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I asked Lifetime Fitness to Cancel my membership and I submitted a written request in person to the membership services desk. The Membership representative took the request and guaranteed that I fulfilled the requirement, no other actions are required on my end, and the cancellation will be activated in 30 days. When the 30 days period passed, I found out that Lifetime was still charging my credit card for the monthly service. I contacted them to address the issue, but they denied ever receiving my cancellation request and were very rude when i argued that I submitted it in person. They did not apologize for the confusion nor tried to address the issue. Now they are requesting another 30 days from the day they receive the second request and will not refund me the money for the canceled membership charges (3 months worth of charges).
As a customer, I am upset and frustrated because I have to submit a second request that I am not sure it will be effective this time around. I am paying the price for an inefficient system or a slacking employee. I am still waiting for a response to my second cancellation request. I think Lifetime is taking advantage of its customers, has inefficient system, and unethical.
My advice to others: When you cancel your membership with Lifetime insist on having a form or letter acknowledging the recipient of your request and ensure it is signed by the employee receiving the request. Lifetime did not provide a a confirmation letter when I canceled. I did not think they will take advantage of me, pretend they never receive my request or loose it, and make me pay the price anyway!
Ordinarily, they get your account number up front or won't let you join..right? So eff them and just call your bank/credit card company, whichever they are billing, and proceed to have the bank/credit card company block any further payment to them. It's your money and your account - they are obliged to follow your orders. If they won't - good to know; close the account!
These gyms have been doing this for many years but the last couple years this junk has gone "viral." My advice is just go out and buy a treadmill and skip the theatrics of having a gym membership. Its not like you're some diplomat or salesman who has to go to the "Athletic Club" to feel important and schmooze the bigwigs to further your career.
You hit the nail on the head!
You pretty much have to chop off your arm and give it to them to get out of the contract.
The best advice is to not join in the 1st place.
3 months of dues, I am guessing $180 total would go towards a decent treadmill. Plus you wouldn't have the stress of arguing that you already made the complaint. There is no contract with a treadmill in your basement! :)