How (Not) to Build Business Relationships

Today I went to a local martial arts studio to sign my son up for classes.  I had done my due diligence and checked them out online, looked around for pricing and Googled them to see if anyone was talking about them online.  I couldn’t find anything, but it’s a fairly new studio, so I thought we were ok.

According to their website, they had a special where your first month was $135.00 and included one class a week and your uniform.  I called the studio and spoke to one of the owners at length about their programs and we made an appointment for 4:30 this afternoon.

When I arrived the studio was empty, save for the husband and wife who own the place.  They were very nice and we talked some more. They, about what was expected of the student; I, about what I expected of them.  It seemed that we were in agreement and then they told me that it was $79. a month, with a registration fee of $99, which included the uniform (that they didn’t have in stock) and that we would have to make a commitment of at least six months.  I spoke to Travis about the commitment and he agreed that he would give it the full six months.  We all seemed to be in agreement, even though this was $43 more than I expected, but it’s close to the house and I thought it was worth it. As an aside, at the point where we’re trying to decide on the commitment, a strange dynamic comes into play.  I’m pretty sure the husband was trying to get her to lower the registration fee if we sign up for a year commitment, but she’s having none of it, so 6 months it is.   We started to fill out paperwork and as they’re taking all of my information they decide to inform me that, although they will take a check today, they won’t do business with us unless we agree to allow them do direct debit my account every month.

*insert sound of squealing breaks here*

They obviously know this is going to be an issue, as they’re not very confident in their presentation of it, and they’re right.  It is an issue.

At this point the wife starts to speak to me in a very condescending manner about how to do business (hey, I’m not the one with the empty studio) and the husband starts to talk to me about how I’m on direct debit with my cable company (which I’m not).  I let them know that I don’t give anyone access to any account like that and it’s really a deal breaker.  At this point, they have all my paperwork with name, address, phone number, birthdates, etc.  And I say, “Thank you, but I guess this isn’t a good fit for us, please let me have my paperwork back.”  The wife refuses to give me the paperwork and keeps saying to her husband, “It’s our contract!  It’s our contract!” I guess if I had signed up, they don’t give me a copy of the paper work?? Danger Will Robinson! Danger Will Robinson!

The husband is getting very aggravated now and I see a little more anger than I’m comfortable with (what happened to the control and self discipline that Tae Kwon Do teaches?) and is telling her to throw it out.  She decides to rip off the part with our information on it and give it to me.  At this point, she says “I’m so sorry Travis”, which really pissed me off, but I keep my cool and we leave.

We came home and I made ONE phone call and found another place that is less expensive, with no commitment, will take my checks and has been in business in Ocala for quite a few years.

I guess they’re a better fit for us.