One day deals frustrate gym members

March 24, 2016

One day deals frustrate gym members

The GrabOne website has many gym related specials on offer

A popular GrabOne deal is proving unpopular with some full-paying gym members complaining they can’t attend classes that are over-subscribed by those buying the coupons.

A GrabOne deal which ran throughout February promoted half-price Pilates classes at BodyTech Gym in Mt Eden for non-members.

However, according to some members, the classes’ 15 spaces quickly filled up with the non-members, leaving full-paying members missing out.

Lea Harbidge, a BodyTech member who regularly takes Pilates, said she understands why the gym does the deals but has been frustrated by the sudden influx of people.

“The problem is that the full-paying members are missing out if they don’t book online in time, plus there’s not always room. At $150 a month [for a membership] it is a bit of a letdown,” said Mrs Harbridge.

Sophie Wills, a member of BodyTech since 2014, has also missed out on her weekly classes due to the increased numbers.

“I just feel that with that much money per month [for a membership] I should get a space before those coming in on a deal,” said Ms Wills. “They should have terms and conditions of the deal that means members get first pick.”

A personal trainer at the gym, Sarah Colebrook, said she believes there should be more classes offered to remedy the situation but sees the positive in gaining new business also.

“BodyTech needs to put on more of these classes when these deals are happening, but in this case it’s first in, first served. But there are pros and cons to it, the more people that come in on those deals, the more classes we’re going to add.”

BodyTech account manager Jan Caughley said she was unaware of any complaints, but said via email they “strive to provide high quality services to our members while at the same time growing our business. It is often a delicate balancing act.”

Mrs Caughley said BodyTech would do their “utmost to find a reasonable solution to the problem”. “We are an organisation which prides itself in actively responding and resolving any member problems that are brought to our attention."

Related Stories

A West Coast internship

A West Coast internship

Michael Andrew January 23, 2020

News industry improves in its care of reporters

News industry improves in its care of reporters

Irra Lee August 29, 2019

News industry improves in its care of reporters

News industry improves in its care of reporters

Irra Lee August 29, 2019

Call for Gaza ceasefire boosted by Auckland's International Women's Day

Call for Gaza ceasefire boosted by Auckland's International Women's Day

Grace Symmans March 28, 2024

Rugby numbers continue to kick on

Rugby numbers continue to kick on

Matt Bullock March 26, 2024

Circus skills unite communities in East Auckland

Circus skills unite communities in East Auckland

Fravash Irani March 26, 2024