Charged £800 for leaving kids Karate club.

[Deleted User]

Good Evening All

Looking for some opinion and advice please folks.

We joined a karate club in May for our 7 year old daughter, she wanted to have a go.

After undertaking a trial, we asked about prices, and nothing followed, we were took into an office and given over an hour of jargon about the club, this was repeated and this time we were asked for £6000 for a lifetime membership, we aren't completely stupid and so declined this, we however paid a few hundred pounds to join and then paid a monthly fee of £100 for these classes.

She got on okay and started to go, she didn't really learn much as it was very fast paced and taught using a copy me style and not really any method, or theory.

Anyway few months in the price increased by £20 as there was a new scheme and new uniform to go with it. We paid and she was happy.

Few weeks back, price increased again this time by £50 and there was again a new scheme, again required a new uniform and was now costing £170 per month.

We didn't fancy paying this amount, as we didn't feel it was value for money, in fact she still can't do much in terms of karate.

We declined this upgrade, and were then subject to several meetings to outline the benefit and what I would say was pressure to buy.

At the point of the third meeting, we left and found another club. I felt very unhappy because of our treatment and paid for no further classes. We are in a 3 month contact so they say and now we have fees to pay - as per the above.

I explain how we felt in writing and told them to go away.

Now they call us night and day, leave messages and wont go away.

I feel that it's a scam, equally I agreed to this contract but I dont feel the pressure and treatment was something that anyone should be subjected to, you know the sort of treatment when you are looking around the car sales room? That's it!

Anyway, what should I do. I don't want to pay but equally I'm fed up of the hassle.

meritaten

is this karate 'club' part of a Private Gym? or do they have a separate dojo?
Which 'version' of karate is it? Does it have a governing body?
the reason I ask is that most Karate clubs do not do these things.
a private gym would probably have a standard 'contract' which could be used by the club.
an independent karate club is normally more informal and lessons are paid for 'as and when' you attend.
if its a really well known branch of Karate (ie has a body who oversees exams for belt level) then it may be worth complaining to them. they do have rules and regulations for the Club to follow - and ripping off members is frowned upon.

elsien

Duplicate thread -OP might want to consider sticking to one from here on in.

[Deleted User]

Yes please can you lock or merge please

gayleygoo

You've paid how much?? Sounds like a scam, or at least a terrible martial arts club. Is the new club much cheaper? OH does jujitsu, he pays £30 a year in insurance and about a fiver for each class, there is no contract. Students are expected to turn up to classes because they are committed, but not because of financial obligation.

Do not pay the old club any more money. They have gotten loads off you so far and because you've handed it over, they'll keep asking. If you pay the £800, they'll find another reason to ask for more. Do not speak to them on the phone, just hang up. Have the number barred from your phone. Perhaps you could lodge a complaint with the police about their harassment?

BrokenBetty_2

Sounds extortionate!

Local karate and jujitsu classes costs about £5 a class, - I don't see the justification for the hundreds you have been expected to pay. Find out who you can report them too.

[Deleted User]

I haven't paid them and they did manage to get me by using a different number, trying to say they are doing what's in our daughters best interest.

I have since reported them to trading standards and have written to them outlining why I won't be paying. I still have a feeling they may start a court claim though :-/

Guest101

Penalty clauses are rarely enforceable - so I wouldn't worry about court.


If you get papers, post on here and get advice

Reggie_Rebel

£100 per month? Who's the instructor Mr.Miyagi?

SkintBrideToBe

My daughter attenbds 2 classes a week dong karate. Its £2 Class, and she does grading twice a year. YOur license when u start is £30 then ur suit is £20. That is it! no other fees charged. Just her standard £2 class. Id be speaking to trading standards about this so called "karate class" sounds like they are scamming parents!!

[Deleted User]

Reported them and I think they file the complaint unless there are others. But haven't had any reply from the company either, so that's good news, although I'll probably get a letter tomorrow now :-/