YA, went to sch for proj meeting today and damn stressed cos there's lotsa things to do. FYP, homework, FTT test, tuition!~ omgggggg... Anyway, im coping kinda well now so no worries.
So met up with baby today for movie, Taken. Went to Lot 1 but they din have the show so we went to JP! Yipee i love jp, lotsa shops after renovation. Heehee. Please someone remind me to save money for HK please!!! i spent quite alot ytd~ on dont know what?! ahahaaha moisturizer? dress? nail polish? cosmetic? and blah blah! especially cabbing! -_-
So SO! i watched Taken just now! Its really worth watching. It's sort of like Human trafficking however this is nicer. After watching this kinda show, im quite afraid to travel without my family. Cos i know i dont have a "National Security/National Intelligence Father" to save me. hahaha
We ate New York Fish&chip, Fish&Co before the movie. Ya! I realised the Fish& chip is nicer today than any other days. Hahahaha Anyway, my stomach is very bloated now. (maybe the slimming cream im using is reacting, i just started using ytd. argh!)
I want a small laptop not netbook! yaaa~ any recommendation? I need to bring laptop everyday and i want a super light, durable and chio? =)
Shall update next time, i need to do my FYP. =(
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Bangkok Trip
Ya, went to bangkok from 2nd April-6th April with my bf, Kesper & Shuping. Its kinda fun but dont think i'll be going back there again cos the weather is really bad. It rains w/o giving you much warning. Normally, in singapore, there will be drizziling before heavy rain but in Bangkok, there's no time to prepare yourself from heavy rain. They only give you a few drop of rain to warn you then pour you with SUPER TURBO Rain! Im not kidding. Its those kind of artificial rain, you see in tv. That's not the worse thing. Due to their poor drainage system, the cockroaches will normally come to the surface when it rains. SO, when you are shopping, you will see LOTS of cockroach running ard! Ya, so we are like Mario, jumping around to avoid those cockroaches while those Thais busying killing the cockroaches. I guess they are used to it.
DAY 1, Evening Flight! woo~
Boutique hotel Lobby
Does it remind you of Dover Mrt Station?
We went to the night market for Pad Thai! Its seriously damn nice! but i never take pictures there cos kinda tired and no mood becos very HOT. hahaha. We went back early that day but i cant slp until around 4-5am~ -_-
DAY 2
Their scary wires!? How can they survive with these?
Temple! Its a must to visit!
I've to tiptoe to take pictures with him! :(
Watched their performance before we head off to Platinum Mall for shopping!
A&W for lunch! DELICIOUS! i hope it comes back to SG!
We went for Full Body Thai Massage! Damn shiok! i love it!
Predators in Bangkok! Cant take pictures in the Department stores so i secretly took a few when nobody's looking.
Teppanyaki for dinner woo! damn NICE! :D~
Went to take train back to hotel!
My loot for Day 2. Ya i think bangkok is really not for me. didnt buy alot. most of it for frens, family
We went to live band club. Cos those clubbing place 20years old then can enter! IM 19! grrrr
Their special service! hahaha
Next time if you order hard liquor, please count your bottles of mixer while drinking. Cos they might charge a few more bottles into your bill. Ya its not free.
shall end Day 2 with A&W waffle! damn nice!
DAY 3
I shall continue next time. Gonna do my tutorial and prep for Grandma's bday dinner celebration~ Sigh, dont think i'll be home early today! tmr early classs! i hate sch!
DAY 1, Evening Flight! woo~
Boutique hotel Lobby
Does it remind you of Dover Mrt Station?
We went to the night market for Pad Thai! Its seriously damn nice! but i never take pictures there cos kinda tired and no mood becos very HOT. hahaha. We went back early that day but i cant slp until around 4-5am~ -_-
DAY 2
Their scary wires!? How can they survive with these?
Temple! Its a must to visit!
I've to tiptoe to take pictures with him! :(
Watched their performance before we head off to Platinum Mall for shopping!
A&W for lunch! DELICIOUS! i hope it comes back to SG!
We went for Full Body Thai Massage! Damn shiok! i love it!
Predators in Bangkok! Cant take pictures in the Department stores so i secretly took a few when nobody's looking.
Teppanyaki for dinner woo! damn NICE! :D~
Went to take train back to hotel!
My loot for Day 2. Ya i think bangkok is really not for me. didnt buy alot. most of it for frens, family
We went to live band club. Cos those clubbing place 20years old then can enter! IM 19! grrrr
Their special service! hahaha
Next time if you order hard liquor, please count your bottles of mixer while drinking. Cos they might charge a few more bottles into your bill. Ya its not free.
shall end Day 2 with A&W waffle! damn nice!
