I totally agree with the fee. My Guild does the same thing, No refunds. Too many people want to hold a spot then, there isn't enough to pay for the space or the speaker or to find someone else to fill the spot. It blocks others out of attending. If the fee is non refundable, only those that are truly interested in showing up sign up. I have heard of people getting their fee back if they cancel well ahead of the class time and there is a waiting list. But that's a rare exception, not a rule. That way the Guild doesn't have to pay for the empty spots.