West Wood Club - Cancel membership

QueenKia29 · 10-06-2017 7:48pm #1

Just wondering if anyone has recently cancelled a West Wood membership? I joined 3 weeks ago. It's not that I dont like the gym but we're moving to another part of Ireland and can't of course use the gym. Yeah, it was the worst timing ever.

I rang Leopardstown and the manager (male) said there was nothing he could do because I signed a 12 month contract. He said I could freeze my membership for 3 months but would have to pay for the year. Terms & conditions I never read them and they don't send them via email or anything. I'm taking that the non-payment would have them ringing and sending letters, which I won't be reading since I'm moving (haha)

I might cancel the Direct Debit with my bank. What a terrible way of maintaining members, if I ever move back to Dublin I won't be joining WW ever again. They could just let it go.

Anyone there who cancelled with them?

TallGlass · 10-06-2017 7:49pm

Cancel with bank best option.

QueenKia29 · 10-06-2017 7:56pm

TallGlass wrote: »

Cancel with bank best option.

Do they take people to court? That would be very expensive for them, I would say, to take to court everyone who cancels with then like that?

Parapara2017 · 10-06-2017 7:58pm

QueenKia29 wrote: »

Do they take people to court? That would be very expensive for them, I would say, to take to court everyone who cancels with then like that?

They're awful bloodsuckers. Constantly getting junk mail from them badgering you to pay expensive membership fees and join up. **** it, cancel with the bank and move on, ignore them.

TallGlass · 10-06-2017 8:50pm

QueenKia29 wrote: »

Do they take people to court? That would be very expensive for them, I would say, to take to court everyone who cancels with then like that?

They wouldn't.

JayRoc · 10-06-2017 8:53pm

Not taking sides one way or the other, but you did sign a 12 month contract.

Were you not aware you were going to be obliged to pay for it when you signed?

On the other hand, in my experience, people who renege on their contracts by stopping the direct debit with WW are rarely pursued through the courts. Not to say it never happens, but...

QueenKia29 · 10-06-2017 8:57pm

JayRoc wrote: »

Not taking sides one way or the other, but you did sign a 12 month contract.

Were you not aware you were going to be obliged to pay for it when you signed?

On the other hand, in my experience, people who renege on their contracts by stopping the direct debit with WW are rarely pursued through the courts. Not to say it never happens, but...

I knew I was signing up for 12 months and it was ok. 3 weeks ago I was going to stay in Dublin and pay for 12 months. Life took a sudden turn. I mean, stuff you're not counting on happens.

10-06-2017 9:33pm

Maybe you could get someone else to take it over? Do they transfer

QueenKia29 · 10-06-2017 9:43pm

bluewolf wrote: »

Maybe you could get someone else to take it over? Do they transfer

They do. I can transfer my membership, if anyone interested let me know. Prices are 57€ for off-peak (what I signed up for) but you can of course upgrade to full membership (€79).

TallGlass · 11-06-2017 2:43am

QueenKia29 wrote: »

They do. I can transfer my membership, if anyone interested let me know. Prices are 57€ for off-peak (what I signed up for) but you can of course upgrade to full membership (€79).

In fairness, sorry. With Flye opening in Drumcondra it's gonna drop them prices.

Nervous Wreck · 11-06-2017 2:53am

How would they contact you to take you to court without having your address...

QueenKia29 · 11-06-2017 8:15am

Nervous Wreck wrote: »

How would they contact you to take you to court without having your address...

True! But if they really wanted to do it,they have my bank details, it wouldn't be too hard. But I'm guessing they won't go that far.

QueenKia29 · 11-06-2017 9:48am

TallGlass wrote: »

In fairness, sorry. With Flye opening in Drumcondra it's gonna drop them prices.

Not sure it will have much influence. I've been going to WW in Leopardstown, it doesn't really help me that other gyms are opening in Drumcondra, right?

gabgab · 11-06-2017 6:59pm

QueenKia29 wrote: »

What a terrible way of maintaining members, if I ever move back to Dublin I won't be joining WW ever again. They could just let it go.

