The inflation rate has remained record high for months and even increases. As a result, prices have already increased in many areas – from electricity, petrol, heating to groceries in the supermarket. But it can get even more expensive. Contractual partners often increase their prices now. But that’s not always justified, consumer advocates warn.
are current frequent price increases at fitness studios to observe. However, the studios cannot simply increase prices in existing contracts. “Of course, fitness studios are also confronted with rising energy costs. Yes membership fees to increase among existing customers not easily possible“, explains Alina Menold, legal expert of the Lower Saxony Consumer Advice Centre in a press release. She goes on to say: “It depends what and in what wording it is in the contract. The general terms and conditions usually contain price adjustment clauses. However, those affected should take a close look.” Some formulations are not legal. Consumers can then stick to their old, originally agreed contribution.
Gym or mobile operator increases prices? It’s worth checking the small print
A gym must Always notify increases in contributions in writing. “So if you suddenly and without prior notice are charged a flat rate or even more every month, you should object in writing and the overpaid amounts, stating a deadline reclaim. If a SEPA direct debit mandate has been approved, it can also be pointed out that this only for the agreed sum applies,” says the expert.
Anyone who is unsure about what has been agreed should first of all fine print of the contract read. If a price adjustment clause is included, this does not mean that it is also valid. “It is important here that very, very many of these clauses formulated too generally are,” explains consumer advocate Carolin Semmler Bavarian Radio (BR). Clauses that are too general are usually not effective.
Nothing is in writing price increases agreed, fitness studios must first obtain the consent of customers to subsequently increase prices. Those who do not want to accept an increase can initially continue to pay the old price. However, in such cases, the contractual partner can terminate the agreement. However, only in compliance with one notice period, according to Semmler. If a contribution increase is legal and if it has been correctly communicated to the members, those affected also have a special right of termination. “Studios must also point this out in writing and set a reasonable deadline of at least 14 days for this,” explains Menold. If they have not done so, customers do not have to pay the increase revoke direct debit authorization or the Cancel standing order.
Unilateral price increases often not effective
What applies to gym contracts can also apply to many other areas be transmitted, for example one Mobile phone contract, electricity or gas contract. “If you have a normal contract […] and there is nothing in it about price increases, then there is one too Unilateral increase of the provider is not possible“, explains Simone Bueb from the Consumer Center Bavaria the BR. Here, too, the rule is: If effective price increase clauses are included in contracts, customers have a special right of termination and can withdraw from the contract early from the time of the price increase.
