When I signed my contract with Blink Fitness, there was no disclosure that I would be required to…read moreown a smartphone and install an app to access the gym. Recently, they introduced a new "app-only" entry policy, which makes it impossible for me to use the services I already paid for. I use a push-button phone and deliberately avoid installing third-party apps for security reasons (I work in crypto).
This practice is not just unfair it may violate Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, which prohibits "unfair or deceptive acts or practices." Changing contract terms after signing, without consent, is deceptive.
On top of that, Blink Fitness only allows cancellation through the same app. This likely violates state consumer protection laws (for example, California's Automatic Renewal Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §17600, requires a "reasonable and accessible" method of cancellation). Restricting cancellation to an app-only option fails this test.
In effect, Blink Fitness is blocking clients from both using and cancelling their memberships: which could also be considered a breach of contract.
And when I raised this issue publicly, Blink deleted my comment instead of addressing it. That alone shows how they handle negative feedback.
Consumers deserve transparency and fair treatment. If Blink can change the rules once, they can do it again - leaving you locked out of services you've paid for.
When I signed my contract with Blink Fitness, there was no disclosure that I would be required to own a smartphone and install an app to access the gym. Recently, they introduced a new "app-only" entry policy, which makes it impossible for me to use the services I already paid for. I use a push-button phone and deliberately avoid installing third-party apps for security reasons (I work with crypto).
This practice is not just unfair it may violate Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, which prohibits "unfair or deceptive acts or practices." Changing contract terms after signing, without consent, is deceptive.
On top of that, Blink Fitness only allows cancellation through the same app. This likely violates state consumer protection laws (for example, California's Automatic Renewal Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §17600, requires a "reasonable and accessible" method of cancellation). Restricting cancellation to an app-only option fails this test.
In effect, Blink Fitness is blocking clients from both using and cancelling their memberships: which could also be considered a breach of contract.
And when I raised this issue publicly, Blink deleted my comment instead of addressing it. That alone shows how they handle negative feedback.
Consumers deserve transparency and fair treatment. If Blink can change the rules once, they can do it again - leaving you locked out of services you've paid for.
