CURVES FRANCHISE OWNERS: Share Your Story Here
July 15, 2008 by Sean Kelly
Filed under Business
Curves franchise owners and ex-franchise owners:
What’s it like to own a Curves for Women franchise?
Was it a good investment decision? Was the Curves franchise ownership what you expected?
Has it enriched you financially? Emotionally?
Would you recommend the Curves franchise to would-be franchise owners?
SHARE YOUR STORY, EXPERIENCES, INSIGHTS WITH A COMMENT.
Sean, you devil! This is going to be sooo interesting. Be sure to keep us all posted over at Biz Chicks Rule. Maybe we can flirt again with the idea of topic-tug-’o-warring, eh?
http://www.bizchicksrule.com/curves-franchise-for-women-who-would-buy-that/
Worst decision I ever made. We went from franchise of the year to financial ruin in just four years.
The past two years have been an unending nightmare of fear, utter despair, sleepless nights, angry creditor calls, and weekend knocks on the door at night from process servers delivering foreclosure lawsuit notifications. My young family may never recover.
If you’re thinking about buying a struggling franchise because you just KNOW you can turn things around, for God’s sake DON’T DO IT.
Sadderbutwiser I’m relitively new to this site so I haven’t read all your posts but believe me I do feel for you and your family. But I have seen the good or bright side that Curves can do in helping women feeling, looking and actually getting healthier. The consept is great but the leadership went south around 03. Just maybe the new group action lawsuit will turn this company around but if not heaven help the currenrt owners as there will be a lot more following in your footsteps. Have you considered joining the group?
If you’re talking about the Zarco & Einhorn group action lawsuit, I was informed by an attorney at their South Florida office that only owners who closed their clubs and did not sell them could take part.
We sold our two strongest clubs for 50 cents each plus the assumption of about $78,000 in debt. What’s ironic is the new owner who offered those gangster-like, take-it-or-leave-it terms plans to close one of those 50-cent clubs at the end of August. So the new owner can take part in the lawsuit if she learns about it, but we’re SOL. Incredible!
With Curves, it’s OK to be a member, just don’t become an OWNER.
Dear Sadderbutwiser,
Please contact me as I believe you got bad advice. from what I have been told if you can prove losses and sold the club you may still be able to join the law suit but there is a 4 year statuation of limitations but I was told even that is in dispute and could be argued successfully in court. Good luck in the future.
Thanks for the info. How do I contact you? Or should I call Zarco and Einhorn again?
TO ALL CURVES OWNERS
IF YOU HAVE RECIEVED E-MAILS CONCERNING THE CURVES LAWSUIT PLEASE POST YOUR STORY HERE. IN ORDER FOR US TO GET THINGS ROLLING WE NEED RESPONCES FROM ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE CONTACTED ME. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO USE YOUR REAL NAMES SO CI WON’T BE ABLE TO RELILIATE AGAINST YOUR CLUBS.
Total Scam! 200-300 Curves owners are suing in several states, 1000’s either folded the business or sold it for $1.00. Scam, scam, scam. Why is Curves still in business ?, because the orginal owners sell it (to a believer), then the new owner (after being scamed) sells it to a second owner (so on and so on.)
My husband and I purchased a franchsie a year ago. Although hard work – we have found the experience to be positive. Probably half of the owners we meet were lazy, unmotivated – and think it is the franchises job to bring them business. If you can networ, are friendly and ready to work – this is still a good opportunity.Like anything – you get out of it what you put into it.
Braewood
Dear Braewood,
I’m glad to hear it’s that I’m lazy and unmotivated. You need to open your eyes and your ears. The smart equipment that is “new technology” is actually 10 years old. didn’t work tnan and isn’t working now. The add fee you pay each month has no accounting so rfranchisee have no idea where irt is being spent but the majoirty of owners never see the ads. The franchises have been over sold in all metro areas and dreas that could not ever surport a club have been sold. Some have had as little as 3000 in population. The top managment that sued curves for 20 million for wrongly firing them settled out of court for a large sum. All of them were present when greed took over common since and Heavin started to sell franchise areas that should have never been sold. Before you post why don’t you do some research on what is happening with Curves. It’s your investment, your money and time, at least take the time to research why curves is now considered one of top four worst franchises to buy. 2 clubs are closing on the average every day 365 days a year. If you really believe that it’s because the owners are lazy and unmotivated you need to see a shrink. I just hope for your sake that you open your eyes before your boat springs a leak and we can call you lazy and unmotivated.
