If you have ever become a member of a club or gym, you have likely encountered a charge when you join called an initiation fee.
People can find this confusing. I mean, if you are already paying a monthly membership fee, why is there an additional cost?
The Paseo Club in Santa Clarita has been a social club and fitness facility for 20 years. We offer over 60 fitness classes each week. There are pickleball and tennis courts and a junior Olympic pool as well.
When people sign up to become Paseo members, they often inquire about the initiation fee.
The intent of this article is to shed some light on initiation fees — why they exist, what their purpose is, and why they are not a scam just to get more money from you.
What is an initiation fee?
An initiation fee is a one-time cost upon joining a club.
Why do clubs charge an initiation fee?
A club charges an initiation fee to cover the start-up costs of onboarding a new member. It helps to establish and embrace their status as new members.
Those costs can assist in covering the expenses associated with:
- Guest passes
- Free intro classes
- Free fitness assessments
- Supplement the pay for instructors
- Discounted amenities such as spa services, private training sessions, or food at the in-house cafe or bar
- App development for class schedules, sign-up, and checking in and out of the club.
How much do initiation fees cost?
The cost of initiation fees varies widely.
Some chain gyms charge a nominal fee to get people to join their gym. That fee can be as little as $1.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, private country clubs charge initiation fees in the tens of thousands of dollars.
Social clubs and independent private fitness centers generally have initiation fees that are much smaller but are still important to their businesses. Their initiation fees are frequently equivalent to one month’s dues.
Is the initiation fee refundable?
No.
It is a one-time fee paid at the time of signing up to become a member of the gym.
Does the fee ever get waived?
Depending on the facility, occasionally initiation fees do get reduced or waived for special sales throughout the year. New Year is a good time to look for these discounted rates.
Other times clubs use the initiation fees for charity. This type of donation happened recently at the Paseo Club event Paddle for the Battle, which raised money for the Michael Hoefflin Foundation.
How to plan for initiation fees when you join a club
When you consider joining a club or gym, there are many factors to assess. Some of those factors can be:
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Are the fees within my budget?
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What is the culture or “vibe” of the club?
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Do I already have friends or family that attend?
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Are there amenities that enhance my experience?
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Is it in proximity to my work or home for ease of access?
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Does the club have the type of facilities and classes I want?
Once you find a fitness center that most meets your needs, remember that budgeting for monthly dues is not the only expense you will need to accommodate. There are often extra fees for specialized classes, food at the cafe or bar, and yes, those initiation fees.
The Paseo Club is a social club with a range of group, small group, and private classes. We offer a wide range of youth and adult programs, including tennis, weight training, swimming, and more.
The Paseo Club’s one-time initiation fees are:
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Single $150
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Family $250
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Couples $200
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Junior (ages 12-17) $100
Discover if the Paseo Club is the right fit for you by scheduling a tour today.
If you’d like to learn more about some of our events and classes, check out these three articles: