Westwood gyms shady behaviour

Seeds2098 · 24-06-2021 9:10pm #1

Hi all,

I joined a Westwood gym in Dublin near the end of 2019.
In order to sign up they asked me to come in and meet a sales member. It was all very odd, they gave me a big sales pitch before telling me there was a 500 euro sign up fee on top of the monthly membership fee.
I straight away said no thanks and got up to leave, finally they went down to I believe 200 euro after "talking to the manager" and I agreed. Is this normal and did I get done by their sales tactics?

Anyway, Covid19 came around and after trying to get an answer several times from the gym on whether I could postpone membership until reopening I finally gave up and told them to cut direct payments until after Covid19.
I contacted them this week to get membership reinstated and kick back off monthly payment and they are telling me I need to repay "sign up fees".

Is this normal?, I only stopped paying because the gym was closed due to covid.
They again quoted me 200 euro but said they can have a "word to manager" about cutting a bit.

Any opinions appreciated. Seems like a terrible way to treat members on the back of covid. But, also their whole sales pitch of sign on fee seemingly being whatever customer is willing to pay is so dodge.

markmoto · 24-06-2021 10:48pm

Seeds2098 wrote: »

Hi all,

I joined a Westwood gym in Dublin near the end of 2019.
In order to sign up they asked me to come in and meet a sales member. It was all very odd, they gave me a big sales pitch before telling me there was a 500 euro sign up fee on top of the monthly membership fee.
I straight away said no thanks and got up to leave, finally they went down to I believe 200 euro after "talking to the manager" and I agreed. Is this normal and did I get done by their sales tactics?

Anyway, Covid19 came around and after trying to get an answer several times from the gym on whether I could postpone membership until reopening I finally gave up and told them to cut direct payments until after Covid19.
I contacted them this week to get membership reinstated and kick back off monthly payment and they are telling me I need to repay "sign up fees".

Is this normal?, I only stopped paying because the gym was closed due to covid.
They again quoted me 200 euro but said they can have a "word to manager" about cutting a bit.

Any opinions appreciated. Seems like a terrible way to treat members on the back of covid. But, also their whole sales pitch of sign on fee seemingly being whatever customer is willing to pay is so dodge.

Not sure why they keep doing that, everyone is aware of this bs

PM sent

Black Sheep · 25-06-2021 8:02am

I was hoping this was going to be a thread about BMW X5 driving boyos selling gear in the changing rooms.

silverharp · 25-06-2021 8:17am

Westwood stopped payments anyway, nobody has paid an extra penny for closed days, they arent doing anything shady, you left and now want to rejoin, its up to you and your negotiating skills now.

Seeds2098 · 25-06-2021 8:54am

silverharp wrote: »

Westwood stopped payments anyway, nobody has paid an extra penny for closed days, they arent doing anything shady, you left and now want to rejoin, its up to you and your negotiating skills now.

So we count covid period as leaving? So everyone will have to pay rejoin fees?

silverharp · 25-06-2021 9:16am

Seeds2098 wrote: »

So we count covid period as leaving? So everyone will have to pay rejoin fees?

no they suspended, they stopped taking money themselves , there was no need to talk to them at all

Smee_Again · 25-06-2021 9:22am

Seeds2098 wrote: »

Anyway, Covid19 came around and after trying to get an answer several times from the gym on whether I could postpone membership until reopening I finally gave up and told them to cut direct payments until after Covid19.

This was your mistake, as far as Westwood were concerned this was you ending your membership.

Now that you're trying to come back the signing fee (which is steep) applies.

Patrick2010 · 25-06-2021 9:32am

Smee_Again wrote: »

This was your mistake, as far as Westwood were concerned this was you ending your membership.

Now that you're trying to come back the signing fee (which is steep) applies.

What was he supposed to do?, keep paying for a service he couldn't use?
Does this mean that all other members have to pay a signup fee also?

Smee_Again · 25-06-2021 9:38am

Patrick2010 wrote: »

What was he supposed to do?, keep paying for a service he couldn't use?
Does this mean that all other members have to pay a signup fee also?

He wasn't paying, Westwood stopped collecting direct debits back March/April in lockdown 1, and again in February 2021 because it was too late to cancel January's payment.

Seeds2098 · 25-06-2021 9:43am

Smee_Again wrote: »

He wasn't paying, Westwood stopped collecting direct debits back March/April in lockdown 1, and again in February 2021 because it was too late to cancel January's payment.

You have completely lost me.

I stopped paying when the gyms were not available to use due to covid restrictions.

silverharp · 25-06-2021 9:46am

Seeds2098 wrote: »

You have completely lost me.

I stopped paying when the gyms were not available to use due to covid restrictions.

so you left the gym, had you done nothing Westwood would have stopped taking your money anyway. Its not a complex thing to understand, from their point of view you left.

Seeds2098 · 25-06-2021 9:49am

silverharp wrote: »

so you left the gym, had you done nothing Westwood would have stopped taking your money anyway. Its not a complex thing to understand, from their point of view you left.

