PT refusing to refund

[c45734]

In Feb I booked a 6 week fitness class with a PT which was due to start in March but was cancelled due to everything going on. A few days before it was due to begin I'd had no contact on what was happening so I messaged and asked if they could please refund me the cost and I would happily return to them when it was safe to do so. A few messages back and forth and they basically completely disregarded my request for a refund. At the time I thought fair enough, they've just lost their income etc but then over the next few weeks i see posts advertising online classes, menu plans etc and talking about how many people had signed up. I'm currently on maternity leave, partner furloughed and we could really have done with the money back so I messaged again asking for a refund to which they basically replied calling me cruel and selfish to even ask! They were completely rude and threatened legal action against me for contacting them so it ended with me saying that I would wait for the gyms to reopen but that I would be expecting a full refund for a service that they didn't provide.

They're now working at a different gym and running outdoor classes. No mention of the alleged 'postponed' class that I had signed up and paid for happening. I should mention that it was only £45 so I found it a bit ridiculous that they couldn't just refund me in the first place.

So basically I'm asking AIBU to contact them again or should I just cut my losses?

[TheChiefJo]

YANBU in my view. You've paid for something that didn't happen and doesn't seem to be going to. I mean, I understand the financial strain on them during lockdown, but as you say, you didn't press them until they were working again. I'd contact one last time to ask whether they intend to honour the order and if so when, or when they'll be refunding you if not. If they refuse to engage, it's review writing time.

[Caplin]

It is shit, I would try one more time. If no joy then threaten to leave shitty FB reviews. Then follow through.

But for £45 that would be about as far as I would take it.

[HouchinBawbags]

You'll never see the money again as it's not worth pursuing in small claims court but you can bet your arse I would be making sure everyone was aware they conned me out of my money. If they've moved to a new place, make sure you leave the PT a factual review everywhere possible.

[S0upertrooper]

I wouldn't have expected a refund but I would have expected to be given the sessions after lockdown. If they were unable to offer you the sessions after lockdown they should have offered a refund.

[c45734]

Thanks. Unfortunately no option to leave reviews as they use a personal Facebook.

It's just the arrogance of thinking they can get away with it that annoys me.

Also I should mention that were 25 people booked into the class who paid £45 each so they've had over £1000 that they aren't entitled to!

[Enough4me]

How well do you know the gym staff, could they pass on your contact number to a few others that signed up so you ask for a refund as a group? Say you will go to a local paper?

[Caplin]

Well, get on FB, Twitter, insta and say that they scammed you. Only thing you can do.

[Nicknacky]

Have you asked to do the PT sessions?

[morriseysquif]

Email again,f then Facebook, twitter then smalls claims court.

[Pixxie7]

To be honest I couldn’t get worked up over this with everything else going on.

[BF888]

Honestly if it were me I’d contact the local gym they are now at directly. If the pt is refusing to issue a refund they may reconsider once they know the gym they are at are aware they’ve scammed people. It makes sense they won’t give you one as They’d have to give everyone one and the money is probably spent.

[Durgasarrow]

Even if you cant get on their Facebook page, you can tell people on your Facebook page.

[FinallyHere]

The small claims process is pretty straightforward.

https://www.gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money

You can fill in a claim, then save it, gives you an opportunity to go back to the person who owes you and tell them if you haven't paid by you will file the claim.

That worked for me. Hope it works for you.