Dear Braewood,
I’m glad to hear it’s that I’m lazy and unmotivated. You need to open your eyes and your ears. The smart equipment that is “new technology” is actually 10 years old. Didn’t work than and isn’t working now. The add fee you pay each month has no accounting so franchisee have no idea where irt is being spent but the majoirty of owners never see the ads. The franchises have been over sold in all metro areas and areas that could not ever support a club have been sold. Some have had as little as 3000 in population. The top managment that sued curves for 20 million for wrongly firing them settled out of court for a large sum. All of them were present when greed took over common since and Heavin started to sell franchise areas that should have never been sold. Before you post why don’t you do some research on what is happening with Curves. It’s your investment, your money and time, at least take the time to research why curves is now considered one of top four worst franchises to buy. 2 clubs are closing on the average every day 365 days a year. If you really believe that it’s because the owners are lazy and unmotivated you need to see a shrink. I just hope for your sake that you open your eyes before your boat springs a leak and we can call you lazy and unmotivated.
As most of the other owners who have written a comment I AM AN UNHAPPY FORMER CURVES OWNER. I never received any support from Curves International. They sell you on believing they are a good investment but being careful never to let you know that you can not even run your club on the revenue it will generate! I had 4 culbs within a 2 mile radius of my club and that just won’t work, the membership numbers are not there. As far as being lazy….60+ hours a week in my club and the book work on the side is not lazy. I had a club for 4 1/2 years and made money only the first year…6,000. After that I have lost more than 30,000 per year and now Curves wants to charge me either 10,000, 5,000 or 35,400 to close! They can’t even get their act together long enough to figure out how to “stick it” to former owners more than they already have. With finish out etc I lost over $100k with this great christian orginization. If you are thinking about owning a club take the advice of many who have been there…join as a member but let someone else loose money as an owner.
OneMoreUnhappyOwner,
Thank you for posting your story and I hope you are considering the group lawsuit. The over-selling of teritories is one of the major complaints and the bad thing is that Curves knew they were doing it but their greed took over.
I’m sorry to learn about the adverse financial impact that Curves ownership has brought on it’s owners. Since you all have worked hard in the fitness industry to develop a successful business, I would appreciate some advise…
Would starting up a “women’s only” gym (I wouldn’t go the franchise route) about the the size of an average Curves, in a booming Florida area be wise?
Gina,
My advice to you would of course be no. It’s a ruff business and there are lots of other franchises which you could but that would be much better of an inverstment, go to franchisepick.com and look at the successful models that have a good reputation for being an honest company.
I just purchased a Curves 17 months ago and I love it! The owner was absentee and didn’t follow anything that Curves laid out. I did exactly what Curves said (flyers, lead boxes, prizes, press releases, and group rates) and my club went from 127 members to 307 members! Get this, I paid 30k for it, put 12k in it (which inclides the Curves Smart) and I make just over 4 k a month. I work anywhere from 15 to 45 hours on any given week. It was the best decision I every made. It has been alot of work, but I enjoy it and it doesn’t seem like work for me. If you don’t have time and energy don’t buy one. These businesses need consistent marketing.
The franchisor has been there for me anytime I need them. They don’t breathe down my neck either. It is not for everyone. If you don’t ahve a passion for fitness don’t even consider it. It you think it will build itself don’t waste your time. We jsut got Curves Smart in August and the members love it.
I am glad I didn’t read these blogs or I might not have purchased it. It worked for me. That’s all I can say.
Ellen:
Congratulations on your success. Where is your club located?
Feel free to give it a plug here. Sounds like a great club.
