of this gym for over 5 years!! You would think that I'm out of the area, I was told by the staff member my last day of use would be 08/08/08 and just good ol' fashion customer service they would give me my $39.50 back - nope.

I strongly recommend NOT joining this gym. I thought the staff was helpful but lack knowledge and practice of a healthy life style. I received better exercise advice from long term members, then any staff person. Now I'm left w/a bitter ideal of Gold's/Olympic - smaller feel, family owned - such horrible business ethic. It is only fair I pay for the membership I actually use!! It's one thing if I never go but this situation is specific - I don't live in Gresham anymore!! I've been a member FOREVER! Shame on them!!

Hayley
Portland, Oregon
U.S.A.