DAY 3
I shall continue next time. Gonna do my tutorial and prep for Grandma's bday dinner celebration~ Sigh, dont think i'll be home early today! tmr early classs! i hate sch!
DS addict
Hahaa, im watching lotsa hongkie show, 学警出击. Ya its damn nice! :) i so so want to go hongkong. Hope that booking wont be full in JUNE! i know its a very rush decision but i want i want to go! =D
ALSO, i trying a new DS game! If you like L4d, Hotel626 this kinda game, you should d/l Dementium: The Ward -NDS.
Its about a man who awaken and found himself in a mysterious hospital, then its like uncover mysteries and stuff. You have to on the light to play cos its SUPER dark! Like hotel 626, there's alot of ghost coming out to scare u! -_- ya, super scary. Also similar to l4d cos you need to kill zombie!
Ya i heard its super hard to play! i will play when someone's at home! hahahaha
I seriously dont understand why am i scaring the shit out of myself all the time! I love to watch horror movie & play scary games. BUT not alone! hahaha.
Ya currently im saving $$ for hongkong, sooo! im not gonna online shopping, not taking cabs! not buying clothes!
ALSO, i trying a new DS game! If you like L4d, Hotel626 this kinda game, you should d/l Dementium: The Ward -NDS.
Its about a man who awaken and found himself in a mysterious hospital, then its like uncover mysteries and stuff. You have to on the light to play cos its SUPER dark! Like hotel 626, there's alot of ghost coming out to scare u! -_- ya, super scary. Also similar to l4d cos you need to kill zombie!
Ya i heard its super hard to play! i will play when someone's at home! hahahaha
I seriously dont understand why am i scaring the shit out of myself all the time! I love to watch horror movie & play scary games. BUT not alone! hahaha.
Ya currently im saving $$ for hongkong, sooo! im not gonna online shopping, not taking cabs! not buying clothes!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
california fitness scam! part 2
It never occurs to me that I should be so careful in dealing with any companies! I thought that whatever they do, they will have conscience and for our welfare. BUT CALIFORNIA fitness really really taught me a lifetime lesson!
http://www.freewebs.com/welcometocaliforniafitness/
Read this!
"Even though the club is popular largely from its publicity stunts and marketing campaigns, there have been several reports regarding the members being charged fees beyond their membership periods or after request of cancellations. A largely affected group of Members are from Singapore where the law is quite strict and binding. The business model of this fitness club chain is hugely criticized by the public mainly because they end up paying more than what is ever told by the sales executives. [1]
Similar incidents has been alleged against their parent (24 Hour Fitness) and there are two existing cases against them in the courts of California, United States. One of the cases has been recently settled ruled in favour of the public who had fought for re-imbursement of the additional fees taken by the club by means of unfair business practices. In the settled case the plaintiff had alleged that 'The third cause of action alleges that 24 Hour Fitness’ practices and contract are unfair and unlawful in violation of California Business and Professions Code section 17200, as 24 Hour Fitness allegedly collects dues beyond the term of the membership contract in violation of the Health Studio Services Act (“HSSA”), fails to comply with statutory formatting and disclosure requirements of the HSSA, and sells monthly membership agreements using false and misleading representations and advertisements prohibited by Civil Code section 1812.92 and Business and Professions Code section 17500 et seq. Based on prior rulings by the Court, the “unlawful” portion of this claim only applies to Class Members who entered into their contracts after January 1, 2002.' The was upheld by the court in the verdict."
Quoted from wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Fitness
When comfronting the manager, we have said that they will lose customers in the long run! Many customers will have the same problems as us and she LIED that only a small numbers have this prob! THERE's Lotsa ppl being cheated and angry that they still have to pay even after they cancel! luckily we found out early and managed to force them to waive it off if not we will end up like them! Giro acct being deducted w/o them knowing or charged to their creditcard!
I've found out that not only consumers in Singapore, also from many other countries!
Korean bankruptcy
Locally franchised branch of California Wow went bankrupt in Korea in April 2008.
According to the Korean news media, the Korean employees had not been paid for the previous three months salary. Members of the gym are banding together to sue the company for membership fees. Approximately 40,000 people were members of the club.
Member have not received any compensation for their memberships, nor does it seem as though they will. The club sold memberships right up until the day they closed.
Quoted from wiki
http://www.kitchinlegal.com/pickering.php
I found this case about their parental organisation, 24Fitness!
