Is Curves for Women a Good Franchise Investment?
March 7, 2007 by Sean Kelly
Filed under Business
Do you own a Curves for Women franchise? Have you owned one, or know anyone who has? What are your thoughts on this franchise?
Curves For Women is one of the fastest growing franchise companies of the decade, having now topped 10,000 locations. I know in our area the concept seems to have passed the test of time. However, according to Franchise Pundit, 8% of the current Curves franchise locations are for sale.
What’s the inside scoop on the Curves for Women franchise opportunity?
SHARE YOUR INSIGHT. LEAVE A COMMENT.
Kim,
You had better think twice about buying a franchise as it is not a good investment. If you want to own your own business their are plenty of business to consider that are honest and profitable for you to look at. Check out the top franchises that are in the top 10 on this site. If you insist on buying a curves I wish you the best of luck but when you fail don’t forget you were warned. It’s hard to make it work when the deck is stacked against you from the beging as the franchisor is a unethical, immoral and in our thoughts a crook. Good luck
Curves not refunding monies? THERE’S A SURPRISE! This is why I have to laugh HYSTERICALLY when they call themselves a CHRISTIAN organization and how Howard Gary Heavin calls himself a religious man. Remember what the Bible says, “Beware of a wolf in Sheeps clothing.”
I love people who claim to be Christians and uses the Lord as a crutch. It’s awful. I am sure God apprecaites Heavin lying, manipulating, committing fraud, being immoral, extorting, so on and so forth. Yep, that’s a TRUE Christian.
WHAT A BUNCH OF BS!
Christians are not immune to self-delusion and from rationalizing their actions as serving the “greater good.” Christians are not immune to using their “Christian character” to inspire the trust of other Christians in business transactions.
The same can probably be said for Jews, or Muslins, or any religion.
Read Les Stewart of Franchise Fool for an understanding of human nature and the Dance of Franchising.
Because franchising, as an industry, has been recognized by government and our elected officials as being beneficial to our national economy and is subsidized under public policy by ineffective regulation, franchisors don’t feel any real guilt about those who buy their franchises and fail. They ignore the failures and feel pride in the successes that do feed the economy. They give themselves awards at IFA conventions, etc., convince the Congress that they are providing good jobs in the economy, and their attorneys write Amicus Briefs to the courts to protect the current status quo of regulation and the law that gives franchisors the license to lie, cheat, and steal, as they are so inclined.
Their agents who sell the franchises very often are not aware of the performance statistics of the system on a unit basis, and government regulation itself protects the franchisor from those franchisees who fail to thrive.
In the actual signed contract, all franchisees acknowledge that they haven’t relied on anything outside of the four corners of the contract to make their decision to purchase the franchise and, therefore, all oral and written representations and hype in the sales process are erased, etc… This, of course, is a lie but a necessary lie because it is impossible to buy a franchise without signing the unbargained, non-negotiable contract.
Even if you can show the judge or the arbitrator that you were misled outside of the contract, the terms of the contract are generally upheld by arbitrators and the courts because of the necessity to protect the validity of the contracts that often become “commercial paper” that is sold/traded in our free market economy.
It is not difficult for the Christian franchisor to rationalize that he is serving the “greater good” just as Christian leaders rationalize the use of torture for the “greater good” and protection of the American people.
They justify that if they are successful with a certain percentage of their franchisees, “the end justifies the means.”
My point has always been that the “constructive fraud” is accomplished by the packaging of the franchise contract together with the government mandated disclosure document. The disclosure document gives immunity to the franchisor for not disclosing the unit historical performance statistics to new buyers, who then cannot make an informed decision as to the risk of the investment in terms of possible profitability or failure, etc..
This flaw in the FTC Rule that regulates franchisors is unfair, therefore, to new buyers of franchises who are not getting full disclosure of the risks involved before they purchase the franchise. If prospective franchisees knew and understood the real risk of the franchise investment, very often they would decide that the rewards did not justify the risk and would not buy the franchise.
