gym won't refund subscription-advice?

nomoneytoday

If she signed up last year has more than 2 months passed?

If I were a gym, a refund for a docs note would be one thing, but I would be reluctant to back date it...

LinasPilibaitisisbatman

What are the health issues?

Many people try and scam their way out of contracts with gyms

If its a reasonable reason not to go I am sure they would refund the cash so I have to question whether they think you and your doctor are just trying to spin an unrelated illness to cancel the gym

dancingdoll

LinasPilibaitisisbatman wrote: »

they think you and your doctor are just trying to spin an unrelated illness to cancel the gym

I guess they can think all they want. They are not qualified medical professionals. If the contract does say a person is released without charge after a doctor's letter then they have to accept that.

LinasPilibaitisisbatman

dancingdoll wrote: »

I guess they can think all they want. They are not qualified medical professionals. If the contract does say a person is released without charge after a doctor's letter then they have to accept that.

Its more likely to say a relevant medical condition backed by a doctors note though.

Only last week someone on this forum was explaining how they got signed off with "depression" as they were about to be sacked for not showing up.

Doctors sign anyone off these days and a doctors note on its own means nothing.

She could probably get one by claiming she was scared of losing weight:rolleyes:

Takoda

If it was last year why has she/or you not done anything about it before now?

A lot of people join gyms for one reason or another and then give up. New Year's Resolution Syndrome. I think they rely on the fact that a certain percentage won't attend regularly. If everyone registered at mine all turned up on the same day we'd be packed in like sardines and no one would be able to work out effectively!

katskorner

You definitely need to check the T&C's. Signing up for a year can save money bu can cause problems with trying to cancel so read the signed print. Do you know the name of the manager, just out of interest?

crazyfj

Check the T&C's, my gym allowed me to cancel when I got a chronic illness. It was in the T&C's that a doctors letter showing ill health meant it could be cancelled. I did all this however also sent copies to head office. I'am not sure why others have taken to judge you and your mothers illness without knowing the facts

olly300

Most gyms terms and conditions are inflexible but they can fall foul of the Unfair terms in consumer contracts regulations 1999.

So you need to:
1. Check the terms and conditions.
2. If it states you can't cancel for any reason then I suggest you get a consultant's note not a GP's* and write a letter sent by recorded delivery stating their contact is likely to fall foul of the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contract Regulations 1999 and if they don't refund the gym membership of £250 in 28 days you will take further action. After 14 days send them a letter before action, and if they don't pay up submit a claim via moneyclaimonline.

It's been reported by the BBC and a few newspapers that gym contracts often break consumer regulations.

*If you are going to take someone to court you need to win. GPs as stated before will write notes for any illness as a lot of their job is dealing with social problems however consultants won't.

soolin

coolnamebob wrote: »

She was told this by the gym manager when she signed up and asked , becasue she was hesitant in commiting to a full year in one go. Perhaps the manager just said it to convince her to sign up

She would also have been told that it makes no difference whether she paid in full or monthly, the full years payment would be due. They do not offer a month by month subscription, the minimum term is a year either paid in 12 monthly subscriptions or in one lump sum for a discount.

My contract I have in front of me here which is the single sheet that shows the payment details and which the OP refers to as being in her possession, states:

"refunds will only be considered in the event of a long term medical incapacity.......Refunds are at the discretion of mnagement and will not exceed 50% of the outstanding pre paid membership fees following three months cancellation notice. refunds are subject to an administration charge."

I assume her contract states the same?

[Deleted User]

I thought there may have been another more detailed contract she had lost or something.
But yes Soolin if that green payment sheet is the full contract then it sounds like she can't get a refund. That sheet is so brief, i though there must have been a more detailed contract somewhere else, but obviously not.

It seems it is down to their discretion then, and they have decided not to refund.

We'll i've written another polite letter again and will leave it at that, whatever the result.