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Playing by the rules: Dutch fitness chain Fit for Free adjusts its conditions

Dutch fitness chain Fit for Free is to adjust its conditions in favor of consumers. With these changes, Fit for Free meets the objections that the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) and the Dutch Consumers’ Association (Consumentenbond) had raised. Having looked into consumer complaints, it was revealed that the conditions did not comply with the rules. Fit for Free has already solved this issue. For example, Fit for Free has stopped demanding a fee when consumers cancel their memberships during the cooling-off period (grace period), and it now displays the prices of its membership plans on its website more clearly. In addition, it now complies with the rules on membership cancellations and renewals.

Consumers encountered obstacles when cancelling their memberships. If they cancelled their memberships during the cooling-off period of 14 days, they had to pay a fee of EUR 13. This is a violation of consumer protection laws, unless consumers have explicitly agreed to receiving services during the cooling-off period. In that case, they can be charged the actual costs. If this is not the case, consumers are allowed to cancel their memberships free of charge during the cooling-off period, and without having to explain why. Fit for Free has now adjusted its policies.

In addition, Fit for Free has announced it will ensure that cancellations are processed in accordance with the applicable rules. More specifically, a recent amendment of the Dutch Civil Code now enables consumers to cancel their memberships or subscriptions at any time after the first year with one month’s notice.

Finally, Fit for Free has explained the prices of its membership plans more clearly on its website. In particular, it has become clearer what the costs of monthly plans are if consumers pay per month or if they pay per year. With such information, consumers are able to make well-informed decisions.