Remember that all franchisors would be delighted if all of their franchisees were successful and realized profits within their estimated startup costs of building a retail unit, but if the reality is otherwise, so be it.
Too bad —so sad — TS about the BS! Buy yourself one of those vulgar bumper stickers that say “Sh..t Happens” and get on with your life is their message to you that is upheld by the arbitrators and the courts.
Many of us who have been in the fitness industry for awhile predicted the fall of Curves years ago because of their inferior equipment, lack of service and training and over saturating of the market. As a matter of fact, Craig Pepin-Donat, the former President of 24 Hour Fitness, wrote about Curves in his book, “The Big Fat Health and Fitness Lie” back in 2007. They sold the franchisees a get rich quick story and put unqualified people into the fitness business. It comes as no surprise that clubs are closing faster than they are opening. Unfortunately, it is the members and franchisees that are suffering.
Hopefully! because of the damage to the consumers whom the FTC say they PROTECT will get the attention of the regulators and The Congress.
Maybe THEN something will be done about all of the franchise fraud that is committed under cover of government regulation that ultimately does impact on the end consumer and investors in the franchisors.
Do you think, Fitdude, that franchising could survive if the franchisors within certain concept sectors had to compete with each other for the cheap labor and capital of franchisees?
Wouldn’t only those franchiso whose franchises provided profits for the franchisees and results for the public be the only ones to survive.
Wouldn’t this prevent some of the saturation of markets. Is demand infinite?
Carol;
You ask a very good question. As a non-franchise manufacturer of hydraulic equipment, I see my independent club owner customers typically do better than their franchise competitors for several reasons. First, they have the freedom to offer additional equipment, services and programs (treadmills, elliptical machines, yoga, massage, tanning, pilates, group classes, nutritional programs, babysitting, etc) that will give them an edge over the competition as well as additional profits. Next, they have the flexibility to format their club any way they like. Many of my customers in small towns offer women only hours during the day (while being able to stay open all day), then coed hours in the evening. Lets face it, there are just as many out of shape guys out there as women and it makes sense in a smaller market to appeal to as much of the population as possible. It is true that this will keep a few women away, but as long as they know there will not be any men in the club before 5-6pm, it does not seem to be a problem. The quality of the equipment offered is also a major factor in success. With Curves’ nonadjustable cylinders, virtually 100% of Curves members will hit a plateau within a few months. They are told to push harder/faster, but one can only push so fast in 30 seconds. To continue to get results, you would either need to increase the time exercised or the resistance (load). Working out longer defeats the whole purpose of a time efficient 30 minute program. This is why many Curves members get frustrated and bored and eventually drop out.
If a franchise can offer some flexibility in the equipment/programs/products they allow their franchisees to offer as well as superior adjustable equipment with reasonable franchise fees, then I would think they could succeed in markets where Curves have failed. But I have yet to see any franchise company offer this package. In fact, allowing the franchisee the freedom to make these decisions defeats the purpose of a “turn-key” franchise. Anyone considering buying a fitness franchise needs to take a strong look at what is being offered and how it will help them address the needs of their individual market.
