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Swei 5 hours ago
The exact same experience happened to me -- I was told my Infinity membership was revoked about a year ago due to late payments. I spoke at length to a CalFit manager, and subsequently wrote a lengthy email to headquarters in Hong Kong, but was delivered the news that the appeal was rejected.
I even offered to pay an additional late fee above the $8 late payments, buy they claimed that because I had paid previous $8 fees before, I "had no excuse for unknowing late payments".
Since then, I have decided to boycott California Fitness due to poor customer service. I enquired how come I wasn't even given a late notice reminder, but was rebuffed that "their policy has changed". I relate this experience to all I know, and encourage others to join gyms that provide more desirable service recovery.
Flag Like ReplyReply simonyw2007 7 hours ago
Boycott! Boycott! Boycott! California Fitness! All this are unreasonable. Let the whole of Singapore peoples aware of this. Should not joined the membership.
Flag Like ReplyReply Ntm-song 14 hours ago
Victims !Pls step forward to stop them from conning people again my brothers so called diamond or platinum membership was seldom. The manager has no sense of shame working when we threw our card into his face when they told us to complain to case if we not happy
Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply Chris 13 hours ago in reply to Ntm-song
I am a victim! Why don't we gather and sue them together?
Flag 2 people liked this. Like ReplyReply Kimakb2003 5 hours ago in reply to Chris
That's a good idea. I am sure there must be hundreds who are affected. Perhaps A good way to start is a Facebook account or get a good lawyer and start a class action against cg
Flag Like ReplyReply fatsparrow 15 hours ago
Does California Fitness have any affiliation to the state of California, or to the Governator?
And what do London Weight Management, New York Skin Solutions, and Yunnan Hair have in common?
Hokkaido Ice Cream? All the way from Hokkaido?
Flag Like ReplyReply Angelina Susanti 16 hours ago
Thanks a million, Charmayne! I was on the verge of signing up for lifetime membership at California Fitness, when I read her ST Forum letter. I will be content with exercising at my condo gym after work and on weekends, instead of doing my workouts in the morning or during lunch hour.
Flag 2 people liked this. Like ReplyReply leongfamily 17 hours ago
If the intent is a lifetime membership, they should have waived the annual $8 admin fee. I'm afraid they have a reputation for such and I'm sure you are not the first to experience this.
Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply Phototod 17 hours ago
My wife thought she was the only one when she got booted out because she overlooked the $8 admin fee. She received no reminder. When she tried to use the gym their reply was "sorry you did not pay the admin fee ". When she protested that she did not receive any reminder they bluntly told her that she should keep track of when she should pay the admin fee. You want to use the facilities then pay $3000 for the membership. This is big news. I hope all the newspapers here and hong kong and mediacorp report this unscrupulous gym operator.
Flag 3 people liked this. Like ReplyReply Valerie 18 hours ago
"When we tried to reason with her, she brusquely replied that the decision was final and we could complain to the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) if we were dissatisfied."
The above mention quoted, i find that the CASE should STAND UP for the VICTIMS and should do somthing about it rather than nothin and there will be more and more VICTIMS like US and also the Service Provider will be more and more BULLY.
Flag Like ReplyReply Gussaxy 19 hours ago
I am also a victim of California Fitness's unscrupulous business practice - I was a 'LIFETIME' member who on top of that signed up about 5k worth of Personal Training sessions.
To simplify my story, I suspended my menbership and personal training program because I got pregnant, had a misscarriage, took time to recover, got pregnant again and delivered a healthy baby. All these while I thought I could continue with my membership and P.T program after my delivery. To my great dissapointment, California Fitness told me that my 'LIFETIME' membership had EXPIRED bacause I had not paid my annual $8 fee. On top of that my P.T program had also expired because the max time they allow members to suspend their membership was 1 year. I had lost not only the few thousand dollars worth of membership but also estimated 3.5K worth of P.T sessions.
CALIFORNIA FITNESS pls stop treating your clients like dirt and refund us those money you don't deserve to earn!
Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply Geraldine 19 hours ago
Dear charmayne
My brother who bought the $4k life membership package faced the same problem as you. His was over due for 2 weeks due to outstation but they refuse to accept the explanation instead he was told to re purchase the membership again if he is still keen to use the facilities. I think this is the way they make money hopping that members overlooked the yearly renewal.
Flag 6 people liked this. Like ReplyReply Valerie Lim 18 hours ago in reply to Geraldine
Yes my husband encounter that too! He was told the same thing and was handled the same manner!!! Its was very very UNFAIR for the members when they are keen in exercising and now couldn't just because of the $8!!!! i think Carlifornia should not handle member that way!!!
Flag Like ReplyReply Midnight2010sun 20 hours ago
NEVER EVER trust any company that sells any kind of 'lifetime membership". Thats how they scam you upfront! And 'lifetime' doesn't mean YOUR lifetime..the company can close or tajen over by another company and your 'lifetime membership' can expire much shorter than you think!
Flag Like ReplyReply Gunni 21 hours ago
I think it unfortunate that some people here miss the point and instead brush the writer's concern away as 'petty' and a non-issue.
Yes, there may have been a clause. And yes, it is the customer's responsibility to read them even though the agent/salesperson may have failed to highlight it. However, 'throwing' out customers who have paid $3000 each for a lifetime membership just because they have missed the deadline for the $8 payment? Shocking and unbelievable.
One cannot help but think that any company that prides itself on providing good service to their customers, and have basic respect and regard for them -- potential, past or current ones -- would have reacted differently. I wonder if there were any attempts made to the customers to remind them of the $8 payment. And was there any customer service officer who were present or who contacted the couple to alley their fears and questions?
From the writer's experience, it sure sounds like the company adopted a firm 'No, you're out. No space for negotiation or clarifications. It's your fault you did not read the clauses nor pay up on time. Unhappy? Then bring it to CASE'. The only 'human touch' here seems to be the receptionist who conveyed the outright rejection of her superiors, and even borders on smugness with an unspoken challenge to 'bring the matter to CASE.
All this does not bode well with the integrity of the company at all. In the long run, greed and a lost of good, sturdy values will bring them to their knees. They may win the battle this time around, but eventually lose the war.
Flag SEAH1975 and 6 more liked this Like ReplyReply Jonathan 21 hours ago
Had the same experience with california fitness centre. They dont bother about being considerate, they just care about the money i suppose. Suggest to try other gyms and stop patronizng cfc.
Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply James Ong 21 hours ago
Take it up with CASE. Even if one fails to pay a utility bill on time, there would be a reminder notice to pay up, before the utility is cut. I truly cannot comprehend how such a case can exist. It is mind boggling.
I definitely will have to read every single fine print on all membership documents before signing them. Also, i think due to the complexity of some words on such agreement, I think it is best to be vetted by a lawyer.
There must be posters put up around Singapore to remind consumers to be very very careful in taking up membership of any form, when the membership amount is high..
Flag SEAH1975 liked this Like ReplyReply Xiuxiu Wang 21 hours ago
Money in the pocket is the best policy. Pay as you use, never mind the discounts. Treat discounts lost as insurance.
Flag shantelle88 liked this Like ReplyReply hotwoks 22 hours ago
Pay another $3K and become a member again. What a way for business to rip money off consumers when they say they can forfeit membership for late payment of fee. Really easy money for them when people are generally forgetful or late in paying up. I think you have to waste another $3k to engage a lawyer to seek redress.
Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply chubbycat 22 hours ago
hmmm. I happened to be a california gym member and I remembered that there was a clause stating contract termination if I fail to make payment on time, I make it a point to pay in advance and to check with the reception regularly. Since the writer didn't pay on time, why make such a fuss out of it ?
Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply Chris 13 hours ago in reply to chubbycat
I guess you do not understand that the customer lost 3000SGD because of not paying and 8 SGD admin fee
=> Unreasonable!
Flag Like ReplyReply Maria Loi-terer 22 hours ago
Why can't clients settle their problems with the respective organisations?
Why does the whole nation have to be privy to this petty woman's $8 problem?
What is the total number of Singaporeans who patronise these gyms?
What is their percentage as a ratio to our population?
So, why does the whole nation need to know of her squabble? She is a minute minority within a minute minority.
Flag Like ReplyReply Chris 13 hours ago in reply to Maria Loi-terer
Sorry, you are missing the point. Its about people having the right to go after bad practices of companies.
May be you don't care and don't bother but there are people trying to do something about cheating companies.
Flag Like ReplyReply Burnt 21 hours ago in reply to Maria Loi-terer
You obviously miss the point. The issue is not the $8 admin fee, but the high handedness and arrogance spas and fitness clubs are acting with impunity, hiding behind small print and vague conditions in contracts. It's about time this industry is regulated.
Flag SEAH1975 and 3 more liked this Like ReplyReply hotwoks 22 hours ago in reply to Maria Loi-terer
At least victims have an avenue through ST Forum to share their plight to the rest of Spore. It is a good thing that sufferings of people are made known publicly so that people would be more careful and not fall into similar situations.
Flag 3 people liked this. Like ReplyReply Gsuest 22 hours ago in reply to Maria Loi-terer
It is to the public's benefit that such underhanded practices by unscrupulous retailers are highlighted in the media so that we can watched for ourselves and avoid becoming similarly victimised.
Flag 6 people liked this. Like ReplyReply taekniu 23 hours ago
CASE will only try their best to help. CASE does not even have any power when it comes to such dispute. Consumers sign up at their own risk. Little is done to protect consumers. Look at the spas etc.. These are good examples.
Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply Valerie 18 hours ago in reply to taekniu
Very very SAD to learn that!!
Flag Like ReplyReply Chee Kit 23 hours ago
same thing happened to me... im sure they say this to all customers in the same position!
Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply Zill Yvonne Tan 1 day ago
have u complainted to CASE?
