Pretty unsportsmanlike…
John Reed is the noble Mucki booth of the fitness chain McFit – and is now causing a lot of trouble. The reason: a brazen expensive trick with which the fitness studio wants to push through a hefty price increase. Members are complaining to the consumer center in droves.
Rip off upon entry
A small sign at the entrance draws attention to the price increase of up to ten euros. Members who pass through the turnstile agree to the increase. If you do not agree, you must contact customer service and file an objection accordingly. If you don’t complain, you automatically agree.
is this legal
Consumer lawyer Nicole Mutschke (46) is outraged and says very clearly: “No! Here, when passing through the turnstile, a consensual contract is created through implied action.
But what if a member doesn’t notice the note at the entrance and simply passes the barrier? Suddenly notice the price increase the next time your account is debited? It’s a trick and I don’t think it will stand up in court. I think that’s really absurd.”
Lawyer Nicole Mutschke (46) from Bielefeld (NRW)
And what does the gym chain say? “Since the brand was founded in 2016, we at John Reed have offered a contribution structure at all locations worldwide, not just in Germany, which enables our members to receive varied and individual training. The current economic situation, also as a result of the pandemic situation, is now bringing changes to existing memberships for the first time in six years at John Reed,” says Hagen Wingertszahn, Managing Director Germany John Reed Fitness when asked by BILD.
And further: “In order to continue to enable an attractive workout for our members, we will therefore adjust the contributions again from July 1, 2022 and at a still adequate price-performance ratio, about which we informed our members in advance. If you have any questions, all members are welcome to contact our customer service at any time.”
The management does not say a word about the way of implementation. Also not about what happens if old customers do not agree to the increase.
The lawyer advises: “Definitely not accept it. Complain. Existing customers have a legal contract that John Reed cannot simply unilaterally change. At least there is no such clause in the general terms and conditions of the fitness chain.