Virgin Active Astronomical Subscription Increase

My daughter, a Stellenbosch University student, signed up for a gym membership with Virgin Active in April last year. As a result of being a Vitality member her monthly subscription was R265.00 per month. In January of this year, the subscription increased to R390.00 per month, an increase of 47.16%. Upon enquiry with Virgin accounts dept about this astronomical percentage increase, the response given was that Virgin has undertaken refurbishments to many of their gyms and that this increase went towards the refurbishment costs.

It is strange however, that not all memberships increased by 47.16%, as we know of several members that only had a circa 10% increase and this is at gyms that also had refurbishments done (Bedfordview & Glenvista).

The simple conclusion therefore seems to be, that without opposition in Stellenbosch and with the perception that Stellenbosch students have affluent parents that will simply pay this new subscription without a gripe, Virgin went ahead and selectively increased membership fees by this ludicrous percentage at this specific gym.

Unfortunately, this member is not going to accept this blatant exploitation of students and will promptly cancel their membership at the expiration of this first year’s membership.

How do you plan to retain members with this approach Virgin ?

Enough is enough !!!!