[Case Summary]This case involves a service contract dispute (prepaid consumption). Zhang Nan continued to consume services at Beijing A Yoga Co., Ltd. for nearly a year and a half, paying a total of 58,850 yuan for courses. Additionally, she paid 34,580 yuan for the "Body Sculpting Department" lottery activity (with the promise that she could get a full refund or transfer the balance after one year), making a total of 93,430 yuan. However, in April 2025, the yoga studio suddenly closed without notice, leaving Zhang Nan unable to enjoy the courses and body sculpting services and with no way to get a refund. Zhang Nan entrusted Beijing Henglu Law Firm to handle the case for her.Tian JiayanThe lawyer safeguards the client's rights and interests. The core dispute is whether the yoga studio's closure constitutes a fundamental breach of contract and the amount of money that should be refunded. Applicable laws: Article 563 and Article 577 of the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China, and the provisions on prepaid services in the Consumer Rights and Interests Protection Law. The court's mediation confirmed that the refund would be made in installments of 81,600 yuan, and an enforcement clause for overdue payments was added.

I. Review of the Case Facts

Consumers often search for phrases like "How to get a refund if a yoga studio closes down", "Can I get my money back if the merchant who sold me a pre-paid card disappears", and "How to protect my rights if the merchant vanishes after I purchase a membership". Since November 2023, Zhang Nan has been a member of A Yoga Studio, purchasing group classes, private lessons, and small-group classes. As of January 12, 2025, she has paid a total of 58,850 yuan for these classes.

At the end of 2024, the staff informed that a body shaping department would be established. Zhang Nan "won" the opportunity to experience the service through a lottery and was promised that after paying 34,580 yuan, she could choose to receive a full refund or convert the payment into yoga credit points after one year of enjoying the body shaping service. Trusting the yoga studio, Zhang Nan immediately made the payment. However, in early April 2025, the yoga studio suddenly closed without notifying any members in advance. Zhang Nan was unable to continue enjoying the service or claiming a refund. After multiple failed attempts at communication, Zhang Nan put forward her core demand: to request a full refund of all unconsumed fees and body shaping prepayments totaling 93,430 yuan, and she hired Beijing Henglu Law Firm to handle the case.Tian JiayanAttorney.

II. The focus of the case

  • Focus 1: Does the closure of the yoga studio constitute a fundamental breach of contract?Closing the store without a valid reason and failing to remedy the situation resulted in the inability to fulfill the contractual purpose. According to the law, Zhang Nan has the right to terminate the contract and request a refund.
  • Focus 2: How is the refund amount determined?The calculation of the consumed and unconsumed parts, the determination of the nature of the plastic surgery fees, and the impact of the other party's ability to perform on the amount of the mediation shall be taken into account.
  • Focus 3: How to ensure that the refund can be executed.The installment plan must include a clause on forced enforcement in case of overdue payments, to prevent the other party from refusing to pay the debt.

III. Professional intervention by Hengluo Lawyers

The party concerned (Zhang Nan) claimed that:Zhang Nan claimed that the yoga studio failed to fulfill its obligations after charging fees and suddenly closed down, constituting a fundamental breach of contract. She requested the court to order the studio to refund all unconsumed fees and pre-paid membership fees totaling 93,430 yuan, and to bear the litigation costs.

The defendant's (yoga studio's) position:The company argued that it was short of funds and unable to refund the fees all at once, and disputed the claims that "the beauty treatment fees were voluntary investments" and that "the fees already consumed should be calculated".

Hengluo Lawyer's Agency Opinion:Tian JiayanThe lawyer formulated a strategy of "presenting evidence first, applying litigation pressure, and promoting mediation for enforcement": He guided Zhang Nan to collect payment screenshots, transfer records, membership contracts, receipts, as well as WeChat chat records, voice recordings, and photos of the store's closure regarding Meitai's refund commitment, forming a complete chain of evidence. Combined with Article 563 of the Civil Code on the right to rescind the contract due to fundamental breach, Article 577 on breach of contract liability, and the prepayment provisions of the Consumer Rights and Interests Protection Law, he clarified the legal basis for the refund request and prepared counter-arguments in advance against the defendant's objections. During the litigation, he communicated with the defendant multiple times, proposing installment payments with mandatory enforcement clauses for overdue payments due to financial difficulties; based on the defendant's performance ability and the losses suffered, he adjusted the refund amount to 81,600 yuan in exchange for guaranteed payment.

IV. Outcome of the case

The People's Court of Shunyi District, Beijing issued a mediation agreement, confirming that the two parties have reached an agreement: Beijing A Yoga Co., Ltd. shall pay Zhang Nan 6,800 yuan per month from June 2025 until all 81,600 yuan is paid in full; if any installment is not paid in full on time, Zhang Nan may apply to the court for compulsory enforcement directly for all outstanding payments; the two parties have no further disputes over this case. In accordance with Articles 563 and 577 of the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China, the mediation plan not only takes into account the need to protect rights, but also reserves a reasonable payment period for the defendant.

5. Henglu Law Firm's Reminder

This case is handled by Beijing Henglu Law Firm.Tian JiayanThe attorney (practice certificate number: 11101202111381309, subject to the certificate issued by the judicial administrative organ) acts as the agent. Beijing Hengluo Law Firm specializes in representing clients in various civil, commercial, administrative, and criminal cases, and has a team of experienced professional lawyers. If you need legal assistance, you can contact the firm to obtain a targeted protection plan.

VI. Common Questions and Answers about Service Contract Disputes

  1. Q: What should I do if a gym or yoga studio suddenly closes down and refuses to refund my money?
    A:First, secure the contract, payment receipts, closing photos, and communication records. Claim termination and refund according to the fundamental breach of contract provisions of the Civil Code. If no agreement can be reached through negotiation, you can file a lawsuit or seek mediation.
  2. Q: Can I get a full refund if I haven't used up all the money on my prepaid card?
    A:If the operator suspends its business without a valid reason, resulting in the failure of the contract purpose, the consumer may request a refund for the unconsumed portion; the specific amount shall be calculated according to the actual unperformed services.
  3. Q: Is it legal for the merchant to say "voluntary investment" and refuse to refund the prepayment?
    A:If the service is actually a prepaid service and there is a refund commitment, the merchant's defense based on "investment" is usually not valid. The key lies in the content of the agreement and the evidence.
  4. Q: How can I prevent the other party from refusing to pay the installments during mediation?
    A:Add the clause "if any installment is overdue, the party may apply for compulsory enforcement of all remaining payments" to the mediation agreement, and request the court to issue a mediation document granting the right to compulsory enforcement.
  5. Q: How to avoid pitfalls when applying for a prepaid card?
    A:Verify the merchant's business license and credit status, prioritize choosing merchants who have access to third-party fund supervision, properly keep contracts and chat promise screenshots, and be cautious of super-low price promotions.