Pilates studio owner messaged me asking me to stop using ClassPass, even though it’s cheaper for me. Would this put you off?
I’ve been attending a local Pilates studio for around 9 months. For the first 6 months I had a direct membership, but for the last 3 months I’ve been booking through ClassPass because it actually works out cheaper for me.
One of the main reasons I use ClassPass is the flexibility. I travel a lot for work, so I like being able to switch between different studios depending on where I am. Because of that, I’d never realistically get through 12 classes in 28 days at this one studio, so their membership just doesn’t fit my lifestyle.
Recently, the studio owner sent me a very friendly message saying how lovely it had been seeing me in class recently and how much they appreciated me being part of the community. They then suggested that if I planned to keep attending regularly, I should stop booking through ClassPass and sign up for one of their memberships (€120 every 28 days for 12 classes), saying it was better value and that there was “no pressure.”
The thing is for me, it isn’t better value. ClassPass is actually cheaper, and it gives me the flexibility I need. That made the message feel less like they were trying to help me save money and more like they were trying to get me off a platform that takes a commission.
I completely understand why studios prefer direct memberships, and I don’t begrudge them wanting to encourage people to book directly. But being contacted individually because of how I’m booking felt a bit uncomfortable, especially when the membership they’re recommending clearly doesn’t suit the way I use fitness studios.
I’m also not sure whether I should reply. Part of me wants to explain that ClassPass is cheaper for me and works around my work travel, but another part of me thinks it’s easier to just ignore the message and carry on booking how I normally do.
Would you respond? And would this message put you off, or is this just normal marketing from boutique Pilates studios?