As far as I was concerned I was in same bracket as everyone else in the gym.

silverharp · 25-06-2021 10:07am

Seeds2098 wrote: »

As far as I was concerned I was in same bracket as everyone else in the gym.

There is no easier way to explain it, nobody else will have cancelled payments if they had the intention of coming back after the lockdown. If some people decided they were done with the gym they would have done what you did. Its not like a gym will do an exit interview :pac:

My advice would be try to sign up at one of their quieter locations, Sandymount would be the best and you might be able to rejoin with a €40-€50 fee if you haggle them down and get them to "speak to the manager", or find another gym to join.

Patrick2010 · 25-06-2021 10:20am

He said he told them to cut payments until after COVID was over, surely they would have realised he wasn't leaving and told him that actually we won't be taking any DD payments so no need to cancel?

silverharp · 25-06-2021 10:35am

Patrick2010 wrote: »

He said he told them to cut payments until after COVID was over, surely they would have realised he wasn't leaving and told him that actually we won't be taking any DD payments so no need to cancel?

I guess a miscommunication could be possible but I'd guess whoever he was talking to would have had several exact queries, if the gym is seeing it different get onto their head office and see if they will waive any rejoining fees

Smee_Again · 25-06-2021 10:45am

Seeds2098 wrote: »

You have completely lost me.

I stopped paying when the gyms were not available to use due to covid restrictions.

Patrick2010 wrote: »

He said he told them to cut payments until after COVID was over, surely they would have realised he wasn't leaving and told him that actually we won't be taking any DD payments so no need to cancel?

I really don't know how to make it any clearer. OP cancelled his monthly subscription meaning he was no longer a member.

bbuzz · 02-07-2021 12:47pm

I think Westwood have been pretty good during they pandemic, communicated by email pretty clearly and stopped taking direct debits as soon as they shut down both times.

@OP - clearly there has been a miscommunication and they think that you have cancelled your membership - give em a call and try to work it out, they are normally flexible. Don’t think they are doing anything shady at all.

Sheep Shagger · 28-12-2021 11:20am

Got this text this morning....wow what a saving on the joining fee lol

" Need to get fit in 2022? Start back at West Wood Club for only €29 joining fee. Exclusive 3-Day SALE for past members. 28th to 30th Dec. Normal joining fee €599. You pay ONLY €29. SAVE €570. SALE ENDS 8pm Thur 30th Dec. Call me, 012893208. Thanks, Mike. Txt GYM STOP to 51444 to optout

Famous Blue Raincoat · 28-12-2021 8:53pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118381210#Comment_118381210

I got that, too. Then I thought if we have another lockdown how much use would I get out of it...

Anybody know what the annual membership fee is on top of that €29?

Famous Blue Raincoat · 30-12-2021 12:02am

It's proving very elusive to find the annual membership fee, and it's not on the Westwood website, so that's not very encouraging.

I rang, yesterday and today, but nobody returned the call or could tell me the price. It sounds, well, shady!

Anybody here know what the annual membership fee is for an ordinary working adult?

30-12-2021 12:10am

In the days of low cost flexible contract gyms like Flye fit, how do extortionate companies like Westwood even exist?

dublin49 · 30-12-2021 12:13am

Im an over 60 member and pay 52 a month,I think its 80 a month for standard membership but will confirm with my son,the sign on is always reduced to below a hundred and it is there to stop people leaving all the time and rejoining.

tdf7187 · 30-12-2021 12:18am

The alleged founder died in 2018.

tdf7187 · 30-12-2021 12:22am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117508281#Comment_117508281

These days more like Bentley Bataygas.

dublin49 · 30-12-2021 12:11pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118389120#Comment_118389120

First class facilities,huge range of classes and well run facility.I would say there is a social aspect to being in a gym like Westwood and for some it might be an intrinsic part of their lifestyle/social life.Its not expensive if you go 3 or 4 times a week,Its chalk and cheese comparing Westwood to cheaper options and the range of cost options for gyms reflect the different requirements customers have.Westwood would change to a cheaper option in a heart beat if it made more money and was sustainable .The main reason they wont is it takes a huge capital investment to set up in competition with Westwood,not true for the cheaper gyms.

JimmyVik · 30-12-2021 12:28pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058195920/westwood-gyms-shady-behaviour

Yes its normal. Just walk out and say you are willing to pay a monthly fee but not a "membership fee". After a few days they will call you again with a better offer. Tell them no. Monthly fee only or you are going down to join "inert other gym name here". They will knock off 100% of the "membership fee" for you.

OP they made you feel like you got €300 off the €500 price. The real story is you were robbed of €200.

Never ever pay a gym membership fee.

Thelonious Monk · 30-12-2021 12:36pm

They are great gyms and worth the money for the facilities, even though the spa area is f*cked in Clontarf for ages now.

I wanted to get one of these fabled 4 day passes for my partner, has anyone successfully used one of these? I assume they'll try and get her to join but do they actually give you a pass for 4 days?

dublin49 · 30-12-2021 12:40pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118390579#Comment_118390579

Yeah miss the spa area terrible as was the reward after a session on bike or whatever.I did use the pass many years ago and it did work.

