Hidden terms in a direct debit form
I replied to an online post from a company offering 6 weeks free. I Joined a video call and agreed to pay $30 a week no freebies wasn’t even mentioned. But thought sweet I can afford that and it came with the weekly meal plan and a call once a week NZ business so thought great will give it a go. Direct debit and membership details were filled out by the online coach on a video-call as we talked should have seen that as a red flag but didn’t. They emailed me the direct debit form after or during the call can’t remember said Id received it sweet. No verbal discussion about terms or conditions or anything another red flag should have seen that but was wrapped up in the euphoria of losing weight being that slim person I had we dreamed of. Meal plans arrived and was surprised as there daily meals included a protein shake not just worded a protein shake but a branded protein powder which when I searched up was a product of theirs. No mention of that in the sign up either cheeky cheeky. I asked about it response was you don’t have to use them or buy them but here’s a $10 off for your first purchase. Didn’t buy one brought my own from another business online as they offer products nice and clean free from nasties. Any way did 2 weeks and was losing weight going through my emails found the direct debit form and opened it for the first time I know should have opened it before then. Well I nearly died hidden in the direct debit form was a minimum term 12 month contract totalling $1560 and worse if I cancelled early $300 to break it. I felt betrayed and there was no way I wanted to keep dealing with this company that didn’t even have the decency to tell me what I was getting myself in for. Already a red flag for not telling me their eating plan included their protein products now not disclosing what I was signing up for which in the form there’s no signature from me just a tick box saying I agree with a date and time? I emailed them saying I was cancelling and not paying the $300 fee. They’ve come back and told me yes I am it was all fine legally and won’t stop my direct debit until I’ve paid the cancellation fee. Just putting this out there to be wary. If u sign up be aware of hidden terms they don’t discuss so do your homework better than me. Ive lodged a complaint with the commerce commission not sure what that actually means but was pointed there. If they don’t stop my direct debit then next it’s going to be the disputes tribunal. As you can imagine my dream of slim is currently overshadowed and feel a bit stupid. Any advice on my rights?