Having worked out at several large fitness clubs in the north Toronto area, I was lured into Extreme Fitness by their glossy ads promising great offers. Little did I know this company was all for show but had absolutely no substance.
On the tour, I noticed the club was NOT the one appearing in the company's ads! The sales rep became downright nasty when I said I wanted to join for just 2 months. The ad clearly states "No long term obligation! " But these people won't take no for an answer.
Encouraged by a boorish manager shouting reminders from across the room, the sales rep used extremely HIGH PRESSURE, AGGRESSIVE sales tactics to try and FORCE me into a one-year contract. I ended up arguing with him for 45 minutes!
His outright LIES and CONDESCENDING personal attacks were extremely unprofessional. He claimed to be a fitness "expert", when in fact he's just a sales rep. He promised towel service and multi-club use, when in fact these COST EXTRA.
By law, you can pay cash but, according to this guy, such a large and busy club doesn't even have $9 in change! He insisted he MUST have a credit card on file" - seems like a SCAM to me!
Friends have also experienced rude, pushy sales staff and poor service after joining. It's common for staff to make "valued" customers wait 1 HOUR before getting to speak to someone about an issue of concern. Once you've handed over your credit card, they really don't care about you!
Although I signed a contract, I cancelled it within a week due to such a horrid sales experience. The day I went to cancel, I was made to wait, despite the fact that the manager and staff were just sitting around chatting! I ended up asking the receptionist "Who EXACTLY am I waiting to see?? " All of a sudden, someone became free!
While my cancellation was processed, the manager glared at me from the moment I entered until the moment I left. He never addressed me, just stared silently - quite creepy. Does he use his "death stare" to welcome new customers to the club? Upon seeing me, my original sales rep did not address me, but loudly insinuated to the whole room that it was MY fault for wanting to cancel! I couldn't believe this guy! He is clearly struggling at his job if he needs to make excuses and blame customers for his ineffective sales techniques!
This company has no ethics or class. It will do anything to GET YOUR MONEY. Don't be fooled by first appearances! Hold on to your credit card and don't let them RIP YOU OFF!!!
Maria
Thornhill, Ontario
Canada
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