Boot camp membership

Becles

I joined a boot camp at the beginning of 2010. For the first couple of months I block booked sessions on a card to use as and when. I enjoyed it and was going regular so I decided to sign up to the unlimited session monthly membership in the April as that worked out better value for money. The boot camp took membership by standing order into their bank account.

In October 2010 they changed their banking system and set up a direct debit facility with an outside finance company. We all had to go through the new system and pay by direct debit. There was a standard contract saying the minimum term was 12 months but as I was already a member, I thought it was just applicable to new joiners as did the others.

Had a change of circumstances in June and can no longer use the boot camp, so I emailed and explained what had happened and saying I'd cancelled my direct debit at the bank. The boot camp never replied and I never followed it up due to sorting out more serious stuff.

In July I got a letter from the finance company saying the direct debit had failed. I contacted the boot camp who informed me the 12 months min contract did apply to me even though I was already an existing member when they changed their finance system. She said I still have to pay the remaining three months of my contract as the 12 months started from when they changed the system. She's aware of the situation I'm in and has given me three months breathing space to get myself sorted out, but says the remaining payments must be paid in Oct, Nov and Dec. I have no intention of returning to the boot camp and she knows this.

Just wondering if they are allowed to do this as it seems a bit unfair?

During my time there I was an active member, welcomed newbies and encouraged other people to join, so it feels like a bit of a kick in the teeth

isplumm

did you sign the new contract??

I would read the t&cs of your old contract - see what notice period it gives ....

the credit agreement you signed - was it for 12 months??

Mark

Becles

There was no contract or minimum term for the standing order payments. I paid the first payment by card over the phone and a membership card was sent to me along with their bank details to make subsequent payments by standing order.

The terms that came with the direct debit agreement did say 12 months and included an initial joining fee. We were all given a special code to over ride the joining fee though as we were already existing members.

The direct debit contract states the minimum term is 12 months, but as I was already a member I thought the 12 months would start from my actual joining date not the date they decided to change their payment system. I didn't physically sign anything but ticked to say I agreed online.

ETA - I don't mind paying if they are in the right and I have misunderstood, but I'd rather not pay if I don't have to as the money is better off in my pocket than theirs!

DVardysShadow

Basically, you have been scammed. By signing the DD contract, you have signed up for 12 months. When such a thing happens, you should not assume anything about when the 12 months starts - you should amend the document to address the issue. Sorry, I think you are stuck with it.