I believed in Curves and all their propaganda. 6 years later I am broke, lost my home. I managed to sell one of my clubs last year walked away with $5000, put that money like an idiot into my other floundering club. Found out about the lawsuit joined it, then lost my home, found a buyer for the 2nd one, only to find out Curves sucker punched me again. Told verbally by resale dept it was approved and legal as well. Thought all documents were done, they even gave a temp fr. number to buyer, they turn around after everything I thought was done and said…not so fast…we forgot you didn’t sign this waiver releasing us from the lawsuit with you. Mind you after the dust settles, I make $18,000 after dumping $300,00 plus into this club. I lost my home, had to relocate, I don’t have a job and Lawyer doesn’t even seem to fight for me having to sign these papers. I am confused. Why would Curves be allowed to blackmail me now to sign these. Once again they went back on their word. I would think these attorneys would know them by now. Instead I am having to defend myself to my own attorney. Help!!! I need help…any ideas??? Should I seek another attorney? I just want away from this club, but I lost so much money and my home. I can’t take the stress anymore.
I’ll start by saying that I bought my Curves in Italy 5 years ago and it has totally ruined us financially. Curves totally misrepresented the program to us and the cost of operating in Italy. We were told that an initial investment of 30,000 to 50,000 USD to start, but after 100,000 in we still weren’t making money. We were not allowed to use the diet, vitamins, Diane magazine or any other Curves perk from here. Than shipping costs for Curves products were so insane and they wouldn’t allow you to have it done here. No one has ever addressed our issues and now that we are financially bankrupt and closed our club, they send a letter today saying they want 29,700. in franchise fees (the remainder of the contract) or they are going to sue us. First resales asked for 10,000 now they want more. They can’t figure out that we are financially ruined even though we have told them well over a dozen times. Your in the wrong location, move the club they said, so we did and got even further in debt and it still didn’t help. In 6 years Curves hasn’t even managed to grow past 13 clubs, all of which are financially strapped as well. We are the 3rd to close and the only growth has been a few that were urged by Curves to buy more. France in 4 years has 106 and Australia in 2 years had over 200. Gee I wonder what that says about the support team that they put in place in Italy. I can’t join the lawsuit because I am an International club and plus I don’t have any money for legal consul. Those clubs who do well are few and far between. Many struggle and many just get by. This club has been an all consuming time and money pit and had Curves been honest and upfront with what it takes (like they do now, hence the reason they can’t grow here) I would have never bought a Curves franchise. Having dealt with Curves politics, I would not ever even buy a successful running Curves in the USA because I believe that the dishonest practices and integrity level of some of Curves representatives match the “I am a Christian on a mission for God” statement that the founder Gary Heavin has been quoted as saying. How can someone who says he wants to help women send letters with such disregard for the financial well being of the very women he says he wants to help. Being in good shape and bankrupt is a pretty sad legacy for him to leave behind and yet that is the message he sends when he has his legal team print out their template letter of how you aren’t upholding your end of the contract and they are going to sue you. They seem to think they are exempt from holding up their end and refuse to give compensation or say their sorry when they have done something wrong.
Please Send me information about the lawsuit. I am closing my nonprofit center. I am just tired out.
To Italy and Sue,
Just because you are an international club does not elliminate you from the lawsuit. You can still join and should join to recover your losses. Sue you need to send Sean kelly at this site an email requesting it to be forwarded to me and I will get you the info on the lawsuit. Curves International is now actually taking owners to court over the 10,000 dollar fee for closing and trying to get judgements so they can take your home, car or anything else of value. As owners it’s time we stand up fight this morally and ethically wrong company which is owned by Howard Heavin
What court are they taking owners to? Where? Is it in your state or in Texas? Small claims?
What do I do to get in to the lawsuit?
ATTENTION UNHAPPY CURVES OWNERS
Calling on all curves owners who have had problems with [Name withheld] and Curves International. We all know what a crook, unethical, illegal and immoral business person he is but there are some companies who don’t know who the real [Name withheld] is. He is trying to partner with a company called Silver Sneakers Fitness Program for advertising purposes. Silver Sneakers is a replicable business and if you don’t know who they are you can go to their web site by typing in Sliver Sneakers in your search box. As soon as you are done reading this post please either call them, send them a fax or an email telling them what you think of Curves International and [Name withheld]. We need to put a stop to [Name withheld] from taking advantage of the seniors who belong to Silver Sneakers. I can’t stress this enough so all of you who have joined the group lawsuit and those who wanted too but can’t afford to please act on this now before [Name withheld] takes advantage of them also.