Seriously, these are the reasons i can sue them and claim 3times amt they conned from me! WISH me luck! BUT its in california law! SIGH! im going to search for Singapore Law Case for Reference! haha
Sixth Cause of Action: Ms. Pickering alleges 24 Hour Fitness violated California Unfair Competition Laws by engaging in conduct that has required monthly membership customers to pay additional membership dues after they give notice of their intent to quit. Ms. Pickering alleges 24 Hour Fitness should be required to return these monies to former customers and to change its monthly membership policies and practices as they relate to current monthly membership customers.
Seventh Cause of Action: Ms. Pickering alleges 24 Hour Fitness has converted or taken money from its monthly membership customers by continuing to withdraw money from customers’ checking or credit card accounts after the customers have given notice of their desire to quit.
Eighth Cause of Action: Ms. Pickering alleges 24 Hour Fitness commits fraud by misrepresenting to its customers how monthly membership agreements can be terminated.
"they are telling me, they are processing it, sending the request for the management for approval. This is what I was told, 3wks ago, till now, still PROCESSING!! so 'efficient'"
taken from http://tomorrow.sg/archives/2005/06/10/the_bugis_california_fitness_cen.html
See how efficient they are!They said that CASE is not useful! The only chances i can win is to gather more unhappy consumers! i guess?
"Let me tell you my court case with California Fitness.
When I renew my membership the 2nd time, the orchard club manager offered me to upgrade my plan to a 36month+24month for $1799. After that I just need to pay $88 per year. After the end of 36month, the staff at Bugis pressured me to sign up. I took the contract and show them I have another 24months. They photocopy the contract 3 times but each time I enter the club, I was told the same story. Finally I want to meet the Bugis Club manager and show him my contract (I have to carry my contract every time). After a few months he denied that my contract copy is valid. I went to Case but was told I am not the only one and the most Case can only get back one year for me. I filed to Small Claim court. The Novena Manager called me to go down and I showed him my copy. He denied that my contract is valid and offer to compensate me only one year. He made no apologies for whole matter. I challenge them to the court. At the court after 2 round, I managed to get about 18months. Please think carefully if you want to renew your membership with this company as they do not honour their words."
quoted from http://tomorrow.sg/archives/2005/06/10/the_bugis_california_fitness_cen.html
WOW, i guess i should be happy that my case is really minor.
"Yes, they totally ignored your sms/phone calls etc once they know you wanted to cancel the membership. "
quoted from Rey.
http://tomorrow.sg/archives/2005/06/10/the_bugis_california_fitness_cen.html
All right now im starting to worry that they will ignore my calls if i call tmr!
"My locker was broken into on Sunday, Dec 7 2008 while I was doing my routine work-out. When I reported to the manager-in-charge, Sasidharan Unnithan, he simply said sorry! When he told me that this was not the first theft case, I was really frustrated. To add salt to my wound, he told me that there has been no security guard since beginning of December. I almost screamed at him. I told him I was not informed at all. I then asked him what has Cali done for the past cases, so as to prevent further theft cases. He said that a sign was put up at the entrance of the changing room and another A4 sized poster indicating which types of locks were not to be used was hung on the top corner of a wall at the changing room. I asked him who will see these posters when they are not eye-catching at all? I questioned him further by asking him that if this was not the first time lockers were broken into, what other form of communications have been done to warn members besides posters? He was dumbfounded and kept quiet. I asked him what about emails, flyers (like those at the road show) or anything else to caution members about theft? I told him since Cali knows how to create awareness and clearly communicate what they are selling at the road show, why can't they do the same when the very first theft happened? One of the reasons could be "Unless they DO NOT CHERISH THEIR MEMBERS AT ALL!"
I wrote in to Wilson Koh, the Country Operational Manager. The Service Manager from Bugis called. Of course he was S***! When I told him that I want to speak to the Country Operational Manager, he told me that he is one of them in charge of Bugis. What a liar! I found out that there is only one Country Operational Manager.
There is a serious management problem and relational skill in Bugis outlet! (Not all of the managers, I believe)
I lost my cellphone and cash, total closed to $600.
I do not know how many cases there are at this point of time, I strongly encourage those who were victims not to keep quiet and let the irresponsible management of the fitness center continue to be careless. Being a member of the fitness center, we also need to be treated as members. If not, why do we pay a monthly fee and deserve such preposterous treatment in return!.
I intend to write to ST forum. Victims of the past, please email me."
Quoted from the same website! WOW i love this website! i shall email califitness.scams@gmail.com as they are joining force to stop shity orgnanisation!
i Paid $89 per month and paid $5 for their lock! they simply say "sorry & too bad" if your locker has been broken?! WTF! luckily im not going there ANYMORE!
I realised i should really do some research when signing any contract or make any purchase! Sigh! ITS too late to regret!