Anyone there who cancelled with them?

What a terrible way to behave as a customer :rolleyes:

They could just let it go.

Or you could just accept that you made a mistake, chalk it up as a life lesson and honour the agreement you entered into.

Alf Veedersane · 11-06-2017 7:01pm

gabgab wrote: »

What a terrible way to behave as a customer :rolleyes:

They could just let it go.

Or you could just accept that you made a mistake, chalk it up as a life lesson and honour the agreement you entered into.

Normally, I might agree (to some degree) but the OP has to move for work. Not because they mistakenly took out a membership that they no longer want

gabgab · 11-06-2017 7:11pm

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

Normally, I might agree (to some degree) but the OP has to move for work. Not because they mistakenly took out a membership that they no longer want

If it was your responsibility to manage this issue as the WW rep how would you differentiate between the two different scenarios you have mentioned?

Alf Veedersane · 11-06-2017 7:17pm

gabgab wrote: »

If it was your responsibility to manage this issue as the WW rep how would you differentiate between the two different scenarios you have mentioned?

Your response was a little unfair. You're not a WW rep who has to decide how to deal with it.

QueenKia29 · 11-06-2017 7:22pm

gabgab wrote: »

What a terrible way to behave as a customer :rolleyes:

They could just let it go.

Or you could just accept that you made a mistake, chalk it up as a life lesson and honour the agreement you entered into.

Ok, went for legal advice. At the moment, I don't know what agreement I entered into, when you sign a contract both parts have to have copies of the clauses you signed for and WW denies giving you a copy of the contract. This is not valid. Who's not honouring what now?

Plus, paying for a whole year without attending sounds just lovely, I wonder how many times you've done it?

gabgab · 11-06-2017 7:26pm

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

Your response was a little unfair. You're not a WW rep who has to decide how to deal with it.

I think refusing to pay a bill, that you agreed to pay under no duress, is a incredibly unfair thing to do.

You don't?

QueenKia29 · 11-06-2017 7:28pm

gabgab wrote: »

I think refusing to pay a bill, that you agreed to pay under no duress, is a incredibly unfair thing to do.

You don't?

Are you seriously comparing a gym fee to a bill? A bill is to pay for something you already used. I'm not going to use to the gym.

gabgab · 11-06-2017 7:29pm

QueenKia29 wrote: »

Ok, went for legal advice. At the moment, I don't know what agreement I entered into, when you sign a contract both parts have to have copies of the clauses you signed for and WW denies giving you a copy of the contract. This is not valid. Who's not honouring what now?

Plus, paying for a whole year without attending sounds just lovely, I wonder how many times you've done it?

They (WW) deny giving you a copy? Sounds odd.

You don't have to pay for a whole year and not attend. You can transfer it somebody else can't you?

I did it once. I would also do it again or make sure that the contract had an option to buy it out at a percentage of the remaining balance if I was unsure I would be around.

QueenKia29 · 11-06-2017 7:32pm

gabgab wrote: »

The deny giving you a copy? Sounds odd.

You don't have to pay for a whole year and not attend. You can transfer it somebody else can't you?

I did it once. I would also do it again or make sure that the contract had an option to buy it out at a percentage of the remaining balance if I was unsure I would be around.

It sounds odd but it is true. And to be fair, I've seen more complaints regarding that exact issue.

Yes, I can transfer the membership, I don't mind doing so, if you know someone who's interested let me know. The person who takes over doesn't have to pay for the joining fee, so that would be a win-win.

Alf Veedersane · 11-06-2017 7:33pm

gabgab wrote: »

I think refusing to pay a bill, that you agreed to pay under no duress, is a incredibly unfair thing to do.

You don't?

If you read back, i said I might normally agree with you but not given the OP's situation.