Thank you,
Unhappy
SILVER SNEAKERS FITNESS PROGRAM
[Del]
http://www.silversneaker.com
I am happy to say I joined Zarco in our lawsuit. I opened my club in 2003. I went from 758 members to 127 in October of 07. I too followed every rule, spent thousands buying Curves’ products to be given away. In 5 years I never saw my regional rep. Not once did they ever step in my doors. On my grand opening week I had a woman File a lawsuit against me said she fell…good thing a had cameras. The lawsuit was tossed but when I called CI in a panick, they said “We are sorry your being sued, we can’t help you, have a blessed day.” I should have known then and there I was on my own with this franchise. I must be another one of those lazy owners who put in 60 + hours a week. Giving away money every month into a advertising fund that I never benefited from. Curves was wonderful at selling us. Too bad they couldnt help us retain members. Their idea of member retention was playing silly circuit games, giving away prizes, calenders, magazines all so they could make more money from us through “Ideas in Action”. I closed my club last year and it was the best thing I ever did. I still have the equipment as a sad reminder. Which I would gladly give away but no-one wants it! I’m 110K in debt barely hanging on to my home. Thanks to Curves selling 5 locations within a 20 country mile radius, pretty bad considering each community has less that 5,000 residents.
Heavin was right about one thing…I am blessed. I have a great legal firm representing me and my fellow owners. I can only hope this will end before I too lose my home.
Closedclubowner – Did they charge you the 10,000 to close? If so, did you pay it and how far did they take it. I am hearing of them closing all around me and I finally had to close. They are wanting this fee from me which I do not have. I have been approached about the lawsuit but am not sure what I am going to do. I just want it to be over.
No they did not charge me. However, they did more than once insist that I return all the equipment all 24 pieces via freight at my expense. I told them I bought and paid for that equipment and it’s mine! I referred them to Robert Zarco. Our attorneys told them to stop communicating with me that all communications will be through them. What a relief.
They were getting nasty. I have not heard from them since. Vulchers! I also closed out my business account so Curves could not draft me. That didn’t go over well either. But there isn’t anything they can do. BTW we won Curves motion to dismiss!!! Motion Denied Woo Hoo!!
According to Howard at the convention he had won every motion. We all know that is not the truth. We still need owners to sign on to the new group action lawsuit so we can go forward so all you owners who are having problems with Curves International please get a hold of us so we have our day in court against these Vulchers.
Here is a post that was on another site that I felt would be of interest to other owners. I have deleted names of individuals to protect them.
Hi —–. I am willing to share what’s happening with me on this board as I’ve always had numerous owners write to me privately and say…——. ..thank you for being so honest and putting out there what many of us feel too but were afraid to say out loud.
So here goes. I am in the same spot as many of you. In June 2004 I had 712 CDs. As of yesterday before I left the club, I have 270. Now you do the math. Multiply the difference in drafts by say $30 and you get approximately $13,260/month in lost income!!!!!! !
I do NOT have a husband as of 8 years ago so I’ve had to go it alone. My Curves owes me, over the 8 years that I am open, OVER $120,000 in personal monies that I have put into it that came from my retirement money. My financial advisor now says that I’m going to have to work until AFTER I’m dead…LOL.. ha ha.
I am at the point now too where Curves can no longer pay my personal expenses which it has done all these years…so what to do…here’s my plan.
Last week I wrote to my landlord and asked him for a reduction in rent. I am hoping he will agree.
I sent away for 100 doctors kits and I’m going to send them out as soon as I receive them this week from IIA. When I did that in September 2006, it brought a lot of women into my club through their doctors’ referrals. My club is a very high profile one in my community and many of the doctors already know me so that will help.
I went into the Yellow Pages last week and I am sending a letter to the following: all teachersschools, municipal workers, senior centers, hospital that have a woman’s wellness program that women can join, all doctors in my territory, acupuncturists, eye doctors, dentists, physical therapists, church group women’s organizations, nurses, assisted living facilities, nursery schools, private schools…basically any group that has either women going to them or who work for them…and their female partners too.
I went to Staples and bought 250 WHITE envelopes where you just strip away the paper that glues them. I am putting a number of lettersflyers in each envelope so they can give them out to their members. This is probably going to cost me about $600 total but that means I only have to get 1.5-2 members to join by doing this and I feel that is doable.