Flag Like ReplyReply Leong 1 day ago
The instructors are full of filthy filipinos
Flag 32 people liked this. Like ReplyReply E2 23 hours ago in reply to Leong
Shame on you. You filthy low/middle income, hdb dwelling, MRT traveling racist.
Flag 5 people liked this. Like ReplyReply Bryan Choong 23 hours ago in reply to Leong
I am truly disappointed with this remark. Clearly this is an unfair corporate decision that has nothing to do with nationalities or races, and nothing to do with the instructors. Why don't you say it is filthy Hong Kongers since it was the Hong Kong HQ who made the decision? What makes you think that the decision was not made by a Chinese boss in HK?
Flag Like ReplyReply Antoinette Patterson 1 day ago in reply to Leong
Sorry for your loss; hopefully CASE will actually do something about it once it's reported. Aside to Leong, that's just racist and irrelevant to her situation.
Flag 2 people liked this. Like ReplyReply shantelle88 1 day ago
I am a true fitness member and I wouldn't say it's more expensive than other gyms (you can bargain actually). They regularly maintain facilities and call in advance to inform you of any membership renewal or late payment (if there is). Before this I went to California fitness for trial and had a terrible experience with their staff attitude and the way they do things. I was speechless. When I see this article's title i knew it's gonna be somewhere Ive been. I feel sorry for you.
Flag 2 people liked this. Like ReplyReply friedbeehoon33 1 day ago
i used to be california gym member, i can only say the membership fee is not expensive as compared to true, pure and fitness first. and it ends there. then equipments are old, towels flimsy, crowded classes, smelly toilets.
cali members used to be able to visit their overseas branches in seoul, kl, bangkok, taipei, but now the only overseas branch they can visit is hkg
seems like they are not growing any more.
Flag Henry Wong and 1 more liked this Like ReplyReply Henry Wong 1 day ago
I have switched to Fitness First 3 years ago.
Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply Cherish 1 day ago
I will never in my life buy any lifetime memberships. thanks
for sharing this and I'm sorry for your loss! If I ever get a membership, it'll never be California fitness . come to think of it, 6k is enough for me to buy my own gym equipments!
Flag 5 people liked this. Like ReplyReply RGS001 1 day ago
rules are rules. too bad Ms. Lim....sometimes you have to read the fine print.
Flag chubbycat liked this Like ReplyReply Chris 13 hours ago in reply to RGS001
Hi RGS
You must be working for California gym or you are used to bad customer service and accept being cheated through fine prints!
Flag Like ReplyReply AJ 1 day ago
Now its time that we ban them her and send them packing! I think they are broke, even their towels is like my floor mat and i would gladly provide them with my floor mat and maybe the boss would like to use it for his tears when his business go belly up!
Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply Jousterr 1 day ago
There are many ways of amassing money. Robbery is one. Calofornia Fitness does this.
Flag RGS001 and 2 more liked this Like ReplyReply Tweeseeng 1 day ago
Good that Ms Charmayne Lim brought this up. CASE also mentioned there were many victims of California Fitness Centre (CFC) of this case. Life Membership or Platinium?
I had the same problem, I had a overseas assignment for 5 years and when I came back and happy march into Fitness Center, they refuse my entry and told me that they no longer do Life membership and I have to buy a new membership for I did not pay the yearly $8 renewal fees (without any reminders from them).
The Staff the sold me the membership- Atiq Chowdhury and the Personal Trainer who became the GM of Novena Branch-Collin both said they could not do anything and that's their policy from Hong Kong.
I brought this to CASE and CFC Hong Kong replied that its the T&C which I did not read despite the salesman not pointing out.
Flag Like ReplyReply SEAH1975 20 hours ago in reply to Tweeseeng
REALLY!!!
I signed up for the Platinium Lifetime Membership with California Fitness somewhere in 2005/2006 & have not visited the gym for the past couple of years too!!!
So now...instead of telling people that “I am a member of California Fitness”…I am supposed to change it to “ I used to be a member of California Fitness”!!!
Flag Like ReplyReply SEAH1975 20 hours ago in reply to SEAH1975
And yes...I don't think I have ever received the $8.00 reminder from California Fitness before too......
Flag Like ReplyReply Great Asia 1 day ago
It is called creative business model - similar to the method adopted by the SPA industries - collect money first!
Ha ha ha!
Flag Like ReplyReply Finn 1 day ago
The lifetime membership was a really bad idea from California's standpoint. Someone back in the mid-2000s screwed up and realised all the revenue from the $3000 lifetime memberships all in one go. They found out later on that this is a really bad business model as there will no longer be any continuous revenue once the huge surge is over. They are now laden with a large number of members who do not contribute anything to their bottom line.
And so what do they do? They try to get rid of the lifetime members in whatever ways possible. The late payment of renewal fees (ranging from $8 to $58 per year) is their favourite ruse to get rid of lifetime members. Just do a simple google and you will read about other unscrupulous ways they employ to achieve this end.
