Personal Trainer refusing refund for unused online sessions

sheramber

Did he claim you would get s much out of the online course as a face to face one?

Grumpy_chap

JSingh98 said:

I had first used him August-November 2021 with once a week face-to-face sessions. I paid a total of £465 for 12 sessions over 3 months. 

He had recently sent me an email in August 2022 regarding a ‘test programme’ of losing 5kg within 3 months. This would be an online only coaching and would be £600. He wanted to use 5 people as a test programme before he officially launched his service in December. He offered me to pay £200 every month - or £600 upfront. I paid upfront. It is important to add there were no terms and conditions attached to this, merely an implied verbal contract. 

These prices don't seem aligned with each other.

£465 for 12 F2F sessions = £38.75 per hour, assuming each session is an hour and I'd also assume these are 1:1.

£600 for a number of sessions with 5 people in each session, over three months.  If that is one online session per month, that equates to an hourly rate £250 for a shared and remote service versus the direct contact 1:1 sessions.  (£600 x 5) / 12

Is the PT aiming for everyone to lose 5kg in 3 months?  Or are there some "eligibility" criteria on losing the 5kg?

user1977

JSingh98 said:

I’m a trainee lawyer

Then you are qualified and experienced in doing legal research. And/or you can ask colleagues.

screech_78

You knew it was an online course and he is still offering these services as was agreed. 

It’s you who is breaking the contract so you’re not entitled to a refund simply because your “preference” is face to face. 

Something tells me that you’re not a trainee lawyer. As you would know this. 

Undervalued

JSingh98 said:

Due to his poor services… I’m not getting out of it what I should be. I’m a trainee lawyer wanting advice - I’m speaking from a legislative perspective - not a personal one.  

Well wouldn't it be better to get that advice from those that are training you rather than a bunch of strangers on the 'net who may or may not be qualified?

Like others on here I am amazed that you seem not to know that very few contracts in English law have to be in writing to be valid.

Gavin83

JSingh98 said:

However giving me the option to pay £200 a month would not have stopped me from cancelling the contract - he would have been unable to enforce me to pay. 

Well actually he could have done, it would have just required taking you to court. Whether you pay up front or in instalments makes no difference to your liability under the contract.

I didn’t read his response that he was filling your spot but someone else would take part at the end of your term. If it’s already mid way through the program then it makes sense someone can’t join.

Ultimately it’ll come down to the terms of the contract. Unless he guarantees results (which given it’s highly dependent on the participant is unlikely) then I don’t really see you have a case. Ultimately this seems like a change of mind situation.