Gym membership fee increase by 35.81%

RefluentBeans

I think it’s unfortunate. But it depends on the cost increase. It’s not uncommon for companies to try and absorb the cost as much as they can (as any increase in price will cause people to look to cancel), but they can’t absorb it forever. It’ll also come down to cost of the membership and cost increase. For example, £9 to £12 is a 33% increase but most people are generally fine with that, whilst £30 to £40 is the same % but much higher real cost. 

Also depends on how many people have cancelled and what you’d be willing to accept as a goodwill gesture (and the terms that come with that). For example, they’re not going to reduce the price for you (unless it’s a blanket discount they offer to other businesses). It would be too hard for them to manage all of the various discounts for individuals but they may offer freebies like a water bottle. Better than nothing but they may also want to lock you in for the price too. Ultimately depends how many have cancelled and how many people are looking to strike deals. The former gives you leverage but the latter doesn’t. 

Grumpy_chap

What is the price history that the OP has paid for membership over the 15 years?

AIUI, it is not uncommon for gym chains to leave prices unchanged for existing members even when prices increase for new members.  This is because the price chain requires making contact, either post or e-mail to notify the change.  This includes contacting the many members that make light or no use of the facilities who are then prompted to cancel their membership.

How does the new price the OP is being asked to pay compare to the market rate for similar gym membership in the area?

RefluentBeans

Grumpy_chap said:

What is the price history that the OP has paid for membership over the 15 years?

AIUI, it is not uncommon for gym chains to leave prices unchanged for existing members even when prices increase for new members.  This is because the price chain requires making contact, either post or e-mail to notify the change.  This includes contacting the many members that make light or no use of the facilities who are then prompted to cancel their membership.

How does the new price the OP is being asked to pay compare to the market rate for similar gym membership in the area?

OP has stated it’s still cheaper than new members. Also on a rolling contract. The OP clearly has been contacted, and in the modern day most gyms have an email for the gym members. Also not uncommon for prices for members to increase. My gym used to increase fees once every 18 months or so. 

As for the market rate - I think it very much depends on the gym - some gyms are budget (below £20) whilst others are premium (upwards of £80). Just because there’s an £80 gym doesn’t mean that is the market rate. It’s a free market - people will join if they think it’s worth it, and not if they don’t. 

The OP may get another month at the discounted rate because they haven’t been given a months notice, and after that it’s up to the OP to decide if they should cancel or not. Rolling contracts give both sides flexibility to leave or adjust prices on the fly.

Grumpy_chap

RefluentBeans said:

As for the market rate - I think it very much depends on the gym - some gyms are budget (below £20) whilst others are premium (upwards of £80). Just because there’s an £80 gym doesn’t mean that is the market rate. 

That is why I said:

Grumpy_chap said:

market rate for similar gym membership in the area?

"Similar" being the operative word.
Gyms, as you referenced, can vary in cost based upon facilities. 
So for a "similar" gym to the OP's. what is the going rate in the area?
If the OP's gym is unstaffed, automated access, minimal equipment it will be at one price point in the area
If the OP's gym is full-featured modern equipment, classes, PTs onhand, swimming pool, sauna, etc etc it will be at another price point in the area.

It seems also that "area" is a significant factor.  The cheapest gym near me is £45 and the more expensive £160. As a comparison, the Council gym is £37 plus pay-per-use fee.  Obviously far different in your area with the reference to the range £20 - £80.

Nebo_2

RefluentBeans said:

I think it’s unfortunate. But it depends on the cost increase. It’s not uncommon for companies to try and absorb the cost as much as they can (as any increase in price will cause people to look to cancel), but they can’t absorb it forever. It’ll also come down to cost of the membership and cost increase. For example, £9 to £12 is a 33% increase but most people are generally fine with that, whilst £30 to £40 is the same % but much higher real cost. 

Also depends on how many people have cancelled and what you’d be willing to accept as a goodwill gesture (and the terms that come with that). For example, they’re not going to reduce the price for you (unless it’s a blanket discount they offer to other businesses). It would be too hard for them to manage all of the various discounts for individuals but they may offer freebies like a water bottle. Better than nothing but they may also want to lock you in for the price too. Ultimately depends how many have cancelled and how many people are looking to strike deals. The former gives you leverage but the latter doesn’t. 

Answering the question about the actual price, currently I am paying £69.95 per month, new increased price is £95.00 (extra £25.05)

Wonka_2

From my (albeit historic) knowledge of FitnessFirst that's a fairly hefty subscription price - presumably one of the central London ones in which case I suspect it's still on the cheap end vs competitors ? If it's convenient then I suspect the extra transport costs/time will outweigh any potential saving

 

pinkshoes

Nebo_2 said:

Answering the question about the actual price, currently I am paying £69.95 per month, new increased price is £95.00 (extra £25.05)

That's a HUGE increase! Have they got too many members and trying to get rid of people? What do other gyms charge??

I'd go and speak to them and see what they can offer. Before that, I'd go and look at other gyms in the area to compare facilities and prices.

I go to our local council run gym, so not for profit. I was paying £46 (Gym and swimming), but when I went to speak to them about something, I discovered that certain professions (Forces, NHS, teachers etc...) get a discount, so I now pay £37/month!

Emmia

Wonka_2 said:

From my (albeit historic) knowledge of FitnessFirst that's a fairly hefty subscription price - presumably one of the central London ones in which case I suspect it's still on the cheap end vs competitors ? If it's convenient then I suspect the extra transport costs/time will outweigh any potential saving

 

I've just checked the fitness first near me - admittedly central london, but its £109 a month for full membership and £95 a month for student membership.