I, too, have put a case of water bottles in a large tub the past 4 weeks with a guest pass attached. The amount of bottles is down half since I’ve put them in there but so far no one has called me to come in for a tour and to join.
I made up the Halloween coupons which in past years flew out the door and this year, even though we went up to each member on the circuit, no one wants to take them because they’re claiming that no kids come to their front door.
I’ve offered, this month only, a Liv Aid to each member for FREE if a friend joins. The new member gets one FREE too. So far I think only 2 people joined from that. I split a case of Liv Aids with 3 other clubs in my territory. We each got 12 pieces…I took 13…I still have 6 left and my Girls Nite In produced NO people walking through my front door because of the horrible weather that night and the fact that the two newspapers that we sent our press releases to I don’t think put them in.
In October I had FORTY SIX members expiring and twenty three of them did NOT renew. I only have, as of today, about 8 people who joined. Once again, you do the math. And we are coming up to November and December which for 8 years have not been months where a lot of people join.
I talk about Keystone 65, Aetna, Global Fit and AARP and our Wellness Program all of the time. I think about 48 women are members through that venue so I do get about $1,600/month from the Wellness Program which helps.
A club in my area DID get Smart although the rest of us cannot afford it now or into the future. ONE member transferred to that club this week because she wanted SMART. I may have lost other members to her club this month but they are not telling me why they are not renewing. Six of them that I know of did not renew because Planet Fitness which is ten minutes away has opened in October. The women who joined there from my club told me that they quit because they want to work out with their husbands. We’ll see how long that lasts.
I did not get SMART because my business/financial advisor did a spread sheet on it and told me that I would have to get a MINIMUM of 125 women to pre-sign or I would never recoup my investment to purchase it…and now that I am down to below 300 CDs, that’s never going to happen. None of the other clubs around me are going to get it either because none of us can afford it. I wonder how many clubs that did get SMART are doing any better now than before SMART…did it bring in a busload of NEW members, did their monthly income increase so much that they are going to be able to recoup their investment in SMART and keep their doors open…???
As those of you know on the east coast especially, my club and myself have a reputation that has spread far and wide in the USA. People come here from CA, Texas, FL, Virginia, NJ and NY to name a few states and they say to me…oh you’re the famous ——-. We’ve heard about you at our club from our members who travel there!!! Even when I’m on vacation, I always meet women who are either owners or members who have heard about me. Our club is VERY very high energy and fun because I am!
So what’s the answer —–? Why are everyone’s numbers dropping no matter what they do these days…I just had lunch with my financial advisor yesterday and here’s what we’ve come up with…our demographic is mostly women 55 and over and I’ve heard from many of them that they don’t have the extra money anymore because of the cost of gas/food and if they have to let something go, it’s going to be their fitness routine. Women have gotten bored over the years even though I do contests all the time, I play great music, I have staff who’s out on the circuit all day and night dancing with them, making sure they are doing the equipment the right way, doing AWOs…all of it!
We’re no longer the new kid on the block like in 2000 when I opened my first Curves. I sold 3 of the 4 of them in 2006 and one closed already and the other 2 are struggling big time. If I still had all four, I’d be bankrupt by now and would have had to sell my house in order to pay everyone back!
I still can pay my corporate bills —– but haven’t really taken any salary for myself in YEARS! I pay my personal bills through the business as long as the business can pay them and I’m coming up to a point where I’ll probably have to start taking my retirement money out in December to pay my bills and I’m only 59! What I’ll have to pray for is that I do not live too long…and that’s sad, don’t you think?
I don’t know how many of you put your heart and soul…and money..into this venture called Curves…and have done everything you can think of to be creative, fun and to get results for your members…and still the numbers drop every month…no matter how many new members I sign up, the same amount or MORE are not renewing…what more can we do. I’m so tired of hearing from CI that it’s MY fault…because it has nothing to do with me…I’ve done everything right!
I’m going to keep going for a FEW more months and then probably put my Curves up for sale while there is anything left to sell…and move on to getting another job somewhere, using my retirement money every month to live, and then destress my life as best I can so I can have a life.
I know this was long…but.. .I’m sure my story is similar to many of yours…At this time of year, I wish you all love, grace and the joy of knowing that you have your families around you for support.
