Work it out

So, you find the worlds greatest record shop. You tell all your friends about it and they like the sound of it so much they agree to go there with you the next time you visit. You both turn up on the day and your friend is told that before they can enter they need to pay to get in. Sounds stupid, but something similar happened to me when I wanted to add my kids to my gym membership. I've been with the gym since last November, (and I didnt pay a joining fee). My kids come with me every saturday for a swim and I thought it would work out cheaper if I enrolled them as members. The staff were very helpful and told me how much it would cost and that there would, of course, be a joining fee. Of course! Of course? I've told my kids it's great, I've offered them as new members to the gym, and the gym wants to charge me / them for the privilege, despite the fact that they'll also be paying a monthly subscription.

I really don't understand joining fees. I'd love to hear of this in any other industry. My view is that it undermines good word of mouth, which is the strongest advocate for any ailing business, surely?