Way to go California. Your reputation in the market is in the pits.
Flag Like ReplyReply Kimalb2003 1 day ago
I had the same problem. They never send you any reminder and they even had the audacity to ask you to go ahead to complain to case if you dare. Before I sign up I get bombarded by their sales consultant to sign up as it's good value. Good value my foot! Its $3000 down the drain for me. CASE better investigate this gym.
Flag Like ReplyReply guest 1 day ago
I had a life membership with them too, and had to pay the annual adminstrative charges of $58 per year. At the beginning, due to my hectic work schedule, the gym allowed me to backdate the admin charges when I was late in payment, ie when the admin charge was due in May and if I were to make the payment in July, they were alright to accept the payment as long as the admin fee covers from May that year to May the next year. Imagine my shock when I was told they no longer practise that when I tried to make payment in 2008 (i think) and that my membership had been revoked! I told them the very least they could do was to remind members when the charges are due -- think they are trying to pull a fast one as they could see that their gyms are getting more crowded....
In the end, I decided to boycott them and joined the other gyms instead! Negative attitude from them = more customers for the other gyms!
Flag Like ReplyReply Twk 1 day ago
stupid... who ask u to go and sign up for a $3000 gym. stupid!!!!! hahahahahahaha
Flag Like ReplyReply SEAH1975 20 hours ago in reply to Twk
Good Health = Wealth
Exercise = Good Health
Flag Like ReplyReply Emery 22 hours ago in reply to Twk
Rude.
Flag Like ReplyReply yeohenson 1 day ago
I was right. Nowadays gyms operate like spa centres. Their main source of revenue is prepaid memberships. California Fitness must be regretting that they started the lifetime membership programmes. So they are looking for every opportunity to terminate such unprofitable memberships. I must thank the writer for her warning. Luckily I did not renew my membership with CF.
Flag Like ReplyReply Arshavin68 1 day ago
More and more unscrupulous businesses around.
Flag Like ReplyReply ladyhaha 1 day ago
Many thanks for warning us about their business practice ! Must avoid spending money on spas and gyms in Singapore !
Flag Like ReplyReply Fit 1 day ago
Save your money and just go to Singapore Sports Council's gyms. It costs $50 for 6 months if my memory serves me right.
Flag Like ReplyReply Henry Wong 1 day ago in reply to Fit
Clubfitt at stadiums charged $50 for six months for off peak users
Flag Like ReplyReply Bayleyan 1 day ago
The bottom line is that Charmayne & her hubby will continue to take up space at California Fitness without offering fresh revenue. Such clubs operate like many spas these days - they are only interested in making more money through exploitation of their customers.
Flag cchan4 liked this Like ReplyReply kjks 1 day ago
For $6,000 it's worth the trouble to complain to Case Hong Kong (which is rather influential) and even the major Chinese language newspaers, perhaps even the Small Claims court. Probably can negotiate for a refund or at least a partial refund.
Sometimes companies try to back paddle on sales program that are too expesnive to continue. They will always try to sell you 'value added services' such as other facilities and courses that need additional payment.
Flag Like ReplyReply Kimalb2003 12 hours ago in reply to kjks
By Kim Rahn
Staff Reporter
A fitness center in Myeongdong in central Seoul was filled with its members Tuesday. They gathered not to burn calories but to vent their anger and rally against the club, which suddenly closed without prior notice.
They're moving to sue the luxury fitness franchise, whose Korean operations went under Monday, for reimbursement of their membership fees.
Three Seoul centers of California WOW Xperience (CWX), an offshoot of gym chain California Fitness, which has 22 clubs in Asia, suspended operations Monday morning, according to police. They defaulted on maturing debt amid fierce competition and excess business expansion, police officials said.
The three centers are located near Gangnam Station, Apgujeong-dong in southern Seoul and Myeongdong. The gym franchise gained popularity with personal trainers and celebrity members including pop star Rain and ``Barbie doll'' actress Han Chae-young.
Another club in Daegu was operating Tuesday morning but is expected to fold soon.
On the centers' doors was posted a note to members: ``Each club was forced to suspend operations as of April 14 due to rental debt. If you wait until reopening, we'll guarantee that you will be able to use the facility for the period remaining in your membership.''
No company officials were available for comment at the closed centers.
A staff member of the Daegu center said: ``We do not know what happened. Even our manager here learned about it Monday evening after a news report.''
Gym users opened Web sites to collectively demand the clubs refund their membership fees. The head of the franchise said via email to one of the sites that he would offer refunds but could not say when.
About 40,000 members plan to file a complaint against the fitness center head.
The victims claim the fitness club lured members into the centers by reducing fees even though it had decided to dishonor its debts. Lifetime membership, which was about 4 million won at first, recently dropped to around 1.2 million won.
``I paid for a lifetime membership at the Apgujeong club a week ago and it closed!'' a member with the ID ``cutebrit'' said on a Naver site for former members.