Oh..and about my members…yes I have told several of them individually that my numbers are down but they can see that when they come in to work out. The circuit is rarely filled to capacity now and they know it…so I say to them on the way out….don’t forget to tell any of your friends who used to be members that if they come back I will give you a free month or a tee shirt or…whatever I’m giving away at the time.
I put a brochure holder on my front window at the door with our monthly specials in it (right now I have the two months for $99 in there). In years past every two days I’d have to put more in but I’ve noticed that lately, they all stay in there and very few of them are being taken.
I personally, perhaps next week, am going to go to all the stores in my shopping center and will offer their staff a FREE month to join before the end of the year…and I’m going to go to the two train stations on a warmer day next week and put flyers on the windshields. We’re not allowed to do that in the shopping centers in my territory because they will impose big fines.
So that’s where things are with me —-. I’m sorry to all of you who stuck by me and read this entire “note” which turned out to be a novel.
Now that you have read that post I would like to ask all curves owners a question. In your heart you know you have done everything right but only a handfull of the owners are willing to place any blame on corporate. Why? You all admit that we never recieved help form corporate, they have continued to spend our advertising dollars on fullish things such as as Diane’s trip to China, advertisements for curves bars and cereal which only made money for the Heavins not the club owners. The ceo of CI has only been interested in how he would make money not how to help his franchises succeed. This is why over 200 owners have ended up in court against Curves. It should be obvious that C I is not going to change until all of the franchises are out of business unless more of the owners get involved in this lawsuit where we have a chance to change Curves and to take control to change it back to a successful franchise. The 4000 dollar retainer is nothing compared to the losses we all have suffered and our chance to win a settlement is close to 90 poercent. It is time as owners we all stand up togeather and get involved in this lawsuit not only for the monitary settlement but to save curves from its worst enemy the ceo at the top.
rlay,
It saddens me to hear of another club slowly spiraling down. I am one of the few who have no issues stating facts. The facts are CI did nothing to help it’s owners. We were abandoned without a thought the second our “Curves Mentor” left after our grand opening. In 2004 18 months after opening I seen a problem with member retention. Our first aniiversary we lost over half of our original membership due to drop outs. This was a shock considering how well we treated our members. I called CI and asked for a retention solution and their answer was to buy more products like custom made Elite Member shirts. That cost me thousands and netted me nothing, but ideas in action made a bundle. I decided to attend the 2004 convention in Las Vegas. I thought surely I would get answers to the retention problem. I was wrong and again out money for the trip. The whole point of the convention was to sell us owners more stuff. Not help us in any way. In 2005 the retention problem was at a high. Curves solution was to purchase from (them of course) expensive glossy mailers. I sent out 3,000. I recieved $0 from my investment, Curves made a bundle. The same with Vitamins, shakes, magazines, apparel. Now CI came up with an idea to make even more money from their desperate club owners “Let’s sell them new equipment”! Yeah! Fortunately for me I didn’t buy into the hype this time. I stuck with my standard 12 machine circuit, which I still have to this day. I can’t give it away!
By this time our 5 area Curves were starting to complete for members. I’m sad to admit I was guilty of doing almost anything to hang on to a member. Curves solution was to tell us all to stop behaving like children! No guidance, no suggestions. They were great at threatening us when we had ideas of our own. Legal dept. this and legal department that. “Stop trying to re-invent the wheel” I was told in 2006. I’m not trying to re-invent anything, just stop the bleeding! I could go on and on, tell you lots of stories but I’ll stop here. The bottom line is we received no support. We were betrayed in countless ways and I hope it all comes out in court. I want my chance to speak to a jury.
Again, thank you R. Zarco and H. Patel for your countless hours and determination to help us all.
Well it appears that all the lawsuits filed against curves international maybe having a toll on howard as it has been rummerd that he may file bankrupcty. While it has not been verified as of yet it soes sound pleausable as he has done it several times in the past. For the current owners it would be a blessing as surly the courts will have to step into taking the business over to protect the franchisees and that would mean new CEO who be in charge of running the business. It has always been one of the major reasons for the lawsuits as with new ceo’s we have the chance of bring back curves from the worst franchise to buy to being on top again. It would make since if he does file chapter 7 or 11 as he knows he can’t win the lawsuits and his lilablity is going to be large somewhere in the 8 to 9 digit range with all the litigants he has going against him. It is really a shame that it has had to come to this considering all the lives he has distroyed. While many of the owners will end up getting a monitary settlement others who didn’t join the group action lawsuit won’t. While howard baby may think this is his way out he will still have to face judgement day and will be headed straight to hell for his actions on earth. Hiding behind the christian faith will not save him this time as we all know you reep what you sew.