I spoke to a women who very soon will become a new owner of a curves that was about to close. I was sad when she thought she was getting a great deal,because she bought it very very cheap maybe 1 dollar. What she failed to realize allt he fees that go along with it. and getting involved with a franchisor who will ultimitly steal her money and cause her great financial despair. I wish she knew what all already know that when a business fails, theres usually a reason. You are led to believe you can make it work that you can do a better job. All of us that are in the business know the truth. It is now the first of the year still no advertising yet they take our money every month, They dont care if you fail just that you owe them money, once you sign on the dotted line its over, you have sold your soul and everthing in your bank account. For those who are considering buying this business listen to your gut feeling if you cant sleep or feel uneasy listen to your intuition and dont do it . I wish I had listened to mine another failed curves broke and unhappy
–IS CURVES FOR WOMEN A GOOD INVESTMENT-
I believe that is the topic of discussion here is it not? The reason many curves owners will anwser that with a resounding NO is not because of inferior equipment, lack of service to members and training of staff relating to members. As a matter of fact the equipment (not including smart equipment which is a ruse just to get more money out of franchisee’s) is extremly reliable and will provide anyone no matter what condition they are in a good workout. That is one of the best selling points an owner has when selling memberships as anyone can use the equipment regardless of their fitness level and obtain excellent results. All owners are required to go to club camp to learn how to teach how to use the equipment properly and all trainers (employees) should be taught by the owners in the correct procedures. I have been an owner for over ten years and I can tell you that the program used properly not only works the results for the majority of women are truly amazing. I have had many fitness trainers both male and female come in to check us out over the years and the first thing they say is that the equipment looks like a joke but when we put them on the equipment they all changed their minds very quickly and by the time they left they all agree that done properly it is just as good if not better than lifting weights. Furthermore it is a proven fact in the fitness industry that circut training is the best workout for building muscule and losing weight. There are many studies that prove this is so and the documentation of those studies is not in question and can be found on the internet by doing research on health and fitness. The fact that it does work is supported by the fact that the retention rate oif members is right around 80 percent which is much higher than other health clubs. But does this make Curves for Women a good investment. The anwser is a resounding NO. And the reasons are becouse of how the franchises are mistreated by the franchisor. When they first started selling franchises the owners were qualified individuals but in 03 Howie fired the top management that built this company. He did so as they were unwilling to over sell franchise and realized what Howie was doing and his greed. They sued him for 20 million dollars and won a large settlement. But unfortunatly with them gone no one was left to control Howie’s greed. At this time, we as owners saw the changes first hand and over the next 3 to 4 years things went from bad to worse and have continued until now where it has become untollerable for most owners. During this time he not only over sold the territories but has spend advertising dollars that each franchise pays on a monthly basis on things that benifit him and not the franchiee’s. We have no acountability of where the money is spent but we do know that it has not been spent on advertisement for our clubs. He has made it impossable to get a hold of any person at the corporate level as no one ever answers the phone their and they do not return calls when you leave a message. He has bought out all of the suppliers that gave support to curves owners and has upped the cost on everything and expects the franchise’s to give everything away for free as a form of advertising. Many times such as the Curves health bars which were introduced through the clubs can be bought cheaper at discount food store’s than franchisee’e can buy them direct form curves. This is also true of the Curves Cereal. It has made it impossable for the franchisee’s to make money selling anything with the Curves brand. He also begain selling franchises to unqualified owners just so he would get his franchise fees and even sold area’s that were less than 1600 in population that he was fully aware could not support a club. He upped his price for a curves franchise which he swore from the start he would not do from 19,900 to 49,900 and even changed his monthly franchise fee to a percentage instead of the flat rate that he originally charged. When things start to fall a part he came up with the idea of the smart equipment which he presented to the franchise owners as a revelutionary equipment that he invented which would change the whole fitness industry. While many owners fell for this scam many didn’t and as time went by it was found out that the smart equipment was actually 10 years old and he never invented it and it never worked than and doesn’t work now. His intent was just to screw more owners out of more of thier hard earned money. While there are many other reasons why owners have complaints the conclusion to be had from all of this is that Curvces for Women is a bad investment at this time and anyone looking to buy a resale or a new franchise should see both sides before making that decision. Could this change in the future? Yes it could if the owners prevail in the group action lawsuit in enough numbers where the courts force the management to change as they have done to other franchises this franchise might make a come back from the dead and once again be the number one franchise in the nation to buy as it was from 02 to 04. At this time it is the management not the concept that is causing the franchise’s to fail.
Fitdude points out that so often the independentsis are in a better position to serve their clients in the community and they appear to be more successful because they can design their operations according to the demands of the clients they serve.
“Another Curves owner” points out that franchisees are tied up with contractual obligations that take advertising fees and royalties on your gross sales, even as the franchisee are operating at a loss and sick at heart wondering how long they will survive. Franchisees have no flexibility in terms of designing their own services, etc.. and are often trapped into indenturing service looking for a way out.