[email protected]
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Swei 5 hours ago
The exact same experience happened to me -- I was told my Infinity membership was revoked about a year ago due to late payments. I spoke at length to a CalFit manager, and subsequently wrote a lengthy email to headquarters in Hong Kong, but was delivered the news that the appeal was rejected.
I even offered to pay an additional late fee above the $8 late payments, buy they claimed that because I had paid previous $8 fees before, I "had no excuse for unknowing late payments".
Since then, I have decided to boycott California Fitness due to poor customer service. I enquired how come I wasn't even given a late notice reminder, but was rebuffed that "their policy has changed". I relate this experience to all I know, and encourage others to join gyms that provide more desirable service recovery.
Flag Like ReplyReply simonyw2007 7 hours ago
Boycott! Boycott! Boycott! California Fitness! All this are unreasonable. Let the whole of Singapore peoples aware of this. Should not joined the membership.
Flag Like ReplyReply Ntm-song 14 hours ago
Victims !Pls step forward to stop them from conning people again my brothers so called diamond or platinum membership was seldom. The manager has no sense of shame working when we threw our card into his face when they told us to complain to case if we not happy
Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply Chris 13 hours ago in reply to Ntm-song
I am a victim! Why don't we gather and sue them together?
Flag 2 people liked this. Like ReplyReply Kimakb2003 5 hours ago in reply to Chris
That's a good idea. I am sure there must be hundreds who are affected. Perhaps A good way to start is a Facebook account or get a good lawyer and start a class action against cg
Flag Like ReplyReply fatsparrow 15 hours ago
Does California Fitness have any affiliation to the state of California, or to the Governator?
And what do London Weight Management, New York Skin Solutions, and Yunnan Hair have in common?
Hokkaido Ice Cream? All the way from Hokkaido?
Flag Like ReplyReply Angelina Susanti 16 hours ago
Thanks a million, Charmayne! I was on the verge of signing up for lifetime membership at California Fitness, when I read her ST Forum letter. I will be content with exercising at my condo gym after work and on weekends, instead of doing my workouts in the morning or during lunch hour.
Flag 2 people liked this. Like ReplyReply leongfamily 17 hours ago
If the intent is a lifetime membership, they should have waived the annual $8 admin fee. I'm afraid they have a reputation for such and I'm sure you are not the first to experience this.
Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply Phototod 17 hours ago
My wife thought she was the only one when she got booted out because she overlooked the $8 admin fee. She received no reminder. When she tried to use the gym their reply was "sorry you did not pay the admin fee ". When she protested that she did not receive any reminder they bluntly told her that she should keep track of when she should pay the admin fee. You want to use the facilities then pay $3000 for the membership. This is big news. I hope all the newspapers here and hong kong and mediacorp report this unscrupulous gym operator.
Flag 3 people liked this. Like ReplyReply Valerie 18 hours ago
"When we tried to reason with her, she brusquely replied that the decision was final and we could complain to the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) if we were dissatisfied."
The above mention quoted, i find that the CASE should STAND UP for the VICTIMS and should do somthing about it rather than nothin and there will be more and more VICTIMS like US and also the Service Provider will be more and more BULLY.
Flag Like ReplyReply Gussaxy 19 hours ago
I am also a victim of California Fitness's unscrupulous business practice - I was a 'LIFETIME' member who on top of that signed up about 5k worth of Personal Training sessions.
To simplify my story, I suspended my menbership and personal training program because I got pregnant, had a misscarriage, took time to recover, got pregnant again and delivered a healthy baby. All these while I thought I could continue with my membership and P.T program after my delivery. To my great dissapointment, California Fitness told me that my 'LIFETIME' membership had EXPIRED bacause I had not paid my annual $8 fee. On top of that my P.T program had also expired because the max time they allow members to suspend their membership was 1 year. I had lost not only the few thousand dollars worth of membership but also estimated 3.5K worth of P.T sessions.
CALIFORNIA FITNESS pls stop treating your clients like dirt and refund us those money you don't deserve to earn!
Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply Geraldine 19 hours ago
Dear charmayne
My brother who bought the $4k life membership package faced the same problem as you. His was over due for 2 weeks due to outstation but they refuse to accept the explanation instead he was told to re purchase the membership again if he is still keen to use the facilities. I think this is the way they make money hopping that members overlooked the yearly renewal.
Flag 6 people liked this. Like ReplyReply Valerie Lim 18 hours ago in reply to Geraldine
Yes my husband encounter that too! He was told the same thing and was handled the same manner!!! Its was very very UNFAIR for the members when they are keen in exercising and now couldn't just because of the $8!!!! i think Carlifornia should not handle member that way!!!
Flag Like ReplyReply Midnight2010sun 20 hours ago
NEVER EVER trust any company that sells any kind of 'lifetime membership". Thats how they scam you upfront! And 'lifetime' doesn't mean YOUR lifetime..the company can close or tajen over by another company and your 'lifetime membership' can expire much shorter than you think!
