Aja Frary
October 18, 2017 10:53
I am a full time career Stuntwoman and life long high level athlete. Orange Theory Astor Place in New York City has the WORST unwelcome nickel and dime you attitude I have ever experienced from a fitness studio.
I booked my trail class then received an email asking to call to schedule a class, which I did. On the phone the employee asked if I had ever taken an Orange Theory class, and I said "yes in Los Angeles 2 weeks ago." She then informed me the class would be $20 for the trail. That was ok by me, so I scheduled my class for 5:15 PM that day. However when I arrive, on time, I was encountered by an unwelcome cold employee who obviously hates her career. This employee said it would be another $5.00 for the heart rate monitor. I was fine with that extra charge even though the Los Angeles studio did not charge for this. I began to feel a little nickel and dimed at this point since this was not stated when the price was quoted on the phone but I let that go. The employee asked if I'd taken an Orange Theory class, which I said "yes 2 weeks ago in LA, " and then she told me again that since I took a class in LA it would be an additional $5 for the heart rate monitor on top of the $20 trail class, $25 total. I agreed.
After I filled out the paperwork she informed me to go downstairs to get changed and get set up with my heart rate monitor. Ten minutes before the class started I ran back upstairs to send a quick text and the same woman says "oh actually the class is going to be $35 today." She went onto say because I took a class in Los Angeles she was changing my originally quoted price.
The problem I have is I was very clear on the original phone call that I had taken a class in LA and then again when I arrived. Changing the price TWICE and 10 minutes before class after I've already checked in feels completely wrong. It felt like a bat and switch or used car salesmen tactic. I argued my case politely that this should have been told to me on the original phone call or when I checked in! Then this employee calls her boss and tries to whisper into the phone that I've already taken a class in Brooklyn and LA! I shout "excuse me I have not taken a class in Brooklyn!" She hangs up and I ask her "why are you telling your boss I've taken a class in Brooklyn and LA?" She rolls her eyes saying this is our policy. This employee was rude and acted like I'm going around Orange Theory classes trying to get a discounted class! I tell her this is their fault as I was very clear from the start and don't appreciate her acting like I'm a cheap individual trying to get a discounted workout.
As a woman who makes her career from my athleticism I am very serious about my workout regimen. I don't think it's unreasonable to be unhappy with THEIR lack of communication and simply wanting to try out a studio before signing up monthly.
Regardless of price my bad taste stems from this employee making my first time at this studio feel unwelcome and definitely not a fun environment where I want to spend 1,000's of dollars to workout. I will never go back nor EVER recommend this studio. Being warm, friendly, welcoming and apologizing for THEIR miscommunication goes a long way; something that employee still needs to learn. Those qualities in life get you a lot more than being a disgruntled employee.