Hello all,
I am in the same situation. I bought my cruves through resale. Not knowing so many clubs around me. the numbers on the projection sheet was wrong and I had much less members that I was promised. 3 years later after borrowing so much from my checking account, all other saving accounts and borrowing from friends and family I got to the point that I can not afford this business anymore. I know many clubs closed without paying Curves International any money. However, I am still in negotiatiation with them. They are asking me to pay them $2500.00 or they are going to send my case to legal department.
I closed my club last month and I donated everything to a jail facility.
My question to you is: is this legally OK that CI waived many club owners the closing penalty but they are insisting me to pay. Isn’t this consider discrimination? As you can see English is my secong language and I am not familiar with Legal terms and legals games that they are playing. Please advice.
Sincerely,
Me the stupied X owner of the curves
That is a good question. Has anybody paid Curves the closing fee. I would be scared they would put a lean against me. There is everything in that franchise agreement. I think they covered just about everything. But if some are paying and some are not, that is really not fare.
They are wanting me to pay $3000 closing fee, but I have no money. We are close to losing everything. I also am not sure what is going to happen. I keep hearing alot about the “legal department” has anyone had experiences with them?
Unhappy,
Not sure who your sources are for a possible bankruptcy for Curves International. CI is cash rich with no debt. In 2005 alone, CI had a net profit of sixty million after taxes. I suspect that each and every year CI has posted profit in the tens of millions of dollars. Think about it, what are their expenses other then payroll for corporate staff? They basically are a revenue generating machine that collects money based on licensing fees. CI makes nothing and creates nothing. All that CI does is cash in on its trademark name and exploits its franchisees as a revenue source and outlet for products owned by other companies.
One also must remember that not only is CI being sued but Howard is also being sued personally. If bankruptcy is declared for CI, the company still has cash that will have to satisfy the claim. With Howard being named as a defendant, plaintiffs will have additional avenues for satisfying those claims. Don’t forget, Howard owns three jet aircraft, at least one home and probably other assets. Jets are not cheap.
Not to mention the Hummers, Helicopters and Hot air balloons. Included in those assets are Ideas in Action and Go Figure. I personally can’t wait for the day where Howie will have to sell every corporate asset he has to repay the people he has robbed.
As far as the closing fee….They can demand a closing fee all they want..but the sad truth is as owners if we had the money for a closing fee, chances are we would not be closing our club. You can’t get money out of a business that has already been bled dry by CI. For those of you who have incorporated your business your personal assets like your home should remain untouched should CI try to press the Closing Fee issue. I for one did not and will not pay the fee. I closed my club in 2007 and have not lost a minutes sleep over Howie not getting any more money from me.
About the Legal Department.
I can’t tell you how many times the “Legal Department” has threatened me.
If this wasn’t so serious, I would laugh. I have depleted my savings, cashed in my stocks, used the equity in my home to the max, now I owe more than whats it’s worth and hanging on by a thread. What is the “Legal Department” going to do to me? Bankrupt me? I’m practically there already!…Take my home? The bank will do that if this lawsuit isn’t resolved within the next year.
I could care less what their “Legal Department” says. CI can’t make my life any more difficult than what they already have.
you closed in 2007 and have still not paid the closing fee? Are they still bothering you about it?
No, since I am involved in the lawsuit they have stopped contacting me. Let the attorney’s fight it out.
This is definitely a FAD. For the two and half years I have owned a Curves I have never made any money. I have a loss of over $60,000.00 I also had to take out a full business loan. The bank wont refinance or accept a short sale. If we have a sale we will have to move all our debt to credit cards or they are going to seize the property from the new owner.
