Is ClassPass Worth It?
Is ClassPass Worth It?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Ultimately it depends on you and your circumstances.
The Gist
ClassPass is an app that allows you access to an array of fitness classes and beauty services in your area. Recently, they’ve added food pick-up, too. They operate on monthly plans where you purchase credits. Each class or service ranges in the amount of credits it costs, and the credits have an average cost of about $2 and some cents each.
The “Catch”
Something I didn’t realize before starting with ClassPass is that you can only roll over a certain amount of credits per month. This, in my opinion, is the most important thing to be aware of before signing up. For example, if you have a plan where you purchase 8 credits per month, you can only roll over 8 credits, since that’s your plan allotment. So let’s say you don’t use the credits you first month. The second month, you have 16 credits. By the third month, you will only be able to rollover 8 of those credits, meaning you will remain at 16 credits and lose the original 8. In other words, you’ll waste your money. Additionally, if you don’t use all your credits before canceling your plan, you will lose those credits, even if you sign up again later. Again, wasting the money you paid for them.
How it Works
For the fitness classes, there are a limited number of spots for ClassPass participants. This can mean slots fill up quickly at popular places. For me, there’s a place I’ve been wanting to try for the longest time, but there’s never any classes open at the times I can go. They do have an option to be added to a waitlist and be alerted if a spot opens. If you live close to the location and have availability, this could be a good option. I’ve tried it a few times, but a spot hasn’t opened for me yet.
The pricing of the classes is also dependent upon demand and peak hours. So, classes after typical work hours (like 5 PM or 6 PM) may cost more or fill up more quickly because they are typically in higher demand. If you are approaching the date of the class, however, and spots still haven’t filled up, they may drop the amount of credits it costs. Overall, ClassPass prices are generally cheaper than the the rate the business would charge, but the prices can vary. I haven’t seen the spa or beauty services have this kind of dynamic pricing, though.
It is also worth noting that ClassPass may offer you deals if you try to cancel. Usually, they will suggest a lower credit plan and give you a discount on your first month of it. Now, I’m on the 8 credit per month plan, which they gave me 20% off of my first month.
ClassPass Concierge
ClassPass also has businesses called “concierge.” This means you request an appointment through the business, and they have to confirm it first, instead of the appointment automatically going through. I believe I tried to sign up for three different concierge services locally and not a single one ever responded to me, so they were ultimately canceled.
The Free Trial
ClassPass offers a generous one month trial with a decent amount of credits that may vary depending on where you’re located. They will also take 50% off of your first visit, so it may be best to make your first visit somewhere more expensive. You are only allowed to visit the same business once during the trial period, however.
Customer Service
I contacted customer service when I found out that you can’t just roll over all of your credits every month. Because it was the first time it had happened and I was a fairly new user unaware of the policy, customer service was willing to restore me most of the credits. They were also pleasant to deal with and fairly quick, since it happened over the weekend.
Is It Worth It?
I think the value of ClassPass depends on where you live and how frequently you enjoy workout classes and/or beauty services. The app likely works best in larger cities, as there would be more options to choose from. You also may consider whether a membership at your favorite yoga studio, for example, will make more sense for you than having to rely on ClassPass’s dynamic pricing. Additionally, you need to utilize these services regularly enough to ensure you aren’t wasting your money due to the limited amount of credits rolling over each month.
For me, I’m on a much smaller plan than I started with. I have considered canceling a few times due to limited options in my less populated area, but I do like having the variety and typically cheaper prices vs going to the same place all of the time. However, you never know when the prices are going to switch up on you and you may have to stay home for your planned class that week because the higher price isn’t worth it to you. Overall, if you like variety, enjoy these types of services regularly, and live in a populated area, I’d recommend it.
If you do decide you’d like to try it, you can get an extra 20 bonus credits upon signing up with this promotional link: https://classpass.com/refer/4NQ1K4PU27