Will this have a negative impact on my credit score?

Marricked

Hi guys,

I recently had a dispute with Fitness First, and to cut a long story short they are saying I didn't give a months notice prior to leaving when infact I actually gave more than a months notice.

So they have decided to try and claim the £30 membership fee back via going through a debt collection agency, an extremely unprofessional one (C A R S).

A simple google search shows the internet is littered with complaints regarding Fitness First's scam tactics and also C.A.R.S dodgey behaviour. I am quite surprised that within 3 weeks the case has been past over to the debt collection agency too.

What I wanted to know was, my original 12 month contract with fitness first was up (actually been there for over 24 months!!) so as I wasn't held in any sort of contract with them, will this effect my credit file in a negative way? If so if I appeal this charge as a civil matter with C.A.R.S will it get rectified?

Thanks,

Chris

Trajal

Hi there,

Not sure about fitness first, but I know for certain that LA Fitness have it in their Ts&Cs that your membership will automatically renew unless you tell them on the expiration of the initial membership period.

Which is absolutely nonsense in my book and should not be allowed, however it *is* allowed and is enforcable. Doesn't look like there's a lot you can do to be totally honest with you, maybe someone else can give you more hope but I'd say that unless the DCA are totally incompetent in terms of the letters that they sent you (defaults etc) then you'll be stuck.

Marricked wrote: »

Hi guys,

I recently had a dispute with Fitness First, and to cut a long story short they are saying I didn't give a months notice prior to leaving when infact I actually gave more than a months notice.

So they have decided to try and claim the £30 membership fee back via going through a debt collection agency, an extremely unprofessional one (C A R S).

A simple google search shows the internet is littered with complaints regarding Fitness First's scam tactics and also C.A.R.S dodgey behaviour. I am quite surprised that within 3 weeks the case has been past over to the debt collection agency too.

What I wanted to know was, my original 12 month contract with fitness first was up (actually been there for over 24 months!!) so as I wasn't held in any sort of contract with them, will this effect my credit file in a negative way? If so if I appeal this charge as a civil matter with C.A.R.S will it get rectified?

Thanks,

Chris

Marricked

Thanks for the quick reply.

My contract once the 12 months ended turned into a 1 month rolling contract, which I was fully aware of - I gave them notification of leaving over the telephone and then actually verbally said in the gym I was leaving and that I've given my notice over the phone, to which my gym pass was taken off me, they thanked me for the past 2 years and I was on my way.

Then not too long ago I got an on-slaught of emails and texts from fitness first chasing me for money I don't owe them. I've sent them a letter stating why I refuse to pay, requested them not to pass it over to a debt collection agency until we have resolved the dispute etc etc, that was 2 weeks ago. They have gracefully ignored that letter, not even replied to it (sent it recorded delivery so know they received it).

An absolutely appauling company!

McKneff

But, have you looked at the terms and conditions of this rolling contract.

Perhaps it says 'we require one months notice IN WRITING, which you didnt do.
It may be the answer, just a thought on my part.

chanz4

How do I cancel my membership and what is required notice?
Please always check the terms & conditions of your membership contract to understand your options. In general all contracts have a minimum contract period. Depending on membership type notice periods apply.

In-Club:
To give notice of your intention to cease your membership, you may make an appointment to meet with your Member Service Manager or General Manager at your home club (the club you joined) and request that they make the arrangements for you.

You could also complete a cancellation request form at the club reception. In this instance the club Member Service Manager will contact you to confirm you meet the terms and conditions as outlined on your membership package. Please ensure you provide a current daytime telephone number.

By letter:
Alternatively you can send a letter. We recommend you send it by recorded delivery to ensure notice of cancellation is received. In this instance the Central Membership Service Team will contact you to confirm you meet the cancellation requirements as outlined in the terms and conditions of your membership contract. Please ensure you provide a current daytime telephone number.
Address: Fitness First Central Membership Services, PO Box 7252, Poole, Dorset BH15 9ES

By phone:
If you would like to request to cancel your membership by phone please call our Central Membership Service Team on
0844 571 3402. We will then be able to check you meet the cancellation requirements as outlined in the terms and conditions of your membership contract and process your cancellation. Please note that our lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 6.30pm.

badgerbread

I have had a similar situation with Golds gym I did write it in writing and handed it in at the reception funny enough they said they didn't recieve it and wanted to charge me a month's fee I refused it has gone to a debt collection agency I have stood my ground and refused payment that was about 2 years ago now every now and then I get a letter threatening of court action I have actually said to them in the past fine take me to court and I will argue my side. I refuse to pay anything more unless there is court action as I done what was requested in the contract.

McKneff

badgerbread wrote: »

I have had a similar situation with Golds gym I did write it in writing and handed it in at the reception funny enough they said they didn't recieve it and wanted to charge me a month's fee I refused it has gone to a debt collection agency I have stood my ground and refused payment that was about 2 years ago now every now and then I get a letter threatening of court action I have actually said to them in the past fine take me to court and I will argue my side. I refuse to pay anything more unless there is court action as I done what was requested in the contract.

Have you checked your credit file to make sure that there is not a
default on it.

_Persephone

I had a similar issue too a couple of years ago.

However, I just cancelled my direct debt to Fitness First. They never wrote to me to recover the balance, they chucked it over to CARS straight away. I used to ignore the calls (and badly written texts). One day last year I gave in and paid the balance.

It's never ever shown up on my credit file. They are all talk and scare tactics.