When there are no profits for the franchisee, the contract is a malicious legal trap from which there is no escape. Curves feels very safe in the arms of Contract Law and their UFOC/FDD’s.
This trap was set for franchisees when the federal government regulated franchising and took franchisors out from under the purview of the common law fraud statutes of the states to put them under contract law and a federal dislcosure rule that would protect franchisors from claims from franchisees that they had been defrauded in the pre-sales process because they were sold an “unviable” and “unprofitable” franchise opportunity.
In my opinion, the government has indicated that there is no fraudulent inducement to contract or fraudulent concealment as long as the franchisor discloses in compliance with the FTC Rule. And, even when the franchisor violates the FTC Disclosure Rule or the FDD, there is NO private right of action allowed under the FTC Rule and the FDD. The individual franchisees and groups of franchisees appear to have NO STANDING to sue under the FTC Rule or the FDD for violations of the FTC Disclosure Rule or the State FDD’s.
The deck is stacked against franchisees who don’t thrive and are failing but franchisees don’t realize this before they invest and sign the “killer” contract and put TOO much at risk —because they think that there is some government oversight of the franchise industry because of the voluminous disclosure document. They don’t understand the risk and the risk in real terms, in my opinion, is obscured under cover of the UFOC or FDD.
I’m sorry for your pain and loss and I hope you will contact your elected officials and your State Attorney General and tell them you feel that you have been defrauded. You wouldn’t have bought the franchise if you had been informed of the “unprofitability” and “failure” of other Curves franchisees in a timely manner by the seller of the franchise.
To all Curves Owners,
It is time we take our complaints about Curves to another level. All owners who are posting here should file a complaint with the BBB in their area and file a complaint with the Attorney General of their state. Than they need to go to the Federal Trade Commission web site and file a complaint with that federal agency also. Here is the link for the FTC http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/consumer.shtm. Just maybe Howie will get the message that it is time to change the way he operates his business.
There is power in numbers, no matter what the franchise law says and all the double talk in the world will not protect the negitive publicty this will incur. the facts are there, the nimber of angry franchisees that are out there in USA and abroad are overwhelming, only a matter of time this will be in the press and airwaves. What will this do to curves, one can only guess.Everything that has been said is true and is unforunate as it was a wonderful concept, but greed from the top ruined a great company, this will only crumple curves. Bad publicity travels fast. For those of us that have been taken I do believe justice will prevail.Life is a learning lesson,pick up the pieces and go on. To the question is this a good investment, I say until there is reform of this company and the franchisor does the right thing and helps his company I say absolutly not. Yes I will hop on board on whatever we have to do to change the way CI does business. Lawsuit first and attorny general in each state and then newsmedia, This will certainly get there attention 90% of owners are sick of CI. WE are in business only to make them rich. They give back nothing . they dont even advertise anymore yet they take our money every month, What nerve. They make us buy products that we pay tax and shipping and tell us to give them away. come on wake up, these people have to be stopped even if it means a huge fall is coming we all lost a lot and CI doesnt seem to care. Like I said before there is power in numbers and the numbers are large
there is power in numbers and the numbers are large
Did Curves franchisees form an Independent Franchisee Council? If so, what’s the status? Did they ever make or try to force changes from within? What happened?
What changes would be a priority for those club owners still open?
Bad publicity travels fast. Unfortunately, in franchising it often doesn’t travel fast enough. I’m sure 95% of what you’ll find in the press on the Curves franchise is positive. Eventually, WSJ or BusinessWeek will do a good story. Where will they get their information? Right here… so keep posting.
Yes several years ago a group of franchisees did form a independent franchise council but Curves International sent out e-mails to all franchisee’s stating that it was not approved by them. Then if they found out that you joined them you were black-balled and such. It disbanded in late 06. Meanwhile curves International formed a co-op and a yahoo curves owners group but they monitor the site and if you post anything negative again you are black-balled. They have also started a owners board wich is ment to give owners a voice in how Curves International runs things but not one suggestion from them has ever been used.