"Im so glad i chanced upon this thread cos i think California Fitness is the crappiest and SCAMMIEST gym around!! Especially the Membership Sales Manager, Steven Liew @ Bugis. Utter useless creep! Read on to find out!
1. CF is so sneaky about their payment name in the credit bill. They have recently changed it to MSC which no relevance to Californis Fitness. Bet they are hoping that u will miss that out!
2. My membership ended on 17/09/08 and found that i was billed in October as well. Apparently i have to terminate personally at the gym. (more fine print there!). I actually checked with someone abt my expiration and she made NO mention abt this procedure at that point!
3. Went down to the gym on 26/10 (Sun) and spoke to 2 indian staff, Gowri & Gaya and they said that i cant terminate until they have resolved the billing issue and there's no worry as the NEXT billing cycle will be in Nov. Even left my credit card slip with them. They said they will notify their Membership Sales Manager, Steven Liew, and will get back to me by 28/10 (tues)
4. After 2 days, still no news! When i called the gym today (30/10) and first spoke to an Ed who said something abt taking ONE WEEK to retrieve my contract?! Then i spoken to Steven Liew who then told me that he has absolutely no clue abt my case!!
5. After explaining the situation and wanting to terminate, he said i have already been billed ($67) for the NEXT month (Oct/Nov?!) cos the billing-cycle cut-off date was JUST before my termination request on 26/10! This "mysterious" billing cycle is so BAFFLING and should be a lot more transparent!!
6. When i asked if they can waive it, he just kept rattling on abt their procedures and he cant do anything. He doesnt seem to care when i asked him why wouldnt he do anything to work something out with a dissatisfied customer? Why should i pay for another month of membership for a gym that i will NEVER EVER go again?
7. I asked him who else can help me re this and he kept saying that HE is Membership Manager and there is no one else to take this up with. What rubbish and what attitude!!!"
WOW this is exactly what happened to me! WTF! AND the seriously changed to MSC so that people will miss out!
I realised they really know how to brainwash people in joining their gym but u will find shit after joining! cos it never occur those shit will happen to u! BUT wait! They will treat u like a gem when u are still paying them! What if ur contract is ending?! and you wan to terminate!? they will treat u like shit!
You might be thinking im quite stupid! Why am i ranting here when everthing already happen?! COS im trying to warn u guys how evil marketing gimmicks can get u into huge financial debt and bound you with their legal terms! You can LAUGH and say "oh it will never happen to me" But think about it? How careful u can be? We are not lawyers and although i've studied basic law, i might not be that careful/detailed about Singapore law? and how scheming they will be?! cos u might assume " oh, they will never do that, they will never want to cheat our money and even if so we can complain! and demand for reimbursement"
Many have said " Dont be so naive! You must be careful in whatever you do!" Yes, i will be very very careful next time! NOT to trust anyone so easily!
"You have the right to cancel if you have completed your contract period. If you are a recent member, you can make use of the Singapore contract law clause
" Within 3 working days of signing up a contract, the customer can terminate the contract by informing the supplier in writing that they do no wish to continue the contract." This 3 days is valid only if the customer has been properly informed of the 3 days cooling period. What I mean is, if you are not informed of such a cooling period, you can extend it upto months. Normally the fitness club consultants never inform this clause, which means you can give this notice even if you are 3-6 months into membership. The best reason: you were forced to join the club with high pressure sales tactics by the membership consultants. This works. It really does!!! Please try it. I can assure you, you can get rid of this california fitness headache for life!!!
its a pain, i know that you know it too!
The key is, they will try to threaten you by saying that they will send legal notices etc. etc., but trust me there is nothing they can do. You can proceed to go to CASE or the Small Claims Tribunal. The history says that everyone who has approached CASE or Tribunal has managed to get out of the problem.
I did too. My case was solved after I told them I am willing to face any legal notice from them. I told them the moment I get a notice, I will go to court and make sure they will be the one with the damaged reputation.
They called me from the head office of theirs a couple of weeks later and warned me again of legal actions. I didnt give in and I warned them not to call me again but send the notice if they have the guts.
Three weeks later after a few calls, a lady called me with a nice manner telling me they will void of all the pending payments to them if I continue to become a full time member from then on.
I just asked them to go to hell.
Trust me, they cant put you in jail for signing up their membership. The key is to fight back. If we become scared, they will take advantage. They will send their own notice letters with big red letters, don't be scared. They cant do anything legally.
If you face such situation, just send a registered post stating that you do not wish to be communicated with and will take legal action if they send any more notices.
Trust me guys, my case is resolved and my money is safe.
Burn California in Hell!
