As someone who was previously a very happy unlimited member at Pepper Boxing's Battery location, I have never had such an egregious interaction with this brand. I recently decided to rejoin after moving back to Atlanta. After taking a class through ClassPass, I spoke with an employee (Chase) about enrolling in a 6-class monthly membership. I was clearly told everything was tentative, that I was not locked into anything, and that since I hadn't signed a contract, I wasn't tied to an agreement. I was told the card was simply to "hold my spot."
Shortly before the membership was set to begin, I experienced an unexpected family loss. During that time, I was understandably not in the mental space for boxing classes and completely forgot about the membership until I saw the charge come through. I called immediately, explained the situation, and was told Chase would follow up with me. He never did. No one did. After not hearing anything for two weeks, I ultimately filed a dispute with my bank. I was then charged again the following month. For clarity, I never signed a contract, used the "membership," or attended a single class under it.
Today I received a voicemail from "Tony" regarding my Midtown membership and returned the call. The conversation was shockingly unprofessional. He was dismissive, repeatedly stated he "could not" issue a refund, and made zero effort to acknowledge anything I explained. Only after I firmly pointed out that I had never signed any agreement did he "look into it" and suddenly determine that a refund was possible.
I was also casually informed that the Midtown location had abruptly closed the day before and that Chase was "no longer with the brand." What was most concerning was not just the billing issue, but the tone and conduct. When I asked for his full name, he refused to provide it. At the end of the conversation, I asked again. He oddly stated "Zach," then dismissively said he had to call "all the other Midtown members" and could not continue the conversation. Ironically, his full name, Tony C******, appeared on the refund receipt.
Combined with the billing issues, abrupt closure, and communication breakdown, this does not inspire confidence in how the business is being managed.
I understand Tony maybe experiencing a stressful situation currently with the unexpected closure of Midtown. However, that does not justify speaking to customers in a dismissive or unprofessional manner. Treating people with basic kindness, empathy, and integrity goes a long way.
The workouts are good. The operational integrity and customer care are not.
Proceed with caution. read more