Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine reminded consumers to read the find print before joining a gym or health club in the New Year.
"You don't want to be surprised months later when you're paying more than expected for your membership or you can't cancel when you want." DeWine said.
Before signing a contract, it's important that customers should understand:
- Total cost, including sales tax
- If certain services, such as child care or group fitness classes, cost extra
- Whether the membership includes access to other locations of the same gym
- Whether personal training services are covered under a separate contract
- Whether verbal agreements have been included in the written contract
- Length of the contract, which should not exceed three years
- How payments will be applied, such as automatic account withdrawal
Under Ohio law, consumers have three business days to cancel contracts for things like gyms and dance lessons. But those cancellations must be in writing and must be postmarked by midnight of the third business day after the service is first available. Customers should send their cancellation notices via certified mail with a return receipt requested.
Consumers who believe they have been treated unfairly should file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General's Office at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or call 1-800-282-0515
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