Read more about California Fitness in the Wikipedia.com. They mention about other people fighting cases and winning against them.
Hope they shut down their business soon. Hope they crash and have no money at all!
So cruel is their business model!"
Quoted from BennyJ
Wah, i think im going to CASE/ Small claims Tribunals! I've came up with the cause of action! What i need to do now is organise them and called CASE to see what can be done! WISH ME LUCK!
(Please read the previous post before continue)
2weeks ago, Pearly and I went to Raffles outlet to comfront their manager. Careless and FOOLISH (but never again!) US did not read the small prints in our contract.(seriously, from now on i will file all contracts,even my Starhub line contract and read every single terms and conditions!)So, we are forced to pay the extra 1 month charge! We are required to notify them at least 1 month before the next payment comes in if we want to terminate our contract. SO, the contract continues.. AND.. its OKAY.. cos we already threw the money on their "Money" face and CHANT repeatly that we want to terminate our contract! Reluctantly, the short hair anorexic receptionist took our money and issued us a receipt. (We asked for the receipt if not they will have a chance to charge us again) HAHA, too bad! Once bitten, twice shy! She even assured us that she will send us a termination letter by next week.
2weeks later.. i received a msg from that scammy california that demand us to make payment for next month?! WHICH i alrdy did!They even attempt to deduct from my giro account but luckily i dont save money in there!(im transfering them to ocbc bank)if not i will never ever get my money back.
SO i called them again and demanded an explanation! You know what reason they gave me?! The guy said that my membership is still active and not terminated so we still have to pay for the next month! and he said that maybe the girl we spoke to 2 weeks ago, forgot to terminate our contract?! brilliant excuse right?! SO he said that he have notified the manager, the FAT & OILY Joanna TAN, and she is processing the request and waiting for approval!
3days have passed! i still havent receive approval! WHY?! Termination request need so many days to proccess meh?! After reading similar experience through those articles, i must call them again tmr and demand for my termination evidence! i dont wan to end up paying $8000 like the woman in the article!
Please dont ask me to cool down! I've been through alot of hardship there!!
Their trainers are seriously stalkers and bitches!
It happens not long after we joined california scammers, we often do some jogging before moving on to other equipments. One of the trainers came to talk to us and we just patronize him alil while. We showed no interest but he being thick-skinned still stick around, watching us, acting friendly. When we are going off, he asked for my number and i refused to give him. AND guess what, he went to the reception,checked our profile and took my numbers! He even said proudly, "You dont want give! I also have ways to get it! See, i also know your chinese name and your address!" im like wtf! arent my profile confidential! SO, i ignored to him and complained to another trainers and manager! I think the manager told him off and warned him! BUT that bastard did not apologise! NVM!
He's a really petty and BITCHY guy! The next day, we saw him and he rolled his eyes and walked off to the reception counter. He stood there,whispered to his colleagues and they kept turning to our direction and looking at us and continue talking. PLEASE dont say im sensitive! ITS very obvious ok! Must be telling stories about us! I think he've been fired after a few months cos i din see him around anymore! haha!
Ok enough ranting about California Fitness. I still have photos to upload! Bringing jay jay to vet, Bangkok trip, CNY! i know im super outdated, valentine day! ya ya.
i'll be back! AND please if you ever want to join california fitness, think twice! i've read thousands of negative experience! WHY none of them warn us in newspaper! i think i should be the first to do so! i should call up Straits Times or whatever firms to expose them!
http://www.freewebs.com/welcometocaliforniafitness/
Read this!
"Even though the club is popular largely from its publicity stunts and marketing campaigns, there have been several reports regarding the members being charged fees beyond their membership periods or after request of cancellations. A largely affected group of Members are from Singapore where the law is quite strict and binding. The business model of this fitness club chain is hugely criticized by the public mainly because they end up paying more than what is ever told by the sales executives. [1]
Similar incidents has been alleged against their parent (24 Hour Fitness) and there are two existing cases against them in the courts of California, United States. One of the cases has been recently settled ruled in favour of the public who had fought for re-imbursement of the additional fees taken by the club by means of unfair business practices. In the settled case the plaintiff had alleged that 'The third cause of action alleges that 24 Hour Fitness’ practices and contract are unfair and unlawful in violation of California Business and Professions Code section 17200, as 24 Hour Fitness allegedly collects dues beyond the term of the membership contract in violation of the Health Studio Services Act (“HSSA”), fails to comply with statutory formatting and disclosure requirements of the HSSA, and sells monthly membership agreements using false and misleading representations and advertisements prohibited by Civil Code section 1812.92 and Business and Professions Code section 17500 et seq. Based on prior rulings by the Court, the “unlawful” portion of this claim only applies to Class Members who entered into their contracts after January 1, 2002.' The was upheld by the court in the verdict."
