Money owed from personal trainer

[ParmaViolet]

Hi,

Apologies if this isn't in the correct forum. I am just looking for a bit of advice if possible in regards to reclaiming some money owed from my personal trainer.
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I signed a 6 month contract back in September 2022 with a personal trainer at my gym. Back in November 2022 I paid for a block of 4 sessions (£160) - I received 2 sessions from him but when it came to book the remaining 2 he told me he was no longer working at the gym and would be prepared to give me a refund. Therefore the amount owed is £80. However, he wasn't due to start his new PT job until February 3rd 2023 and will refund me then.

Fast forward to now and I have sent him numerous WhatsApp messages to which he has ignored. I am at a loss as to where to go now and what my rights are exactly. The amount owed to me is not a big one however I feel like his dishonesty shouldn't go unnoticed and he might do it to someone else if I allow him to get away with it.

Any further information would be greatly appreciated.

PV

[atticus]

You may bring a county court claim through moneyclaim online. Do you know his address?

[ParmaViolet]

Hi Atticus thanks for your reply. Unfortunately I don't know his address but I do have his mobile number and all messages exchanged so far. He is also on social media. Am I still able to make a claim?

[R0b]

You can, but it will cost you.

First you need to take reasonable steps to ascertain his current place of residence and you can do that by messaging him. Assuming he ignores you again, then you would need to send a letter before action and that can be sent via WhatsApp and other social media he is on - again, ask him as part of the letter to confirm the address which the court documents need to be served if this isn't resolved.

Failing all of that, you may need to make an application to the court to ask them to allow you to serve the claim form and other documents by alternative means e.g. via WhatsApp and his social media accounts. It comes at a cost of £275 but you should be able to tag that on to your claim as part of your costs, though there is no guarantee you will get the money, if he doesn't respond he will get a county court judgment and that could hinder his future job prospects as well as obtaining credit.

Obviously the cost of the application is more than the money owed so you want to weigh up your options and consider whether it is worth it or not.

[atticus]

Help-all733 Please stop spamming this forum.