Thinking about a weight loss program. Perhaps you have thought about joining a spa? Well, here's a tip for you.

Some spas ask you to join - and pay - the first time you visit and offer incentives like special rates to entice you to sign on the spot. Resist. Wait a few days before deciding. Take the contract home and read it carefully. Before you sign, ask yourself:

* Is everything that the salesperson promised written in the contract? If a problem arises after you join, the contract probably will govern the dispute. And if something is not written in the contract, it's going to be difficult to prove your case.

* Is there a "cooling-off" period? Some spas give customers several days to reconsider after they've signed the contract.

* Could you get a refund for the unused portion of your membership if you had to cancel, say, because of a move or an injury? What if you simply stopped using the spa? Will the spa refund your money? Knowing the spa's cancellation policies is especially important if you choose a long-term membership.

* Can you join for a short time only? It may be to your advantage to join on a trial basis, say, for a few months, even if it costs a little more each month. If you're not enjoying the membership or using it as much as you had planned, you won't be committed to years of payments.

* Can you afford the payments? Consider the finance charges and annual percentage rates when you calculate the total cost of your membership. Break down the cost to weekly and even daily figures to get a better idea of what it really will cost to use the facility.

In choosing which weight loss program is right for you, visit several web sites so you can compare the features and benefits of the different weight loss programs.