As you know, I just moved to California a month ago. Â Shortly after I got here I joined the 24 Hour Fitness that is just up the street from me. Â Well we recently secured office space, which is conveniently in a building with a small gym on the lower level.
So I thought it convenient to be able to grab a quick workout there when I need a 15 minute break or for on those rare mornings that I feel motivated to exercise early in the day (note: that is very rare…okay who am I kidding, it will never happen)
Anyway, I go into the gym and ask the guy at the front desk about membership options for people in the building. Â He told me about all of them, all of which included long term commitments…which considering I have the 24 Hour Fitness commitment, I told him I preferred a per visit drop in or something month to month.
He said they don’t have a punch card, and don’t sell drop in fees and DON’T offer a month to month option. Â I asked if I could pay for one month…the answer was no.
I said “Let me get this straight…The ONLY way I can work out here is to commit to a one or two year term?”
Yup
Interestingly, I had my wallet out and in my hand since I figured I’d be buying something.  At this point in the conversation I was more intrigued than anything to learn why he wouldn’t take my money.  So I kept pestering for the amusement of my newsletter and blog readers 🙂
Me: “So I have money in my hand, and you won’t take it”  (note: my tone was very sarcastic and condescending 😉
The moron: Â “If you want to sign a contract I will”
Me: Â “What if I paid you $30 per visit?” Â (keep in mind the monthly membership was only $30)
The moron: Â “Nope”
Me: Â “Are you the manager?”
The moron: Â (Now busying himself on the computer to hopefully get me to leave) “Nope, he’s not here”
Me: Â “Would he approve of you refusing my money?”
The moron: Â “Yes”
Me: Â “You sure man? Â I have money right now that I’d like to pay you if you have any other options”
The moron: Â “We don’t…sorry”
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So now I ask you…what would you have done in this situation? Â Do you take the money and get me to try it out? Â Do you let me workout that day to experience it so maybe I’ll be convinced to pay for one of your membership options? Â Or do you stick to your policy and let me leave?
Trust me, I understand and advocate the need for structure and policy, but I feel if someone wants to work out, you need to find a way for it to happen. Â Once they’re a member, at any level, they are likely to buy more services. Â Especially since I work in the building and can walk down each day for a protein shake or bar, or any number of add-on sales.
Do you bend? Â Or do you stick to your guns knowing I’m going to take my cash to your competitor?