Gym membership plummets for new members only?

ktb3

Hi all,

A lot of the members at my gym (including me) have been complaining to the manager that the price of members doesn't reflect the facilities and is uncompetitive. We are always begging him to put on more classes, but he says he can't afford it. The gym is attached to a hotel which is not doing too well, so there are always loads of Spa day guests for the extra income, which just makes it worse for the paying members as the place is always rammed and a mess.

I'll get to the question - we've now found out that the price of monthly membership has been dropped by a whopping 17%, but only for new members. Can we demand that we pay the same price, or is it fair/possible for them to charge who they want want they want?

Any thoughts? Before you say it - I am cancelling the membership, but I'm in the mood for a refund as I don't think this is fair.

somethingcorporate

No, they do not have to give the same prices to everyone.

giraffe69

Surely you know that many businesses offer introductory pricing to attract new members. Whether you think it is fair or not it is fairly standard.

ktb3

Just for clarity, this is not an introductory offer, this is a permanent price change that is applied selectively

Quentin

Makes no difference (legally) to the deal you have signed up to and are bound to.

liney

I assume you can join another local gym at a cheaper price if you are complaining about your current cost? Or are you just complaining because others are paying less?

shaun_from_Africa

A lot of the members at my gym

If you are considering leaving and a few of the others are doing the same, it might be an idea if you all do this on the same day.
The management may then decide to lower the subscription that you are currently paying.

This is what often happens with car breakdown polices and car insurers who give a lower rate to attract new customers, but when questioned by existing customers who threaten to leave, will then give them the lower price.

arcon5

ktb3 wrote: »

Any thoughts? Before you say it - I am cancelling the membership, but I'm in the mood for a refund as I don't think this is fair.

Have you ever seen an offer in a supermarket and picked up the last item? Ever used a promotional voucher to obtain a discount? Not been able to take advantage of a BOGOF offer because nothing was left and had to purchase a more expensive one instead?

You win some, you loose some - that is life.

So no, you don't have a right to a refund or discount -- you do have the right to pick and choose which establishment gets your custom though, so vote with your feet. However as already said if you give your notice to quit, they may well offer to give you the lower price to retain you as a customer.

wealdroam

Would you be wanting to pay more if new members were...

oh wait... mustn't say that.

arcon5

wealdroam wrote: »

Would you be wanting to pay more if new members were...

oh wait... mustn't say that.

Oh dear, what have you started? :eek:

halibut2209

I'll let you off, wealdroam. THIS time...