Quoted from wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Fitness
When comfronting the manager, we have said that they will lose customers in the long run! Many customers will have the same problems as us and she LIED that only a small numbers have this prob! THERE's Lotsa ppl being cheated and angry that they still have to pay even after they cancel! luckily we found out early and managed to force them to waive it off if not we will end up like them! Giro acct being deducted w/o them knowing or charged to their creditcard!
I've found out that not only consumers in Singapore, also from many other countries!
Korean bankruptcy
Locally franchised branch of California Wow went bankrupt in Korea in April 2008.
According to the Korean news media, the Korean employees had not been paid for the previous three months salary. Members of the gym are banding together to sue the company for membership fees. Approximately 40,000 people were members of the club.
Member have not received any compensation for their memberships, nor does it seem as though they will. The club sold memberships right up until the day they closed.
Quoted from wiki
http://www.kitchinlegal.com/pickering.php
I found this case about their parental organisation, 24Fitness!
Seriously, these are the reasons i can sue them and claim 3times amt they conned from me! WISH me luck! BUT its in california law! SIGH! im going to search for Singapore Law Case for Reference! haha
Sixth Cause of Action: Ms. Pickering alleges 24 Hour Fitness violated California Unfair Competition Laws by engaging in conduct that has required monthly membership customers to pay additional membership dues after they give notice of their intent to quit. Ms. Pickering alleges 24 Hour Fitness should be required to return these monies to former customers and to change its monthly membership policies and practices as they relate to current monthly membership customers.
Seventh Cause of Action: Ms. Pickering alleges 24 Hour Fitness has converted or taken money from its monthly membership customers by continuing to withdraw money from customers’ checking or credit card accounts after the customers have given notice of their desire to quit.
Eighth Cause of Action: Ms. Pickering alleges 24 Hour Fitness commits fraud by misrepresenting to its customers how monthly membership agreements can be terminated.
"they are telling me, they are processing it, sending the request for the management for approval. This is what I was told, 3wks ago, till now, still PROCESSING!! so 'efficient'"
taken from http://tomorrow.sg/archives/2005/06/10/the_bugis_california_fitness_cen.html
See how efficient they are!They said that CASE is not useful! The only chances i can win is to gather more unhappy consumers! i guess?
"Let me tell you my court case with California Fitness.
When I renew my membership the 2nd time, the orchard club manager offered me to upgrade my plan to a 36month+24month for $1799. After that I just need to pay $88 per year. After the end of 36month, the staff at Bugis pressured me to sign up. I took the contract and show them I have another 24months. They photocopy the contract 3 times but each time I enter the club, I was told the same story. Finally I want to meet the Bugis Club manager and show him my contract (I have to carry my contract every time). After a few months he denied that my contract copy is valid. I went to Case but was told I am not the only one and the most Case can only get back one year for me. I filed to Small Claim court. The Novena Manager called me to go down and I showed him my copy. He denied that my contract is valid and offer to compensate me only one year. He made no apologies for whole matter. I challenge them to the court. At the court after 2 round, I managed to get about 18months. Please think carefully if you want to renew your membership with this company as they do not honour their words."
quoted from http://tomorrow.sg/archives/2005/06/10/the_bugis_california_fitness_cen.html
WOW, i guess i should be happy that my case is really minor.
"Yes, they totally ignored your sms/phone calls etc once they know you wanted to cancel the membership. "
quoted from Rey.
http://tomorrow.sg/archives/2005/06/10/the_bugis_california_fitness_cen.html
All right now im starting to worry that they will ignore my calls if i call tmr!
"My locker was broken into on Sunday, Dec 7 2008 while I was doing my routine work-out. When I reported to the manager-in-charge, Sasidharan Unnithan, he simply said sorry! When he told me that this was not the first theft case, I was really frustrated. To add salt to my wound, he told me that there has been no security guard since beginning of December. I almost screamed at him. I told him I was not informed at all. I then asked him what has Cali done for the past cases, so as to prevent further theft cases. He said that a sign was put up at the entrance of the changing room and another A4 sized poster indicating which types of locks were not to be used was hung on the top corner of a wall at the changing room. I asked him who will see these posters when they are not eye-catching at all? I questioned him further by asking him that if this was not the first time lockers were broken into, what other form of communications have been done to warn members besides posters? He was dumbfounded and kept quiet. I asked him what about emails, flyers (like those at the road show) or anything else to caution members about theft? I told him since Cali knows how to create awareness and clearly communicate what they are selling at the road show, why can't they do the same when the very first theft happened? One of the reasons could be "Unless they DO NOT CHERISH THEIR MEMBERS AT ALL!"
