To ask for a credit or refund for this session?

[LittleMousewithcloggson]

Posting on behalf of a colleague.

Background so I don’t drip feed - Like most families we are struggling with the cost of living. We sat down with my DD and DS and explained the situation and made decisions as a family. We have continued with the DCs hobbies (gymnastics and football and cricket) and have saved the money by losing subscriptions such as Amazon and Disney plus and by having 2 “cupboard” dinners a week, usually beans on toast or soup or a lentil casserole, whatever we already have in the cupboard.

Problem - DD returns to gymnastics tonight from 5 until 7pm. Payment should have been made already. We received an email yesterday reminding us about payment before the course if we hadn’t paid already, welcoming us back and saying that there will be no session next Monday for the queens funeral. I haven’t paid yet as I had agreed I would pay before the session for the term (had to borrow some money off my parents) so I messaged to ask if there was a reduction in price due to no lesson next week or a credit for next term. I have just received a quite rude short reply saying it was a day of national morning and they were surprised I had asked and I was the only one. They said I could have a credit if “after due thought and reconsideration you felt it appropriate” but said I was the only one who had even thought of asking. I feel really bad but every penny counts for us and I have heard the venue is still open so it’s the coach’s personal choice not to carry on. I completely support closing during the queens actual funeral but don’t know if it’s necessary for the whole day.

money is so tight. Am I being unreasonable to want a discount or credit? The Coaches will get paid still but the parents lose out

What's the normal protocol for bank holidays?

Tell him you're surprised they're trying to cash in on a day of national mourning. That you'll reduce the term costs accordingly. That you doubt very much you're the only one to have this thought.

You're not his employer.

There was no need for them to take that tone. They could just say yes or no.

I guess thing is those of us who are employed are getting the day off paid, and its a bit rough for those who are self employed to just lose a day’s pay.

YANBU

Am I right in thinking that they don't usually have an issue with bank holidays because they fall in term time?

I would be tempted to reply pointing out that you appreciate the term fees were published before the Queen died and therefore they could not know in advance that it was BH, however, the cost of living crisis is well publicised and that you are surprised they expect parents to pay for a service they are not providing. Do they feel it is appropriate to profit from the Queen's funeral in this way (presumably they won't be renting hall space etc) Yes, you would like a credit for another session.

mountainsunsets · Today 07:55
What's the normal protocol for bank holidays?

It usually goes ahead on the 2 normal bank holidays - May and august. Closed Christmas and Easter anyway as not part of term time.
jubilee was in half term so that wasn’t affected

How much are we talking for one session?
If things are so tight that you can’t afford to pay say £10 then perhaps you need to rethink paid hobbies.
In my experience children are just as happy running around in the park with friends.

Sorry - I mean just the one in beginning of May. There’s normally a summer camp in august often over bank holiday week but that’s completely separate to term time payments

Well they said you can have a credit, just send a breezy response saying yes you will take it thank you for the offer, I'm sure they can appreciate every little counts during the cost of living crisis. Don't mention anything else, I can't imagine they would appreciate my opinions on the matter at any rate!

I actually agree with this. Having to compromise on food to pay for hobbies makes no sense. You can keep your kids active without breaking the bank to pay for hobbies. If you have up the sessions you could have proper meals every evening and likely some extra money in your pocket. I know it's hard but things like this are a luxury, and I think taking from the food budget to pay for gymnastics is not ok.

I would use something like this. They are guilting you but actually as this person says they are the ones cashing in. How nasty to try to make you feel bad.

Every penny counts and there is no reason you should pay for a service you are not getting through no fault of your own (and they are making the choice to not offer the session so it is in their hands)

Yanbu. I'm surprised they expect you to pay. Their response was rude and unprofessional. I'd probably not want to send my kids there in the future.

Thank them for their "understanding", take the credit, and say no more about it.

Also by 5pm the funeral will be over. They could still hold the session!

People probably haven’t asked as they are expecting a credit. I certainly wouldn’t be paying for an activity they are not supplying. I think my response would be I understand and respect your decision but am not prepared to finance that decision. I think I would be looking for cheaper activities to

I would message back thanking them for their prompt reply and explain you are sure they understand that people are struggling at the minute so it's good to know their policy.

Tried not to put too much outing information in op but to clarify a few things

DD9 trains 3 times a week and is a very good and keen gymnast. When she started money wasn’t this tight but DH was made redundant and his new job doesn’t pay as much. Everything has gone up cost wise at the same time. I work part time and am applying for jobs with more hours so I hope the financial situation will improve. Until then even £15 is a huge amount to us.
DD isn’t competing anymore at the moment due to cost but we can’t stop her training as she won’t be able to pick it back up again at this level
DS7 only does football once a week and loves it so it seemed unfair to stop it so DD could have all the money spent on her. We are all happy to make the food and other sacrifices but if I don’t get another better job soon then I know we may have to make some tough decisions

In that case I think they either need to operate as normal or provide a refund.

Of course you should get your money back, it's outrageous how they responded. She isn't your gran. People should be able to mourn or not mourn how they wish, you shouldn't be financially penalised because they've closed.

Absolutely ask for a credit!!

Private tutor here. For everyone who has booked this term I'll be rolling a credit onto their account for that lesson missed. Think it's out of order what they said

This. It's standard to get a credit or refund for cancelled lessons.

Our swimming is cancelled and is being refunded. The venue will also pay back the charge to the class owner.

Sounds like our gym. Frequently cancel sessions because of eg jubilees or venue availability but never provide any credit and just say well there’s a wait list if you don’t want your place. The buggers know your child is invested and therefore don’t cut any slack and get away with providing bear min. The coaches will not be paid for that session as it’s not running - pure profit for the club.

Any business that tried to guilt me like that would be told where they can stick it. Cheeky beggars.

My dc activity is cancelled and we have been told refunded will be completed as standard.