Hello, if anyone has time to hear me out, I'd really appreciate some advice.
On the 17th of November 2014, I was approached by Connoisseur Club to join their fantastic membership which would bring me savings on hotel accommodation, and when two people eat out, one main becomes free for being a member. Wow, what a saving, sounds too good to be true! The representative showed up at my workplace, and waited around whilst it was busy and was quite the salesperson. I agreed to join and they were going to take $277 every month for four months on my credit card partially because I've made the representative wait for a good amount of time whilst I was busy. I later found out that this is one of their tactics - ambush you at work (proven by other reviewers). I truly regretted my decision for not saying no. I decided to request a cancellation of the membership on their website within the 10 day cooling off period on the 26th of November 2014. There was an error with the first security code (captcha) and then upon entering a second one, I was given the "thank you for your response". Here's where I made a mistake - I could have called them directly (because I didn't want to deal with their sales team) or I could have got the link and sent it from my own email account so that there would be a record of it or I could have taken a screenshot of what I have sent. I found out later on the 4th of December, when my credit card was charged, that they did not receive my cancellation request due to a glitch on their website. I rang them up to explain the situation and because I am unable to provide proof, my request was not heard and they kept my $277. Fair trading nsw could only negotiate a 25% discount which I did not want to accept as I have no intention of using the card nor their services. I had to cancel my credit card for that purpose and accept that I would never see the $277 again. I took it as being my mistake, they can keep the money for their administration costs and inconvenience fees.
Five months later, they are sending me a notice of an unpaid account of $550. I responded in an email saying that I never intended to continue this membership and that if they would only provide me a mailing address, I would be more than happy to return their unused card (which is still stuck to the welcome letter). Instead of a reply, I receive a notice from their contracted debt collectors. I have no intention of paying for something I do not want nor do I see their justification in trying to get their greedy hands on more of my hard earned money. They have already received $554 due to a mistake with my bank which was sorted. Connoisseur club has already taken more than it deserves - no benefits were used. Surely a global company with hundreds of members, can afford to lose one amicably instead of getting some negative feedback on their conduct and policy? I've made an appointment to seek help from legal aid but there's no opening until 9th of June 2015. I also posted up a review on their membership and was left with a voicemail threat for defamation. Should I take it further to Facebook? Change.org?
Either wait it out until they get a debt collection agency involved and you can explain it to them - usually they are much more reasonable or Go see a solicitor - might cost a couple hundred dollars but they can send a letter or something and stop it