I wrote in to Wilson Koh, the Country Operational Manager. The Service Manager from Bugis called. Of course he was S***! When I told him that I want to speak to the Country Operational Manager, he told me that he is one of them in charge of Bugis. What a liar! I found out that there is only one Country Operational Manager.
There is a serious management problem and relational skill in Bugis outlet! (Not all of the managers, I believe)
I lost my cellphone and cash, total closed to $600.
I do not know how many cases there are at this point of time, I strongly encourage those who were victims not to keep quiet and let the irresponsible management of the fitness center continue to be careless. Being a member of the fitness center, we also need to be treated as members. If not, why do we pay a monthly fee and deserve such preposterous treatment in return!.
I intend to write to ST forum. Victims of the past, please email me."
Quoted from the same website! WOW i love this website! i shall email califitness.scams@gmail.com as they are joining force to stop shity orgnanisation!
i Paid $89 per month and paid $5 for their lock! they simply say "sorry & too bad" if your locker has been broken?! WTF! luckily im not going there ANYMORE!
I realised i should really do some research when signing any contract or make any purchase! Sigh! ITS too late to regret!
"Im so glad i chanced upon this thread cos i think California Fitness is the crappiest and SCAMMIEST gym around!! Especially the Membership Sales Manager, Steven Liew @ Bugis. Utter useless creep! Read on to find out!
1. CF is so sneaky about their payment name in the credit bill. They have recently changed it to MSC which no relevance to Californis Fitness. Bet they are hoping that u will miss that out!
2. My membership ended on 17/09/08 and found that i was billed in October as well. Apparently i have to terminate personally at the gym. (more fine print there!). I actually checked with someone abt my expiration and she made NO mention abt this procedure at that point!
3. Went down to the gym on 26/10 (Sun) and spoke to 2 indian staff, Gowri & Gaya and they said that i cant terminate until they have resolved the billing issue and there's no worry as the NEXT billing cycle will be in Nov. Even left my credit card slip with them. They said they will notify their Membership Sales Manager, Steven Liew, and will get back to me by 28/10 (tues)
4. After 2 days, still no news! When i called the gym today (30/10) and first spoke to an Ed who said something abt taking ONE WEEK to retrieve my contract?! Then i spoken to Steven Liew who then told me that he has absolutely no clue abt my case!!
5. After explaining the situation and wanting to terminate, he said i have already been billed ($67) for the NEXT month (Oct/Nov?!) cos the billing-cycle cut-off date was JUST before my termination request on 26/10! This "mysterious" billing cycle is so BAFFLING and should be a lot more transparent!!
6. When i asked if they can waive it, he just kept rattling on abt their procedures and he cant do anything. He doesnt seem to care when i asked him why wouldnt he do anything to work something out with a dissatisfied customer? Why should i pay for another month of membership for a gym that i will NEVER EVER go again?
7. I asked him who else can help me re this and he kept saying that HE is Membership Manager and there is no one else to take this up with. What rubbish and what attitude!!!"
WOW this is exactly what happened to me! WTF! AND the seriously changed to MSC so that people will miss out!
I realised they really know how to brainwash people in joining their gym but u will find shit after joining! cos it never occur those shit will happen to u! BUT wait! They will treat u like a gem when u are still paying them! What if ur contract is ending?! and you wan to terminate!? they will treat u like shit!
You might be thinking im quite stupid! Why am i ranting here when everthing already happen?! COS im trying to warn u guys how evil marketing gimmicks can get u into huge financial debt and bound you with their legal terms! You can LAUGH and say "oh it will never happen to me" But think about it? How careful u can be? We are not lawyers and although i've studied basic law, i might not be that careful/detailed about Singapore law? and how scheming they will be?! cos u might assume " oh, they will never do that, they will never want to cheat our money and even if so we can complain! and demand for reimbursement"
Many have said " Dont be so naive! You must be careful in whatever you do!" Yes, i will be very very careful next time! NOT to trust anyone so easily!
"You have the right to cancel if you have completed your contract period. If you are a recent member, you can make use of the Singapore contract law clause
" Within 3 working days of signing up a contract, the customer can terminate the contract by informing the supplier in writing that they do no wish to continue the contract." This 3 days is valid only if the customer has been properly informed of the 3 days cooling period. What I mean is, if you are not informed of such a cooling period, you can extend it upto months. Normally the fitness club consultants never inform this clause, which means you can give this notice even if you are 3-6 months into membership. The best reason: you were forced to join the club with high pressure sales tactics by the membership consultants. This works. It really does!!! Please try it. I can assure you, you can get rid of this california fitness headache for life!!!
its a pain, i know that you know it too!
