In high school, I signed up with Anytime (where a portion was covered by my insurance;) my routine consisted of waking up, going to my high school until noon, going to college courses through three, working anywhere from three to to 10:00PM or midnight, and then working out for an hour or two. I absolutely loved it. The sign up process was easy and informative.
Today, I called in to check on current pricing and plans and spoke with David, here is how the conversation went.
First, I asked if the only two options posted were all that were offered. "Yes we have a two year and one year policy." David responded. I then asked if they accept insurance. "No, we are not at this time." David responded. Understandable, but surprising since many other Anytime facilities throughout the state are available through my insurance network.
I said thank you and began my debate as to how I should proceed in my gym exploration.
Next, I called back with two critical questions, and here is how that conversation went:
I said, "hello, David, I had spoke with you and had a couple more questions." He responded, okay what are they.
First, do you have a student discount? "A student discount?" He responded. I replied, "yes a student discount, I am a student at ASU and my classes are online." He responded that "well, I can honor the Hero discount." I confirmed that what was on the website was indeed what he was referring to. Cool, I thought to myself; not a monthly saving, but at least some discount for me.
Then here's where things got strange. "What is your cancellation fee/policy?" I asked. Again, he was surprised by my question. His response was "have you ever been here before?" I thought it was strange, but let him know that I had indeed worked out their in high school. "Well I bet a lot has changed since then, would you want to come in and check it out?" He responded. Again, it felt strange, so I reiterated that I had just wanted to know the cancellation policy. "Well I do not even know your name!" He said, sounding clearly frustrated. I told him my name, even spelled it out for him, and repeated what I was interested in. Here is where discussed they do have a monthly membership of $65. Which led to: "Well you are asking to get a membership, and asking about canceling it too." I explained I am home due to covid, but was interested in a gym membership. After I graduate I do not know where I will end up. "Well, where do you plan on going." I guess I was as curious to where he was going with this as much as he was curious to my life, so I answered explaining I was unsure exactly, though I listed some cities and states.
"Well, all of those places have an anytime fitness, so you can transfer your membership there." He responded, not taking into account I had previously told him I only have two main gym options here (implying I would choose Anytime over other gyms with better rates in larger cities) and neglecting to reason that Anytime is not available in literally each city in the states I mentioned.
I repeated the original question, asking the cancellation policy. "Why don't you come in?" He asked irritated. I responded, "so, if I come in you will be able to tell me what the cancellation policy is?" Again, no answer.
I thanked him and said goodbye.
I cannot believe he tried to force me to come in and talk face-to-face during the pandemic, when my question could have easily been answered over the phone.
Finally, I called YMCA where literally all of those questions, along with a few others, were answered knowledgeably and concisely without any irritation.
In conclusion, though I had previously loved Anytime and was willing to pay the high fee I have decided that my interaction with the facility manager will ensure I will not become a member here again. read more