direct debit knowledge needed

[Sandra6]

Anyone a financial rights and wrongs whizz?
I signed up to the gym last month, agreed to pay membership for myself, mr6 and daughter monthly - just short of £50. It was agreed for the direct debit to go out at the beginning of the month -it did on the 4th. Then on Monday another 3 payments went out.
The gym have contacted the company who deal with the payments, and promised to forward me their email response -they haven't. I've contacted them again, but I'm still waiting.
I thought the bank wasn't allowed to honour a payment if it wasn't for the agreed amount and on the agreed date -or have I got that wrong?
I've been googling but haven't found anything helpful - yet.

 

[BSRU]

The problem with direct debit is the account holder is at the mercy of the merchant, they can take as much as they like when they like.
Standing order is the best way to pay but many companies do not like it.

 

[Spinney]

have you tried talking to your bank?

http://www.directdebit.co.uk/DirectDebitExplained/FAQs/Pages/IssuesWithADirectDebit.aspx

Look at this page too:
http://www.directdebit.co.uk/DirectDebitExplained/Pages/DirectDebitGuarantee.aspx

It looks as if the bank should give you your money back asap - it is then up to the bank to sort it out with the company that took the money.

Phone the bank...

 

[lee1980sim]

Direct debit guarantee if it doesn't do what its supposed to then you can claim your money back, simples

 

[Sandra6]

Thanks guys, I found the direct debit guarantee info. Have spoken to the bank who are claiming the money back -it's awkward because it's 3 separate payments, but they're doing it and the money should go back in my account by close of business today.
Also spoke to the third party who handle the direct debits for the gym, who have explained and apologised - seems because my membership started on the 21st of the month they take the second payment on that date, which does make sense, but the point is I didn't know they were going to do it and didn't agree to it. They're changing the payment dates -but they can only do mine, then mr6 and daughter have to contact them to change theirs even though they all go out of my bank account -data protection don't you know?!
It'll have cost me the £50 in phone calls by the time it's sorted, but hey ho.

 

[Fnaar]

Thanks guys, I found the direct debit guarantee info. Have spoken to the bank who are claiming the money back -it's awkward because it's 3 separate payments, but they're doing it and the money should go back in my account by close of business today.
Also spoke to the third party who handle the direct debits for the gym, who have explained and apologised - seems because my membership started on the 21st of the month they take the second payment on that date, which does make sense, but the point is I didn't know they were going to do it and didn't agree to it. They're changing the payment dates -but they can only do mine, then mr6 and daughter have to contact them to change theirs even though they all go out of my bank account -data protection don't you know?!
It'll have cost me the £50 in phone calls by the time it's sorted, but hey ho.

With all that palaver, I'd simply cancel and say sort it, now, with just me, or you don't get any more custom from me. And I'd make the gym do it, rather than contact the payments company. If they want your custom, they should sort out the people who act on their behalf.

 

[Sandra6]

Fnaar - I was tempted to just cancel the dd, but didn't want to turn up to the gym and them not let me in lol.
I tried getting the gym to do it, but they are dragging their heels and ignoring me. You know that saying -if you want something doing it?!

The gym manager will know how annoyed I am though. I might even get a free water bottle out of it

 

[classic33]

Fnaar - I was tempted to just cancel the dd, but didn't want to turn up to the gym and them not let me in lol.
I tried getting the gym to do it, but they are dragging their heels and ignoring me. You know that saying -if you want something doing it?!

The gym manager will know how annoyed I am though. I might even get a free water bottle out of it

Drop a couple of hints, disguised as weights as you walk past!

 

[Markymark]

Ditch the gym and cycle more!

 

[akb]

I am by no means an expert, but isn't it the gyms issue? Its not their customers choice of who they deal with in terms of DD. I'd take it up with the gym next time you are in, armed with a bank statement and get them to reimburse you straight a way.

£50 for the 3 of you is a great price. Who are you with?

 

[Sandra6]

Ditch the gym and cycle more!

I cycle to the gym! It's warm in there.

I am by no means an expert, but isn't it the gyms issue? Its not their customers choice of who they deal with in terms of DD. I'd take it up with the gym next time you are in, armed with a bank statement and get them to reimburse you straight a way.

£50 for the 3 of you is a great price. Who are you with?

I think it's their issue, but as they were in no great hurry to sort it thought I'd better do it myself.
It's lifestyle, £15.99 each a month.

I have a feeling this could be a long running saga though - the bank cocked up and only reclaimed two of the payments, so the third will be done on Monday, and the direct debit company still haven't contacted Mr6 or daughter to change their payment dates although I'm hoping they've realised they misinterpreted data protection and have done it anyway.
I'm not chasing them, and if the money goes out on the wrong dates again the bank have assured me they'll deal with it on my behalf.
I sent a stroppy email to the manager so I may have my membership revoked!

 

[classic33]

I cycle to the gym! It's warm in there.

I think it's their issue, but as they were in no great hurry to sort it thought I'd better do it myself.
It's lifestyle, £15.99 each a month.

I have a feeling this could be a long running saga though - the bank cocked up and only reclaimed two of the payments, so the third will be done on Monday, and the direct debit company still haven't contacted Mr6 or daughter to change their payment dates although I'm hoping they've realised they misinterpreted data protection and have done it anyway.
I'm not chasing them, and if the money goes out on the wrong dates again the bank have assured me they'll deal with it on my behalf.
I sent a stroppy email to the manager so I may have my membership revoked!

You'll probably get the next one at half price.
If the card/account that all the payments are coming out of is yours, then they have to talk to the card/account holder. Data Protection Act is used too much these days, simply to try and avoid having to answer awkward questions.

 

[P.H]

Depending on your contract, it may not be the gym's fault. When I was a member the 12 month contract was a finance agreement, the gym was paid by them and the DD went to the finance company.

 

[classic33]

Depending on your contract, it may not be the gym's fault. When I was a member the 12 month contract was a finance agreement, the gym was paid by them and the DD went to the finance company.

Taken from the Terms & Conditions:-
6. The Direct Debit Payment Amount is due from you to us.