You seem to think the OP made a mistake or is taking the p*ss as regards their membership. They're moving so will be unable to use the gym for the year.

I'm not inclined to think the OP is being incredibly unfair here. They wanted to come to am arrangement with WW in the first instance.

QueenKia29 · 11-06-2017 7:37pm

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

If you read back, i said I might normally agree with you but not given the OP's situation.

You seem to think the OP made a mistake or is taking the p*ss as regards their membership. They're moving so will be unable to use the gym for the year.

I'm not inclined to think the OP is being incredibly unfair here. They wanted to come to am arrangement with WW in the first instance.

Yes, thank you. As I said, I like the gym. I'm not having the most incredible experience with management but I do like the classes and the facilities and all. Just wish they could be a little more human sometimes and let go of the money mindset for a little bit.

gabgab · 11-06-2017 7:38pm

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

If you read back, i said I might normally agree with you but not given the OP's situation.

You seem to think the OP made a mistake or is taking the p*ss as regards their membership. They're moving so will be unable to use the gym for the year.

I'm not inclined to think the OP is being incredibly unfair here. They wanted to come to am arrangement with WW in the first instance.

And I asked you how you would manage that situation if it was your responsibility......??

Can you imagine the long, winding and incredibly tall tales people get into to try and avoid paying bills.......

There are options to freeze it for three months, during that time the OP can sell/pass her membership onto somebody else.

Alf Veedersane · 11-06-2017 7:42pm

gabgab wrote: »

And I asked you how you would manage that situation if it was your responsibility......??

Can you imagine the long, winding and incredibly tall tales people get into to try and avoid paying bills.......

There are options to freeze it for three months, during that time the OP can sell/pass her membership onto somebody else.

Yes there are options. Wasn't my point though. My point was that you were aware of the facts and decided to say that the OP was trying to get out of paying for their 'mistake'.

They weren't. You're not a WW rep so you don't have to position yourself as one and dismiss what the OP said.

gabgab · 11-06-2017 7:42pm

QueenKia29 wrote: »

Yes, thank you. As I said, I like the gym. I'm not having the most incredible experience with management but I do like the classes and the facilities and all. Just wish they could be a little more human sometimes and let go of the money mindset for a little bit.

They're looking to do what is in their best interests.
You're looking to do what is in your best interests.

What else would you like them to do for you?

gabgab · 11-06-2017 7:46pm

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

Yes there are options. Wasn't my point though. My point was that you were aware of the facts and decided to say that the OP was trying to get out of paying for their 'mistake'.

They weren't. You're not a WW rep so you don't have to position yourself as one and dismiss what the OP said.

What would you call signing a contract for a service for 12 months that you cannot use? A booboo?

The OP has made a mistake, an error in judgement whatever you want to call it but the error is not on the companies part.

I'm also not dismissing anything, I am just giving a different perspective. I have a lot of sympathy for the OP but feelings and facts are very different things.

Alf Veedersane · 11-06-2017 7:49pm

gabgab wrote: »

What would you call signing a contract for a service for 12 months that you cannot use? A booboo?

The OP has made a mistake, an error in judgement whatever you want to call it but the error is not on the companies part.

I'm also not dismissing anything, I am just giving a different perspective. I have a lot of sympathy for the OP but feelings and facts are very different things.

How did the OP make a mistake?

QueenKia29 · 11-06-2017 7:49pm

gabgab wrote: »

And I asked you how you would manage that situation if it was your responsibility......??

Can you imagine the long, winding and incredibly tall tales people get into to try and avoid paying bills.......

There are options to freeze it for three months, during that time the OP can sell/pass her membership onto somebody else.

Seriously, this is not a bill, it's not even comparable. I can freeze but still, there is a monthly fee to freeze it. And then if no-one wants to take over it's the same problem all over again.

QueenKia29 · 11-06-2017 7:54pm

gabgab wrote: »

What would you call signing a contract for a service for 12 months that you cannot use? A booboo?

