A Kobe-based consumer rights group is demanding that the fast-growing Rizap fitness training chain remove the "30-day money-back guarantee" from its ads, saying that the fine print states that refunds are made only when the company "approves them."
The nonprofit organization Hyogo Shohisha (Consumers) Net said Monday that Rizap — known for TV commercials touting dramatic before-and-after images of customers' bodies — is using false and exaggerated advertising banned under law.
"Article 26 of Rizap's membership rules states the firm returns all the money paid by the members when it approves," the group wrote to Rizap President Takeshi Seto. "It means the full refund requires the approval of the company . . . and it can be arbitrarily decided by the company, clearly contradicting the wording in the ads, which suggests refunds are guaranteed."