Flag Like ReplyReply Gunni 21 hours ago
I think it unfortunate that some people here miss the point and instead brush the writer's concern away as 'petty' and a non-issue.
Yes, there may have been a clause. And yes, it is the customer's responsibility to read them even though the agent/salesperson may have failed to highlight it. However, 'throwing' out customers who have paid $3000 each for a lifetime membership just because they have missed the deadline for the $8 payment? Shocking and unbelievable.
One cannot help but think that any company that prides itself on providing good service to their customers, and have basic respect and regard for them -- potential, past or current ones -- would have reacted differently. I wonder if there were any attempts made to the customers to remind them of the $8 payment. And was there any customer service officer who were present or who contacted the couple to alley their fears and questions?
From the writer's experience, it sure sounds like the company adopted a firm 'No, you're out. No space for negotiation or clarifications. It's your fault you did not read the clauses nor pay up on time. Unhappy? Then bring it to CASE'. The only 'human touch' here seems to be the receptionist who conveyed the outright rejection of her superiors, and even borders on smugness with an unspoken challenge to 'bring the matter to CASE.
All this does not bode well with the integrity of the company at all. In the long run, greed and a lost of good, sturdy values will bring them to their knees. They may win the battle this time around, but eventually lose the war.
Flag SEAH1975 and 6 more liked this Like ReplyReply Jonathan 21 hours ago
Had the same experience with california fitness centre. They dont bother about being considerate, they just care about the money i suppose. Suggest to try other gyms and stop patronizng cfc.
Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply James Ong 21 hours ago
Take it up with CASE. Even if one fails to pay a utility bill on time, there would be a reminder notice to pay up, before the utility is cut. I truly cannot comprehend how such a case can exist. It is mind boggling.
I definitely will have to read every single fine print on all membership documents before signing them. Also, i think due to the complexity of some words on such agreement, I think it is best to be vetted by a lawyer.
There must be posters put up around Singapore to remind consumers to be very very careful in taking up membership of any form, when the membership amount is high..
Flag SEAH1975 liked this Like ReplyReply Xiuxiu Wang 21 hours ago
Money in the pocket is the best policy. Pay as you use, never mind the discounts. Treat discounts lost as insurance.
Flag shantelle88 liked this Like ReplyReply hotwoks 22 hours ago
Pay another $3K and become a member again. What a way for business to rip money off consumers when they say they can forfeit membership for late payment of fee. Really easy money for them when people are generally forgetful or late in paying up. I think you have to waste another $3k to engage a lawyer to seek redress.
Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply chubbycat 22 hours ago
hmmm. I happened to be a california gym member and I remembered that there was a clause stating contract termination if I fail to make payment on time, I make it a point to pay in advance and to check with the reception regularly. Since the writer didn't pay on time, why make such a fuss out of it ?
Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply Chris 13 hours ago in reply to chubbycat
I guess you do not understand that the customer lost 3000SGD because of not paying and 8 SGD admin fee
=> Unreasonable!
Flag Like ReplyReply Maria Loi-terer 22 hours ago
Why can't clients settle their problems with the respective organisations?
Why does the whole nation have to be privy to this petty woman's $8 problem?
What is the total number of Singaporeans who patronise these gyms?
What is their percentage as a ratio to our population?
So, why does the whole nation need to know of her squabble? She is a minute minority within a minute minority.
Flag Like ReplyReply Chris 13 hours ago in reply to Maria Loi-terer
Sorry, you are missing the point. Its about people having the right to go after bad practices of companies.
May be you don't care and don't bother but there are people trying to do something about cheating companies.
Flag Like ReplyReply Burnt 21 hours ago in reply to Maria Loi-terer
You obviously miss the point. The issue is not the $8 admin fee, but the high handedness and arrogance spas and fitness clubs are acting with impunity, hiding behind small print and vague conditions in contracts. It's about time this industry is regulated.
Flag SEAH1975 and 3 more liked this Like ReplyReply hotwoks 22 hours ago in reply to Maria Loi-terer
At least victims have an avenue through ST Forum to share their plight to the rest of Spore. It is a good thing that sufferings of people are made known publicly so that people would be more careful and not fall into similar situations.
Flag 3 people liked this. Like ReplyReply Gsuest 22 hours ago in reply to Maria Loi-terer
It is to the public's benefit that such underhanded practices by unscrupulous retailers are highlighted in the media so that we can watched for ourselves and avoid becoming similarly victimised.
Flag 6 people liked this. Like ReplyReply taekniu 23 hours ago
CASE will only try their best to help. CASE does not even have any power when it comes to such dispute. Consumers sign up at their own risk. Little is done to protect consumers. Look at the spas etc.. These are good examples.
Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply Valerie 18 hours ago in reply to taekniu
Very very SAD to learn that!!
Flag Like ReplyReply Chee Kit 23 hours ago
same thing happened to me... im sure they say this to all customers in the same position!
Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply Zill Yvonne Tan 1 day ago
have u complainted to CASE?
