DW Gym - want to cancel the day after I signed up

P-Ride

Hi, I've been looking at changing gyms for a little while now and checked out the DW in my city, which is an ideal location.

It has the equipment I need, so after a brief tour I signed up, paying for one month up front.

I got home and spoke to a friend into training, who told me I had made a terrible mistake and directed me to an online thread, full of members complaining about what a terrible gym it is.

- Broken air-conditioning (for weeks)
- Broken water fountain (for months)
- Filthy swimming pool, complaints about customers being left dirty
- Horrible queing for equipment
- Regular broken equipment

I was also directed to an excellent gym nearby that I didn't know about, which is small, independent and run by extremely helpful bodybuilders - which I want to join.

I called DW that night (hours after signing up) saying I wanted to quit and was told it's a six-month minimum term and to put my request in writing to the manager.

I did, with no reply, so visited him yesterday. I explained the list of complaints and that I had no ill feeling, but really didn't feel comfortable using his gym, or many of the facilities I've paid for (especially the pool).

He completely brick-walled me and said their policy is clear, that environmental health have visited and cleared them and that if I cancel my direct debit I'll get debt-collectors - a brief Google suggests this is very much DW's style.

My next idea is referencing my background as a journalist and making it clear how difficult I will make life for them, in terms of collecting statements, contacting the local papers etc.

Any other ideas for how to get out ASAP?

Thanks

tykesi

A journalist who can't do simple research? Are you out of work by any chance?

P-Ride

No, I now work in corporate sales. The thread is also on Facebook, so it's not something I'd easily find with a Google.

Hintza

Buyers remorse. Do your research before not after entering a contract. You have no right to cancel.

DevCoder

Not sure resorting to blackmail (especially in writing) is a good idea...

gik

So you did a tour of the Gym and didn't notice..


Broken air-conditioning
Broken water fountain
Filthy swimming pool
Horrible queing for equipment
Broken equipment


...and now want out of the contract because of these alleged problems...despite you not experiencing any of the above?

P-Ride

Correct. There's a long list with many, many people on it expressing a wide range of complaints. I wouldn't possibly have known about this list before I was pointed towards it; nor would I necessarily have seen these issues whilst walking around.

Bantex_2

P-Ride wrote: »

No, I now work in corporate sales. The thread is also on Facebook, so it's not something I'd easily find with a Google.

Just as well you're not in corporate purchasing.

P-Ride

Bantex wrote: »

Just as well you're not in corporate purchasing.

Very funny!

bris

Bottom line op is you made the mistake and you have no rights to cancel, your threats and actions will make no difference to this.

You can stop the DD but you will still owe the money, your credit file will be trashed, you have to now live with your mistake for 6 months.

P-Ride

Ok, well if that's the reality, than I can deal with it. I'd much rather change, but it's hardly the worst thing that's ever happened to anyone.