I would imagine the Spa being out at least tempered any inclination to up prices for year ahead.

JimmyVik · 30-12-2021 12:41pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118390579#Comment_118390579

Last year they were doing one day passes for €30 (refunded if you join - though you wont get your membership fee reduced to less than €30 in that case :) ) or if your are a member you could get one for free every now and again if you asked nicely.

Edit:I just realized what year it nearly is. So not last year. the year before 2019/2020

30-12-2021 3:14pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118390439#Comment_118390439

Yeah, I guess I just want to do cardio and weights. I don't need more than that.

Sheep Shagger · 30-12-2021 8:35pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118390529#Comment_118390529

Oh agreed id never pay it.

Thinking about rejoining Leopardstown as they ate class facilties although would need to see what is open in the jacuzzi area etc given covid. I also used to use the pool gym equipment too the odd time, not sure if that's still there.

It's some price difference between Gym Plus and WW but facilities are not that comparable....

caviardreams · 31-12-2021 11:33am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118389120#Comment_118389120

As others have said, they are completely different products to be honest. If you are just looking for equipment to work away with your own programme etc. and very independent Flyefit etc is great. If you need more support and a community environment to help motivate you etc., as well as a broader range of facilities teh likes of westwood offers value. People value different things, and are happy to pay if they get utility from something.

31-12-2021 12:34pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118395326#Comment_118395326

Well, I have a PT at FlyeFit but I understand the rest of your point.

Thelonious Monk · 02-01-2022 4:37pm

Came to sandymount and of course the steam room is out of order for the forseeable ffs

Sheep Shagger · 02-01-2022 7:33pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118406162#Comment_118406162

That should surely be a breach of contract and as such you be allowed to terminate the contract without penalty?

Thelonious Monk · 02-01-2022 7:49pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118407289#Comment_118407289

I've emailed them a couple of times and all emails have been ignored

dublin49 · 02-01-2022 8:00pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118407289#Comment_118407289

I am gutted spa closed long term in Clontarf although have to say I would imagine the conditions in Sauna/Steam room would be ideal for spread of virus,dont know ,just a feeling.

Phil.x · 02-01-2022 8:13pm

I got this text message and deleted it, I thought it was a scam text. Who has the neck to charge €599 joining fee plus monthly fee!!

dublin49 · 02-01-2022 8:26pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118407499#Comment_118407499

no one pays it,just a gimmick ,once you frown they immediately drop it to below a €100 and if you dig it you might get it removed altogether.

Zillah · 04-01-2022 9:52pm

What kind of monthly fee do they normally charge of top of the joining fee?

Sheep Shagger · 04-01-2022 10:19pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118418756#Comment_118418756

When I was quoted 2 years ago it was €84pm

Its nowhere to be found on their website. . .

Anjunadeep · 22-01-2022 7:45pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118418886#Comment_118418886

That is steep. Anyone know what the monthly rate is these days for new sign ups?

Also, is the gym area very busy in the evening time?

Thanks

Thelonious Monk · 25-01-2022 10:30pm

think I pay 79 a month and that's standard. Clontarf one is pretty busy in the evening time and can be heard to get squat racks etc.

has anyone heard anything on the spa area reopening?

CAMAC · 08-02-2022 3:33pm

Is there any discount on the monthly fee for two people joining at the same? I know I could ask them but trying to gather a ballpark before they try hard sell me

Thelonious Monk · 08-02-2022 5:05pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118600870#Comment_118600870

no they don't budget on things like that.

In other news, I took a peek into the spa area in Fairview, still looks like they've done F-all and no one has been working there lately. FFS.

Thelonious Monk · 02-03-2022 12:34pm

Email yesterday to say they had problems and are stalling with the spa area in Fairview. They didn't give an ETA. I reckon it's still months away. I'd say they lost a lot of older members over this who live in the area.

dublin49 · 02-03-2022 1:34pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118719213#Comment_118719213

Receptionist told me last week late summer ,no time soon especially now they are saying they need to move Dressing room upstairs first.

Thelonious Monk · 02-03-2022 1:49pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118719644#Comment_118719644

I think we'll be lucky to see it this year

rondog · 02-03-2022 4:38pm

I got an E-mail update and there was some issue with the placement of the current Spa area so they need to rebuild the Female toilets then the male toilets and then they can start on the new Spa area.

I would imagine it will be later in the year depending on when builders can get stuck into the renovations.

trextra · 18-03-2022 8:43pm

Re gyms & direct debit: Gym has joining fee and then monthly DD.

In my case the DD deal has a minimum 3 months term.

Is it possible to tell them I will pay them the joining fee and 3 months DD upfront thus not requiring and DD details

What would be the golden rule there.

I will ask sure, but only ones or scenario in which it looks unfavourable to anyone is when the 3 months are up and they cant scab me for more membership unless i go again

Sheep Shagger · 18-03-2022 10:30pm

AFAIK you have to sign up for 12 months membership with a DD.

Westwood gyms shady behaviour

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