If you try to shut it down, the corporation charges you a closing fee in the ball park of $10,000.00 In addition, after you pay those fees, they charge all your back royalties and ad fees for the remainder you had left on your franchise agreement. Mister Heavin calls himself a Christian and says he is doing this for God. Since when did the Lord rob from the poor to relish in riches? I dont know how this man is not in jail AGAIN. After all, he is an ex con.
It is just the 10,000 closing fee, not all the other royalties. I think the 10,000 is asking more than enough.
I just bought a curves thru resale. I was a manager of a Curves that was very successful and still is to this day.
We had our grand re-opening last week and spent over $1,000 in marketing with flyers, newspaper ads etc…we got 3 new members…
I’m very worried about the economy and am wondering if this was a bad decision…
I had no idea about any lawsuit involving Curves…what should I know
dont give them a dime. they will answer in court. There are so many of us that CI has scammed. curvessmart is the latest scam. This system does not work properly he sold it saying this will improve your club. we trusted him hoping this was an investment to our business It does not work. The member see its junk and mytrak which is really curves in disguise double talkes you when you call. Different techs tell you different things then they talk you into buying new cyclindars hundreds of dollars later it still doesnt work they have a million exuses. what a scam. they make money on franchisees. beware dont fall for giving them a dime so many promblems with this company. dont buy a thing from them I for one will join in the lawsuit . I want all my money back. dont give them a dime see you in court howard and diane
Does it appear to anyone else that there are a few bitter former owners trying to suck us successful owners into their foolish meritless lawsuit? Instead of your bitterness towards Curves and founder – why not move on with your life? GET OVER IT! You bought a business – took a risk. No one held a gun to your head. Now – typical American – you want to sue someone else for your failure. And – you want others to help you pay bloodsucking lawyers for your revenge. MOVE ON ALREADY!
the reason for the lawsuit is unethical practises by CI. what we were told that this is a franchise a real one they do not enforce their own rules. when you call them up they ignore you.the lawsuit is far from meritless. as you will see in a few short weeks. the failore is not with owners sticking with curves plan Its with corporate not following their own business model. its the fact that many owners trusted this scam artist and bought thousands of dollars worth of their products only to get stuck. and honey try reading on there are more than a few that got scammed there are literly hundreds if not thousands of us out there thats the purpose of this site to see how many there are also Internationally in several different countries. so get the facts straight thousands of clubs are closing along with famlies left with nothing sorry not the economy poor business practises coming from CI. owners left holding the bag. They lie about their own polocies and do not enforce any except for owners paying them more blood money. Imagine demanding 10000 to close your club thats disgusting. Its emotionaly draining and he tries to get you one last time by stealing more af your money. how this man puts his head on a pillow at night hes causes so much harm to so many and for you honey afraid of losing you job at CI well it wont be long now you my sweet will need to move on as well when you are unemplyeed. There is power in numbers and when the dust settles we will see who prevails Il will bet it wont be curves also if you can read some of these stories of how people did everthing they could to save their club putting more and more money into a dying business lost everthing my heart goes out to all that have gotton scammed by this fraud this is not about a failing business that happens all the time this is about a volture that picks and picks until theres nothing left let see how you can say we are all failures the numbers are about 3 out of 5 that are closing with great losses what does that say this site is for us to ban together to make CI accountable as they say. there are so many that afraid of speaking up or admitting theres a huge problem with this company like greed they dont give the support you need never address problems that come up. It seems to me there has been an unequall playing field and that is ahuge problem.anything goes this is not a real franchise only a scam to get your money when I was in business I called and called for help with a problem they never answered ad never called back It eventually took its toll no regrets I wasnt stupid I could see the writing on the wall I got out as fast as I could now I see I was right. and yes I am also involved in this lawsuit . This attorney knows he will win in many areas so time of tell the tale. curves is a fraud beware
How are the franchises in Texas doing? I just sent in my deposit..any chance of geting it back if this is all bad news?
there a quote that sticks in my mind from the richest man in the world warren buffet, I will tell you how to become rich close the door bBE fearful when others become greedy Be greedy when others become fearful
I am very sorry to hear that SOME owners have had a bad experience. However, I have owned for several years and am doing “fine”. I enjoy the freedom of owning my own business – and the flexible schedule. Many other franchise owners in our area are doing ok – and yes – a few are not. But you cant judge the entire brand by a few bad experiences.