Comments on: Curves Franchise Failures Prompt Attorney General’s Review

By: Carol Cross

Carol Cross — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:52:03 +0000

This is the value of the Internet and websites like Franchise Pick that permit uncensored conversations that do warn prospective buyers of franchises about the possibility of failure with supposedly “proven” concepts.

Sean has always pointed out that there are some localities where it would be impossible to survive —even with a good concept —because of saturation of the concept, or a territory that would not produce enough customers to make the concept profitable for a franchisee.

Sean also is not adverse to warning franchisee prospects that once you buy a franchise and sign the unilateral franchise agreement in which the franchisor promises very little, there is generally no recourse if you fail because the risk wasn’t disclolsed to you in your due diligence endeavors.

By: Holly Gibson

Holly Gibson — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:57:52 +0000

I am/was thinking about a curves franchise but now I’m afraid to consider it. I live in a rural farming community is middle G. The nearest curves is 30 miles away. I thought having one here was a good idea because I love the concept but the above horror stories have scaried the beejeeus out of me! Good to know beforehand!

By: unhappy

unhappy — Fri, 29 May 2009 00:39:02 +0000

To all curves owners who have had problems with curves International and Gary Howie Havein please send your complaints to the BBB of your city and Waco TX. As well as the attorney general of your state and TX. And the federal trade commission. Below are web links where you can file the complaints on line.

http://www.bbb.org/

http://waco.bbb.org/WWWRoot/SitePage.aspx?site=40&id=ab5100aa-4c5a-4314-8e1b-f5996973f10c

http://www.oag.state.tx.us/consumer/index.shtml

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/index.shtml

By: Debbie Deraney

Debbie Deraney — Tue, 19 May 2009 12:25:51 +0000

I am wondering if anyone has information on the amount of New Jersey franchises there were at their peak and what the total is now. I see many, many clubs closing around me and I am still standing in northern New Jersey. How can I get this information? Can anyone help me out?

By: Carol Cross

Carol Cross — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:56:39 +0000

If you fail, not only will you owe the $10,000 failure fee but you will be responsible for the balance on the term of the lease that you will have probably personally guaranteed with your any assets that haven’t already been committed to the purchase of the Curves.

In order to buy the Curves you will have to release the franchisor for any liability for the sale-transfer of the franchised business, and you will have to sign a realease of liability to the seller as well.

By: Sean Kelly

Sean Kelly — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:11:47 +0000

ja:
You should definitely read through all the comments left on the top posts here:
http://www.unhappyfranchisee.com/curves-overview/
You are liable to royalties and ad fund contributions through the term of your agreement, whether you remain open or not. Plus, Curves requires a $10,000 failure fee (our term) for closing before the full term is up.

By: ja

ja — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:55:49 +0000

I am talking to a Curves franchise owner about buying her business. I want to find out how long I am obligated to Curves. I know that I have to pay a royalty fee and advertising fee while operating the business. Do my doors have to stay open XX amount of years? If the business is not profitable and I have to sell or close what penalty am I charged by Curves Headquarters?

Thank you for any information you can provide to me.

By: Sean Kelly

Sean Kelly — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:40:31 +0000

Curves is named AAFD’s Total Quality Franchising Franchisor of the Year.
Comments invited:
http://www.bizzia.com/franchisepick/curves-is-franchisor-of-year-say-what/

By: CURVES: Franchise Overview & Links | Unhappy Franchisee

CURVES: Franchise Overview & Links | Unhappy Franchisee — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 13:40:46 +0000

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By: joan

joan — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 02:40:02 +0000

I too am interested and made an offer to the owners yesturday and waiting to hear back from them. I have spoken with tons of current owners, happy and unhappy. I think as long as you can use a low price and do your homework on the numbers and have a smart marketing plan that works, it is doable. What area are you looking in, some markets are better than others?