Shame on you Virgin Active

I went to join to Virgin Active in Rosebank (Johannesburg) on the 11th of July 2017. Within the five (working) day cooling off period, I unfortunately had to go back and cancel. When I joined, I was told (actually promised) by Tebogo (the consultant who signed me up) that should I wish to cancel within the five day period, it would be absolutely no problem and my R150 would be refunded immediately as this is done in-house. Doc (a manager at the Rosebank Virgin Active) made sure to tell me to bring back my bag once I cancelled which I did the very next morning. Well....

After checking my account the next week, I realised that the money had not been refunded. After following up with Virgin Active, they assured me that it would be in my account within 5 days. 5 days later, no refund. After following up AGAIN, Doc ensured that now that the issue is in his hands, he will guarantee that the money will be in my account within 5 days. 5 days later..... the money is STILL NOT in my account.

Contacting Virgin Active AGAIN, Michelle was very helpful and apologetic and has said that she has received confirmation from head office that the transfer has been done and will reflect in my account in 5 days. I am lead to believe that finally this issue has been dealt with and I will finally receive my money.

Too good to be true of course....

Shortly afterwards, I received a call from Tshego asking for my bank details in order for head office to process the refund. Again, another promise that the money will be in my account within 7 days. I reiterated everything to her, telling her that this is one of the many empty promises I have been made by Virgin Active. I thought Michelle had received confirmation from Head Office that the refund had actually been processed... obviously not.

R150 is not a large sum of money and no, it will not break the bank. However, it's the principal of the matter and I think it is shocking that a large company like Virgin Active cannot refund what is owed to me and are simply withholding my money. What is the big problem here?!

5 weeks later and I still don't have my R150 back. Virgin Active however, ensure that I bring my 'free' bag back. Well now you've got my money and the 'free' bag. I hope you're happy.

You are more than happy to take this money from me immediately and take back the 'free' bag but sure as hell make it impossible to get a refund on what is owed to me. Why should I have to go to these lengths to get my R150 back?. Yes, you heard right.....just R150, not R150 000.

Shame on you Virgin Active.