Xercise4Less/ Harlands/ CRS

[Chris1415]

I have been searching through the previous threads and have not found anything yet regarding my issue with them.

 

Today I received a letter from CRS saying:

 

We've been employed by Xercise 4 Less as your membership remains in arrears despite previous letters being sent to you.

 

As a result of this, our fees totally £ 102.50 have been added. Therefore your account balance now stands at £ 192.46

 

They go on to say that they wish to reach an amicable decision if I call them and giving me 3 options for payment.

 

 

 

I joined Xercise4Less whilst at uni in October 2014, never bothered going, and eventually cancelled my membership in May 2015. My membership was a specific student one where I paid £9.99 a month and could cancel any time. Some time in May 2015 I cancelled my DD, but I did not confirm in writing with the gym. Looking at my bank statements I have not made the May, June, or July payments totaling £29.97. If I have not cancelled my membership properly, which I expect is what has happened, then I am happy to pay these arrears. After CRS have added on their 'fees', they don't state what these fees are, it comes to £132.47, leaving an extra £59.99 added somewhere.

 

I have read in many threads about not paying CRS' 'fees' as they are unenforceable penalty charges, and no letters have been sent to me.

 

Should I write back to CRS and ask for a breakdown of my account balance, and if so, how should I go about it?

 

I have called the gym today for more information, and they refused to comment saying it was all being handled by CRS. I asked to be sent a copy of my signed membership agreement, which the gym said that they didn't have, and sent me a blank one.

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated, a near £200 payment is not something I want to make.

[slick132]

Hi Chris and welcome to CAG

 

There are many threads here that are very similar to yours. Read read enough and you'll find them.

 

Don't ask CRS for any breakdown - it doesn't matter what they say you owe.

 

Don't speak to the gym or Harlands/CRS at all. If they call you, tell them, "In writing only !" then hang up.

 

If you joined in the gym, there may not be a signed m/ship agreement and your consent may have been part of the computerised sign-up process.

 

I suggest you only need to offer to pay them one month's fee (if indeed there is such a notice period requirement). On the blank T&C's they sent you, does it address this point.

 

Let us know and ignore Harlands/CRS for now.

 

[Conniff]

I certainly wouldn't pay CRS a penny, you didn't hire them.

[Chris1415]

Hi Slick, thanks for getting back to me. Sorry for not getting back in touch sooner, I've been at work all day.

 

I've copied what it stated in the T+Cs regarding cancellation. I believe it is number 9 that is referring to the notice period.

 

9. Once you have completed the Minimum No. Of Direct Debit Payments we will automatically continue collecting the Direct Debit Payment Amount every month. Your membership will be extended by one month for each payment (“Renewal Period”). This renewal Direct Debit

payment amount may only be amended if we advise you in writing giving not less than 30 days notice.

Please note if your membership included the benefit of a free period then we will stop making collections during that free period and recommence making collections on the renewal date.

 

10. You may prevent the Automatic Renewal at any time by giving notice to our Helpline (you should give us not less than 30 days notice). When the final minimum period payment has been taken you should also cancel your Direct Debit mandate directly with your bank.

 

11. If you have fulfilled your commitment to the membership you have joined, then send your 30 days cancellation notice in writing to the relevant club. There is no need to cancel your direct debit with the bank, Xercise4less will do this for you.

If you wish to have confirmation of any amendments to your account at any stage please contact your relevant clubs Operation Manager.

[slick132]

Hi Chris,

 

You can write to Harlands and get a free Certificate from the PO when you send the letter :-

 

Dear Harlands/CRS,

 

I refer to demands from CRS for nearly £200.

 

I cancelled the DD mandate when I wanted to cancel my monthly gym membership. I now realise I should have paid one months fee for the notice period and offer to pay you £9.99.

 

This offer is valid for 14 days only. If you confirm you'll accept this offer in full settlement of all that I owe you, I will pay you promptly.

 

If you make any other response, I reserve the right to ignore further communications from you Harlands/CRS but I may make formal complaints to Trading Standards and The CMA.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

[Chris1415]

Hi Slick

 

No response yet by Harlands in writing after sending the letter you suggested. I've had a text message, though, that come through this afternoon saying "Please call CRS on 01444 449169 between 9 and 5. We sent a letter a week ago and need to discuss this with you. Thank you." Should I respond saying that all communications need to be in writing, or just ignore it? Also, what should I do if Harlands come back saying that the offer for paying £9.99 is not acceptable and they want the full amount?

 

Thanks for your help, its greatly appreciated!

[slick132]

Hi Chris,

 

Ignore any such request from CRS and never speak to Harlands/CRS by phone. But DO keep a log of all calls or texts from Harlands/CRS in case you need to make a complaint of harassment.

 

Wait for Harlands to reply in writing. They won't accept your offer and they WILL want whatever they think they can get from you in m/ship fees and increasing admin fees.

 

However, what Harlands want is not always what they get !!!

 

Especially when they're dealing with CAGgers