Complaint Review: FIVE STAR ASSOCIATES INC

I purchased a campground membership from Five Star Associates (FSA) in 1994. I was sent a copy of a contract to read over and call their sales representative, Jim Jerde, if I had any questions. I did have several questions and called not only Mr. Jerde, but also Kathy Hall Smith, General Manager. One of the questions I had was about the length of the contract and was told I had to keep it at least forty eight months. I was also told I could keep this membership as long as I wanted and could even pass it down to my children.

Now, my wife, who is on disability, and I are older and are no longer physically capable of camping. I called FSA to inquire about canceling my membership. I was informed by Mark (last name unknown) that the only way to cancel my membership would be to pay a buy-out fee of $990.00 if I paid it by credit card immediately. I told him that nowhere in my contract did it mention any early termination fee. He told if I did not pay the fee right then, my heirs including my children and grandchildren would be responsible for the remainder the contract because the contract is enforceable until the death of the third owner, second transferee. It is my belief they leave the early termination fee out of the contract intentionally otherwise people would not buy their memberships!

Tincan
milton, Florida
U.S.A.