The OP has made a mistake, an error in judgement whatever you want to call it but the error is not on the companies part.

I'm also not dismissing anything, I am just giving a different perspective. I have a lot of sympathy for the OP but feelings and facts are very different things.

Your sympathy astonishes me

I did not make a mistake, did you read the post? Please do. I don't want to cancel just because. I'm moving to the other side of the country and I obviously didn't know that 3 weeks ago. I thought I explained it pretty well the first time.

gabgab · 11-06-2017 8:13pm

QueenKia29 wrote: »

Seriously, this is not a bill, it's not even comparable. I can freeze but still, there is a monthly fee to freeze it. And then if no-one wants to take over it's the same problem all over again.

Which is the same issue they have when you cancel...........;)

gabgab · 11-06-2017 8:14pm

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

How did the OP make a mistake?

By agreeing to the contract

LincolnHawk · 11-06-2017 8:14pm

Cancel the direct debit with your bank and forget about them. You can do it via banking online if AIB.
12 month contracts for gyms are ridiculous. Ben Dunne and Flye let you cancel anytime no hassle.
It's not like a phone where they subsidise it's cost and factor it into the contract. WW are dinosaurs, similar to the old Total Fitness management....how did that work out again?

Alf Veedersane · 11-06-2017 8:27pm

gabgab wrote: »

By agreeing to the contract

And evidently by not being psychic and knowing that they would be moving to a different part of the country before that actually came to pass.

QueenKia29 · 11-06-2017 8:31pm

gabgab wrote: »

By agreeing to the contract

That doesn't make any sense, what you just wrote. You obviously work for WW or similar

gabgab · 11-06-2017 10:07pm

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

And evidently by not being psychic and knowing that they would be moving to a different part of the country before that actually came to pass.

It's not about being psychic, it's about owning the decision you make. If you sign a deal and agree to the terms then that's it.

Feeling entitled to just void a contract because it doesn't suit your circumstances is unfair and dishonest.

gabgab · 11-06-2017 10:18pm

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

And evidently by not being psychic and knowing that they would be moving to a different part of the country before that actually came to pass.

Do you understand how a contract works?

gabgab · 11-06-2017 10:21pm

QueenKia29 wrote: »

Your sympathy astonishes me

I did not make a mistake, did you read the post? Please do. I don't want to cancel just because. I'm moving to the other side of the country and I obviously didn't know that 3 weeks ago. I thought I explained it pretty well the first time.

Mistake

1.
an act or judgement that is misguided or wrong.
"coming here was a mistake"
synonyms: error, fault, inaccuracy, omission, slip, blunder, miscalculation, misunderstanding, flaw, oversight, misinterpretation, fallacy, gaffe, faux pas, solecism, misapprehension, misconception, misreading; More
verb
1.
be wrong about.
"because I was inexperienced I mistook the nature of our relationship"
synonyms: misunderstand, misinterpret, get wrong, put a wrong interpretation on, misconstrue,

Do you think signing a 12 month contract was a mistake?

Sup08 · 11-06-2017 10:31pm

QueenKia29 wrote: »

True! But if they really wanted to do it,they have my bank details, it wouldn't be too hard. But I'm guessing they won't go that far.

They have no legal basis request your personal details from any other company that holds your data. If you change your address with your bank, the bank cannot share or disclose those details without your consent or unless prescribed by law, for instance Revenue and The Credit Bureau. But some details would be freely available if they were on a public register or social media.

Stop the direct debit and be a little cautious about where you share your new address. For the record, an address is not classed as personal data as all addresses are available on a public record, the person that lives at each address is not.

QueenKia29 · 11-06-2017 10:44pm

gabgab wrote: »

Mistake

1.
an act or judgement that is misguided or wrong.
"coming here was a mistake"
synonyms: error, fault, inaccuracy, omission, slip, blunder, miscalculation, misunderstanding, flaw, oversight, misinterpretation, fallacy, gaffe, faux pas, solecism, misapprehension, misconception, misreading; More
verb
1.
be wrong about.
"because I was inexperienced I mistook the nature of our relationship"
synonyms: misunderstand, misinterpret, get wrong, put a wrong interpretation on, misconstrue,

Do you think signing a 12 month contract was a mistake?

