Do CURVES Franchisees Struggle Alone?
October 18, 2009 by Sean Kelly
Filed under Business
The most oft-repeated cliche in franchise marketing materials is that when you buy a franchise you are in business FOR yourself, but not BY yourself. And that is the way it should be.
Two important ways franchisees expect their franchisors to be there for them are:
1) that the franchisor will police the franchise system to ensure that the systemwide brand image is being upheld by their fellow franchisees, and
2) that the franchisor will be concerned for their success and will lend extra assistance to struggling or failing franchises.
An Unhappy Franchisee post today, titled CURVES: In Oregon, Curves Franchises Die Alone, tells of a financially troubled Oregon franchisee couple whose house has been foreclosed upon and whose three clubs are exhibiting serious warning signs, including erratic hours, operational problems and numerous member complaints.
In a local newspaper story on the Curves problems, the other Curves franchisees in the area express concern that the struggling clubs could damage the reputation of their businesses. Some of the allegations are serious, including overbilling members and having a “hostile” environment.
Read the reaction of Curves spokeswoman Becky Thrusher on CURVES: In Oregon, Curves Franchises Die Alone. Is it me, or does this franchisor seem content to let these infractions go 
unaddressed, to let this franchisee’s clubs fail without intervention or help, and to only get involved after they are “notified” that the clubs have closed?
Am I alone in my worry that, in this case, Curves franchisees are in business BY themselves?
WHAT DO YOU THINK? SHARE A COMMENT BELOW.
Image: Franbest.com
I wonder what they expect the franchisor to do. If they franchisee does not have any money, they can’t fine them or make them do things at the clubs that cost money. I would bet their contract does not allow them to MAKE anyone close down. Curves is not about to spend any money ON the clubs, they take money FROM the clubs.
Dr. Letitia Wright
The Wright Place TV Show
http://wrightplacetv.com
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Curves franchisees to struggle alone! I’m proof of it. When I called corporate to ask them if there was any way a hold could be placed on the franchise and advertising fees for a few months (I even told them I didn’t expect not to pay them but that maybe we could work out something where I could pay an additional amount each month until the “hold” time was paid back) – the first response was being completely and utterly ignored. When I FINALLY actually spoke with someone it was a simple – “Curves doesn’t do that because we find it doesn’t really help.” Well I’m sorry- it would help me. I’m paying 1/5 of my income directly to them. After my rent I am left with $500-600/month to pay for all my other expenses (needless to say I have no employees). I have tried everything and am given the advice to “overcome that obsticle” – I started this journey loving Curves. Now the only reason I will join again (as a member) is to support a fellow sister! You’re alone, unless your making lots of money- then it’s a different story…
That sad story is being repeated across Ameirca. The couple is wiped out, but to add insult to injury, they’re percived as the villains, too.
I am or was considering buying a resale. Less than a year ago the owner wanted to sell and was asking $75k. Now she is taking any offer…I just offered $15k and she said she would take it. I have been managing the club for a year. I know that the membership is dropping drastically. It sounds like the whole CI is in trouble. Should I run away from the offer???