A Sydney man has vented his frustration after being asked to provide ‘proof of relocation’ to cancel his gym membership before moving overseas permanently.
The gymgoer had just finished his 18-month contract at an Anytime Fitness in Sydney when he decided it was time to end his membership.
After explaining to an employee over the phone that he wanted to cancel his account, he received an email informing him that he needed to provide ‘supporting documentation’ confirming his relocation.
Among the documents accepted as ‘proof’ of his move was a flight ticket.
‘Once we have received the required documentation and your completed cancellation form, we’ll be able to proceed with your cancellation in accordance with your membership agreement,’ the email read.
Stunned by the request, the man said he couldn’t believe he needed to jump through so many hoops just to terminate his gym membership.
‘I tried to cancel Anytime Fitness saying that I am moving overseas permanently next month and they said they need proof that I am moving permanently,’ he vented.
‘And I can’t “just” cancel the gym even though I have already finished their 18-month contract. All f***ing BS man.’
A man has vented his frustration after being asked to provide ‘proof of relocation’ to cancel his gym membership before moving overseas (stock image)
The Daily Mail has contacted Anytime Fitness for comment.
The man was also required to give 30 days’ notice and complete a cancellation form in person so the club could finalise his request.
Cancellation policies vary between locations. According to the website, members are advised to visit their home club to sign a cancellation form in person.
Conditions apply if members wish to cancel due to medical reasons or relocation during their minimum contract period.
Other gymgoers were quick to share their own cancellation horror stories.
‘I emailed three times and met in person twice before they agreed to cancel. They purposely spaced out the replies and meeting weeks apart too so I had to keep paying,’ one claimed.
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‘The gym I used to go to in Sydney had me pay $50 to cancel. Their reasoning was because I was a member for more than 12 months. So essentially, because I was a loyal member, I had to pay them for the rest of my life unless I pay them more money to stop paying. Makes me so angry,’ another ranted.
‘Tell them you’re injured and can’t train long-term. I said that to one franchisee because they wouldn’t let me cancel. I don’t know why they make it so ridiculously difficult,’ one added.
After explaining to an employee over the phone that he wanted to cancel his account, he received an email informing him that he needed to provide ‘supporting documentation’ confirming his relocation
However, some claimed they were able to cancel their membership with no issues.
‘I cancelled my membership with Anytime Fitness a few years ago and there was no fuss at the time. I needed to give 30 days’ notice and that was it. Proof of relocation is ridiculous. Who do they think they are?’ one shared.
‘I cancelled last month using the online cancellation request. Received my confirmation email the following day. No questions asked,’ another claimed.
Meanwhile, others said they resorted to blocking gym payments after struggling to cancel their memberships.
‘If you try to cancel over the phone, they ask you to come in to complete a cancellation form. If you go in, they ask you to do it online. I tried several times and ended up cancelling my credit card to stop payments,’ one revealed.
‘The last time a gym tried to do this to me, I called my bank to block all transactions from them,’ another shared.