I'm waiting for you to realise you copy-pasted the same synonyms for both words...

Nervous Wreck · 12-06-2017 7:12am

QueenKia29 wrote: »

I'm waiting for you to realise you copy-pasted the same synonyms for both words...

DFTT.

RacoonQueen · 12-06-2017 10:51am

Cancel with your bank. I'd be very surprised if they tried to chase you down for it. They probably won't even notice.

Other than that you can try and transfer to someone else but WW membership is expensive, only worth it IMO if you want either pool, squash or tennis. The rest of the gym probably as good as any other, cheaper facility.

They never gave me a copy of my contract btw. I had to ask them for a copy both times I signed up to them - probably need to ask when you're signing up.

Gamebred · 12-06-2017 11:57am

Zero chance of them pursuing it cancel it and move on with your life the cost of bringing legal action is not worth it to them.

QueenKia29 · 12-06-2017 12:34pm

Thanks everyone for your opinion! Cheers.

Zillah · 12-06-2017 1:08pm

LincolnHawk wrote: »

It's not like a phone where they subsidise it's cost and factor it into the contract.

Yeah exactly. A phone contract needs to be a certain length so that the company can recoup the base cost of the phone.

With long-term gym contracts you're just a mark to them, they want as much money out of you as possible and they want you committed, regardless of whether you change your mind or life circumstances get in the way.

The only difference I can imagine is if they give you a very preferential monthly rate for a longer commitment, but even then it's a pricing structure out of the stone age.

Petra K · 28-02-2022 2:44pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/103782533#Comment_103782533

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2057751287/west-wood-club-cancel-membership

Petra K · 28-02-2022 2:45pm

I am a new member since 2022 in Dun Laoghaire West Wood Gym. I am very disappointed with how they handle customer complaints. I am chasing them for over a month and a half and have rung them 6 times so far to get back to me and they are not interested. All the time promising how they will contact me back and no one does.

It is sad to see how they are more interested to charge you but not at all interested in customer satisfaction. What is the point of paying for bad service?? Spa area - Jacuzzi and Steam room were closed around 20 days in past 2 months, members are not using their own towels nor lean the devices after the workout, and West Wood stuff don't check that, ladies area is not so clean, there are fingers marks all over the lockers, dirty floor, hidden costs such as for freezing your account if you are not using the gym. I personally asked what in the case when I am not using the gym as I don't want to be charged and was told well account will be freeze and happy days. No one mentioned 10 euro fees to freeze the account, nor that I need to flag I want to freeze my account. As well when I was highlighting I won't be in Ireland for 2 weeks and therefore cannot come to the gym, West Wood staff left me in believing they will activate freezing the account, and never told me I need to say the word FREEZE the account as I am not here. I am really disappointed in misleading and misinformation from West Wood staff.

Black Sheep · 01-03-2022 10:52am

I can see both sides of this to be honest.

WW should have an option to buy out of a 12 month contract. If this was possible, even with a penalty of some kind, I suspect the OP would have availed of it rather than do what she will do now.

However, it’s also true that signing a 12 month contract and then breaking it via your bank is wrong. Not wrong like “going to hell” but it’s a little bit immoral, yes.

WW’s customer service is **** they’ll penalise their clients, a bit like Ryanair: But you aren’t with them for the customer service or their flexibility. It’s the facilities and that’s it. So I do think this is a bit of a caveat emptor situation.

Everyone dislikes WW and they’re a big outfit so people may be more likely to encourage going around them in this case, but if this was a smaller gym business would it still be encouraged to circumvent contracts with them? Hopefully not.

West Wood Club - Cancel membership

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