Flag Like ReplyReply Leong 1 day ago
The instructors are full of filthy filipinos
Flag 32 people liked this. Like ReplyReply E2 23 hours ago in reply to Leong
Shame on you. You filthy low/middle income, hdb dwelling, MRT traveling racist.
Flag 5 people liked this. Like ReplyReply Bryan Choong 23 hours ago in reply to Leong
I am truly disappointed with this remark. Clearly this is an unfair corporate decision that has nothing to do with nationalities or races, and nothing to do with the instructors. Why don't you say it is filthy Hong Kongers since it was the Hong Kong HQ who made the decision? What makes you think that the decision was not made by a Chinese boss in HK?
Flag Like ReplyReply Antoinette Patterson 1 day ago in reply to Leong
Sorry for your loss; hopefully CASE will actually do something about it once it's reported. Aside to Leong, that's just racist and irrelevant to her situation.
Flag 2 people liked this. Like ReplyReply shantelle88 1 day ago
I am a true fitness member and I wouldn't say it's more expensive than other gyms (you can bargain actually). They regularly maintain facilities and call in advance to inform you of any membership renewal or late payment (if there is). Before this I went to California fitness for trial and had a terrible experience with their staff attitude and the way they do things. I was speechless. When I see this article's title i knew it's gonna be somewhere Ive been. I feel sorry for you.
Flag 2 people liked this. Like ReplyReply friedbeehoon33 1 day ago
i used to be california gym member, i can only say the membership fee is not expensive as compared to true, pure and fitness first. and it ends there. then equipments are old, towels flimsy, crowded classes, smelly toilets.
cali members used to be able to visit their overseas branches in seoul, kl, bangkok, taipei, but now the only overseas branch they can visit is hkg
seems like they are not growing any more.
Flag Henry Wong and 1 more liked this Like ReplyReply Henry Wong 1 day ago
I have switched to Fitness First 3 years ago.
Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply Cherish 1 day ago
I will never in my life buy any lifetime memberships. thanks
for sharing this and I'm sorry for your loss! If I ever get a membership, it'll never be California fitness . come to think of it, 6k is enough for me to buy my own gym equipments!
Flag 5 people liked this. Like ReplyReply RGS001 1 day ago
rules are rules. too bad Ms. Lim....sometimes you have to read the fine print.
Flag chubbycat liked this Like ReplyReply Chris 13 hours ago in reply to RGS001
Hi RGS
You must be working for California gym or you are used to bad customer service and accept being cheated through fine prints!
Flag Like ReplyReply AJ 1 day ago
Now its time that we ban them her and send them packing! I think they are broke, even their towels is like my floor mat and i would gladly provide them with my floor mat and maybe the boss would like to use it for his tears when his business go belly up!
Flag 1 person liked this. Like ReplyReply Jousterr 1 day ago
There are many ways of amassing money. Robbery is one. Calofornia Fitness does this.
Flag RGS001 and 2 more liked this Like ReplyReply Tweeseeng 1 day ago
Good that Ms Charmayne Lim brought this up. CASE also mentioned there were many victims of California Fitness Centre (CFC) of this case. Life Membership or Platinium?
I had the same problem, I had a overseas assignment for 5 years and when I came back and happy march into Fitness Center, they refuse my entry and told me that they no longer do Life membership and I have to buy a new membership for I did not pay the yearly $8 renewal fees (without any reminders from them).
The Staff the sold me the membership- Atiq Chowdhury and the Personal Trainer who became the GM of Novena Branch-Collin both said they could not do anything and that's their policy from Hong Kong.
I brought this to CASE and CFC Hong Kong replied that its the T&C which I did not read despite the salesman not pointing out.
Flag Like ReplyReply SEAH1975 20 hours ago in reply to Tweeseeng
REALLY!!!
I signed up for the Platinium Lifetime Membership with California Fitness somewhere in 2005/2006 & have not visited the gym for the past couple of years too!!!
So now...instead of telling people that “I am a member of California Fitness”…I am supposed to change it to “ I used to be a member of California Fitness”!!!
Flag Like ReplyReply SEAH1975 20 hours ago in reply to SEAH1975
And yes...I don't think I have ever received the $8.00 reminder from California Fitness before too......
Flag Like ReplyReply Great Asia 1 day ago
It is called creative business model - similar to the method adopted by the SPA industries - collect money first!
Ha ha ha!
Flag Like ReplyReply Finn 1 day ago
The lifetime membership was a really bad idea from California's standpoint. Someone back in the mid-2000s screwed up and realised all the revenue from the $3000 lifetime memberships all in one go. They found out later on that this is a really bad business model as there will no longer be any continuous revenue once the huge surge is over. They are now laden with a large number of members who do not contribute anything to their bottom line.
And so what do they do? They try to get rid of the lifetime members in whatever ways possible. The late payment of renewal fees (ranging from $8 to $58 per year) is their favourite ruse to get rid of lifetime members. Just do a simple google and you will read about other unscrupulous ways they employ to achieve this end.