The key is, they will try to threaten you by saying that they will send legal notices etc. etc., but trust me there is nothing they can do. You can proceed to go to CASE or the Small Claims Tribunal. The history says that everyone who has approached CASE or Tribunal has managed to get out of the problem.
I did too. My case was solved after I told them I am willing to face any legal notice from them. I told them the moment I get a notice, I will go to court and make sure they will be the one with the damaged reputation.
They called me from the head office of theirs a couple of weeks later and warned me again of legal actions. I didnt give in and I warned them not to call me again but send the notice if they have the guts.
Three weeks later after a few calls, a lady called me with a nice manner telling me they will void of all the pending payments to them if I continue to become a full time member from then on.
I just asked them to go to hell.
Trust me, they cant put you in jail for signing up their membership. The key is to fight back. If we become scared, they will take advantage. They will send their own notice letters with big red letters, don't be scared. They cant do anything legally.
If you face such situation, just send a registered post stating that you do not wish to be communicated with and will take legal action if they send any more notices.
Trust me guys, my case is resolved and my money is safe.
Burn California in Hell!
Read more about California Fitness in the Wikipedia.com. They mention about other people fighting cases and winning against them.
Hope they shut down their business soon. Hope they crash and have no money at all!
So cruel is their business model!"
Quoted from BennyJ
Wah, i think im going to CASE/ Small claims Tribunals! I've came up with the cause of action! What i need to do now is organise them and called CASE to see what can be done! WISH ME LUCK!
(Please read the previous post before continue)
2weeks ago, Pearly and I went to Raffles outlet to comfront their manager. Careless and FOOLISH (but never again!) US did not read the small prints in our contract.(seriously, from now on i will file all contracts,even my Starhub line contract and read every single terms and conditions!)So, we are forced to pay the extra 1 month charge! We are required to notify them at least 1 month before the next payment comes in if we want to terminate our contract. SO, the contract continues.. AND.. its OKAY.. cos we already threw the money on their "Money" face and CHANT repeatly that we want to terminate our contract! Reluctantly, the short hair anorexic receptionist took our money and issued us a receipt. (We asked for the receipt if not they will have a chance to charge us again) HAHA, too bad! Once bitten, twice shy! She even assured us that she will send us a termination letter by next week.
2weeks later.. i received a msg from that scammy california that demand us to make payment for next month?! WHICH i alrdy did!They even attempt to deduct from my giro account but luckily i dont save money in there!(im transfering them to ocbc bank)if not i will never ever get my money back.
SO i called them again and demanded an explanation! You know what reason they gave me?! The guy said that my membership is still active and not terminated so we still have to pay for the next month! and he said that maybe the girl we spoke to 2 weeks ago, forgot to terminate our contract?! brilliant excuse right?! SO he said that he have notified the manager, the FAT & OILY Joanna TAN, and she is processing the request and waiting for approval!
3days have passed! i still havent receive approval! WHY?! Termination request need so many days to proccess meh?! After reading similar experience through those articles, i must call them again tmr and demand for my termination evidence! i dont wan to end up paying $8000 like the woman in the article!
Please dont ask me to cool down! I've been through alot of hardship there!!
Their trainers are seriously stalkers and bitches!
It happens not long after we joined california scammers, we often do some jogging before moving on to other equipments. One of the trainers came to talk to us and we just patronize him alil while. We showed no interest but he being thick-skinned still stick around, watching us, acting friendly. When we are going off, he asked for my number and i refused to give him. AND guess what, he went to the reception,checked our profile and took my numbers! He even said proudly, "You dont want give! I also have ways to get it! See, i also know your chinese name and your address!" im like wtf! arent my profile confidential! SO, i ignored to him and complained to another trainers and manager! I think the manager told him off and warned him! BUT that bastard did not apologise! NVM!
He's a really petty and BITCHY guy! The next day, we saw him and he rolled his eyes and walked off to the reception counter. He stood there,whispered to his colleagues and they kept turning to our direction and looking at us and continue talking. PLEASE dont say im sensitive! ITS very obvious ok! Must be telling stories about us! I think he've been fired after a few months cos i din see him around anymore! haha!
Ok enough ranting about California Fitness. I still have photos to upload! Bringing jay jay to vet, Bangkok trip, CNY! i know im super outdated, valentine day! ya ya.
i'll be back! AND please if you ever want to join california fitness, think twice! i've read thousands of negative experience! WHY none of them warn us in newspaper! i think i should be the first to do so! i should call up Straits Times or whatever firms to expose them!
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