Did you know when you sign up for dance classes or a fitness membership in BC, you are entering a type of contract that entitles you to certain cancellation rights? Find out how this real BC consumer exercised her rights to secure a refund from a dance studio in BC after an unexpected injury.
Consumer story: BC consumer stays a step ahead by knowing her rights
Shaunna’s* young daughter, Maxine*, had been enrolled in dance classes at a studio in British Columbia. Shaunna had prepaid for her daughter’s annual tuition. Sadly, five weeks into classes, Maxine injured her foot and couldn’t participate.
Shaunna took her daughter to a specialist and the doctor advised that Maxine should not attend dance classes to give the injury time to heal. Shaunna contacted the dance studio, provided the doctor’s note, explained that she needed to cancel the contract and asked for a refund for the remaining months.
“The business would not accept it,” said Shaunna. “They were very resistant to me. They said they didn’t have to pay me back a penny.” Feeling frustrated, she started looking for help. Shaunna’s brother, a lawyer, suggested she reached out to Consumer Protection BC to see if they could assist her.
“[The investigator] was great,” says Shaunna. “From there, everything was very smooth.” Consumer Protection BC contacted the business and stated that because Maxine was physically unable to participate and had a doctor’s note, Shaunna was within her rights to cancel.
After much back and forth, the dance studio eventually agreed to cancel the contract and provide Shaunna with a refund of more than $1,500 for the remaining months.
When asked what advice she would give to people who are in a similar situation, Shaunna stressed the importance of contacting Consumer Protection BC for help. “Don’t go in circles with the business. In situations like this, contact Consumer Protection BC and find out what options you have.”
*Names changed to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.
Where to go for more information
If you sign up for classes that are ongoing and physical in nature, you might be entering what’s called a continuing services contract. With these contracts, you may have cancellation or refund rights if you are physically or mentally unable to participate.
If you’re dealing with a cancellation or refund issue with your gym or fitness studio, we suggest you read up on your rights and try working with the business directly to reach a solution.
If you can’t resolve the issue with your gym and the issue is captured under our laws, use our self-help tools for fitness contract cancellations. Follow the steps outlined there to resolve your issue.
Questions? Feel free to ask them in the comment section below.
Did you like this post? You might like these posts too!
Can I change my mind about my fitness membership?
Video: things to know about cancelling a gym membership in BC
Consumer story: a yogi seeks help after being denied a refund
6 tips to help you stick with an exercise routine
About Consumer Protection BC
We are not-for-profit regulator responsible for overseeing certain industries and specific consumer transactions in British Columbia. If your concern is captured under the laws we enforce, we will use the tools at our disposal to assist you. If we can’t help you directly, we will try to offer a referral to a relevant organization, if one exists. Other times, court or legal assistance may be the best option. Explore our website at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca.
That was awesome.
Good to know.How do I approach you about a situation I am in that feels like a branch of contract?
Hi Jacqueline, not all contracts are regulated by our organization but you can browse our Consumer Help page and see if your issue falls under our authority. If you think it does, you can submit your complaint through our complaint assistance form on our website. Thank you!
Hello, I wonder if you can help me recover the refund for the flight I purchased for my brother originating from the Philippines to Vancouver before covid. I had been communicating with budget air that I used to book the flight and the airlines (Philippine Airlines -PAL) I received email that budget air had sent the request on my behalf and received confir me ation email that I will be refunded. Until now I haven’t received the promised refund by the airline company and when I followed up, was always being referred to budgetsir. Budget air had already sent the request but PAL has not processed the refund. Thank you for any help you can extend to me. I still have my credit card statement as proof that PAL billed me directly and not budgetair
Hi there – I think the folks to speak to would be the Canadian Transportation Agency – they oversee passenger rights in Canada. You can check their website to see if your issue is captured under the federal laws: https://rppa-appr.ca/. I hope this helps and best of luck!
Is this true when the studio contract says “absolutely no refunds”?
Hi Noelle, thank you for asking a question here! It is hard to determine without looking at the contract but if you would like, you can submit a formal complaint with a copy of the contract and we can look into this. You can do so on our website here. Thank you!