Way to go California. Your reputation in the market is in the pits.
Flag Like ReplyReply Kimalb2003 1 day ago
I had the same problem. They never send you any reminder and they even had the audacity to ask you to go ahead to complain to case if you dare. Before I sign up I get bombarded by their sales consultant to sign up as it's good value. Good value my foot! Its $3000 down the drain for me. CASE better investigate this gym.
Flag Like ReplyReply guest 1 day ago
I had a life membership with them too, and had to pay the annual adminstrative charges of $58 per year. At the beginning, due to my hectic work schedule, the gym allowed me to backdate the admin charges when I was late in payment, ie when the admin charge was due in May and if I were to make the payment in July, they were alright to accept the payment as long as the admin fee covers from May that year to May the next year. Imagine my shock when I was told they no longer practise that when I tried to make payment in 2008 (i think) and that my membership had been revoked! I told them the very least they could do was to remind members when the charges are due -- think they are trying to pull a fast one as they could see that their gyms are getting more crowded....
In the end, I decided to boycott them and joined the other gyms instead! Negative attitude from them = more customers for the other gyms!
Flag Like ReplyReply Twk 1 day ago
stupid... who ask u to go and sign up for a $3000 gym. stupid!!!!! hahahahahahaha
Flag Like ReplyReply SEAH1975 20 hours ago in reply to Twk
Good Health = Wealth
Exercise = Good Health
Flag Like ReplyReply Emery 22 hours ago in reply to Twk
Rude.
Flag Like ReplyReply yeohenson 1 day ago
I was right. Nowadays gyms operate like spa centres. Their main source of revenue is prepaid memberships. California Fitness must be regretting that they started the lifetime membership programmes. So they are looking for every opportunity to terminate such unprofitable memberships. I must thank the writer for her warning. Luckily I did not renew my membership with CF.
Flag Like ReplyReply Arshavin68 1 day ago
More and more unscrupulous businesses around.
Flag Like ReplyReply ladyhaha 1 day ago
Many thanks for warning us about their business practice ! Must avoid spending money on spas and gyms in Singapore !
Flag Like ReplyReply Fit 1 day ago
Save your money and just go to Singapore Sports Council's gyms. It costs $50 for 6 months if my memory serves me right.
Flag Like ReplyReply Henry Wong 1 day ago in reply to Fit
Clubfitt at stadiums charged $50 for six months for off peak users
Flag Like ReplyReply Bayleyan 1 day ago
The bottom line is that Charmayne & her hubby will continue to take up space at California Fitness without offering fresh revenue. Such clubs operate like many spas these days - they are only interested in making more money through exploitation of their customers.
Flag cchan4 liked this Like ReplyReply kjks 1 day ago
For $6,000 it's worth the trouble to complain to Case Hong Kong (which is rather influential) and even the major Chinese language newspaers, perhaps even the Small Claims court. Probably can negotiate for a refund or at least a partial refund.
Sometimes companies try to back paddle on sales program that are too expesnive to continue. They will always try to sell you 'value added services' such as other facilities and courses that need additional payment.
Flag Like ReplyReply Kimalb2003 12 hours ago in reply to kjks
By Kim Rahn
Staff Reporter
A fitness center in Myeongdong in central Seoul was filled with its members Tuesday. They gathered not to burn calories but to vent their anger and rally against the club, which suddenly closed without prior notice.
They're moving to sue the luxury fitness franchise, whose Korean operations went under Monday, for reimbursement of their membership fees.
Three Seoul centers of California WOW Xperience (CWX), an offshoot of gym chain California Fitness, which has 22 clubs in Asia, suspended operations Monday morning, according to police. They defaulted on maturing debt amid fierce competition and excess business expansion, police officials said.
The three centers are located near Gangnam Station, Apgujeong-dong in southern Seoul and Myeongdong. The gym franchise gained popularity with personal trainers and celebrity members including pop star Rain and ``Barbie doll'' actress Han Chae-young.
Another club in Daegu was operating Tuesday morning but is expected to fold soon.
On the centers' doors was posted a note to members: ``Each club was forced to suspend operations as of April 14 due to rental debt. If you wait until reopening, we'll guarantee that you will be able to use the facility for the period remaining in your membership.''
No company officials were available for comment at the closed centers.
A staff member of the Daegu center said: ``We do not know what happened. Even our manager here learned about it Monday evening after a news report.''
Gym users opened Web sites to collectively demand the clubs refund their membership fees. The head of the franchise said via email to one of the sites that he would offer refunds but could not say when.
About 40,000 members plan to file a complaint against the fitness center head.
The victims claim the fitness club lured members into the centers by reducing fees even though it had decided to dishonor its debts. Lifetime membership, which was about 4 million won at first, recently dropped to around 1.2 million won.
``I paid for a lifetime membership at the Apgujeong club a week ago and it closed!'' a member with the ID ``cutebrit'' said on a Naver site for former members.
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