You are correct bad publicity does travel fast and we are gaining momentium but all curves owners who have complaints should write their respective BBB, attorney Generall of their state, and the FTC (address and e-mail provided in previous post by Unhappy dated Jan 7th)
Yes several years ago a group of franchisees did form a independent franchise council… if they found out that you joined them you were black-balled… if you post anything negative again you are black-balled…
What do they do to those who are black-balled? It’s not like they can withhold store visits & support, since it sounds like they provide none. How do you know you’re black-balled?
There s another forum http://www.curvesforum.com where members and owners post.
Sean,
You won’t believe the things they did to the clubs that joined the truly Independent Franchisee Ass. If you need to order parts for equipment it was delayed for months, same when you ordered products and franchise fees were doubled charged and took months to get it credited back to your account. We were sent letters that our franchise could be terminated although to my knowlegde this was never done the threat put pressure for owners not to join. Our clubs were labeled as trouble makers and treated accourdingly. Bullitens from the home office anouncing the new advertising campains were sent out after the campain was half over or completly done. Of course if you complained it was never done on purpose. Most of the owners I know who joined have all sold thieir clubs as it became obvious we were wanted in their circle. When we would go to get on the curves owner web site you couldn’t get on for weeks at a time as your password would not work.
When we would complain we were told it was just a computer error but it was onlythe franchisee that joined the association that had problems to my knowledge.
How do you go about closing a curves down, is it even possible?
daughter of owner,
Yes, it is possible but the problem is if you did not fulfill your full terms on your franchise agreement, theyw ill put a judgement against you and ask you for $10,000 as a failure fee. Because that is what is going to happen to us, we are filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. They cannot place the 20 year judgement against you once you fiule bankruptcy. We have never made any money and Corporate just doesnt care.
Curves franchise owners:
What do you think of Curves partnering with the aggressively anti-gay American Family Association (AFA)?
Is this a good use of advertising dollars, or is it playing with fire? Comments encouraged here:
http://www.franchisepick.com/curves-for-women-anti-gay/
North Jersey Curves Owner,
Did you file for bankruptcy before you notified Curves?
If you did notify Curves, how long did it take them to get back to you with the paperwork?
email resales dept and notify of closing date. they will encourage resale efforts, but just declare a closing date and they will give you instructions on how to properly close. -takes 30 days to shut down properly and not short-change your members. after 4 years, we finally made this tough decision, as we had exhausted efforts to make a profit. C.I. reported $50,000,000 net income (2005) in last publicly published figures. (www.freeufoc.com/pdf/CurvesFin1.pdf) we helped them get there, by working like indentured servants.
NJ Owner:
Under the terms of the contract you signed and the lease you signed, did you sign personal guarantees on both the franchise and the lease, etc…?
If you have any money or assets, and terminate the contract before the end of the stated term, the usual franchise agreement allows both the frachisor and the Landlord to sue you for breach of contract. This, of course, seems grossly unfair when you are terminating because of lack of profits or you are working for nothing and have actual losses each month in the operation of the business. But, apparently, this “exit strategy” is a malicious legal trap in franchise agreements that contributes to the durability of franchising and franchiSORS. You can’t quit just because there are no profits if you can afford to pay your bills and there are no defaults. You can only try to sell your franchised business to some other franchise fool for nothing to get out from under the guarantees on the franchise and the lease, etc…
However, if you are closing because you have continually lost money in the operation of the business, and can prove it, some judges will not permit the franchisor to take the liquidated damages (the owned royalties, or whatever) if it is just a penalty. But, of course some judges do! Will Curves try to sue you? Who knows —–since they have been offering buyouts, their practice is arbitrary, and maybe the judge would take exception to this?
Do you have debt on the equipment and the buildout? and will you have to continue paying on this debt after you close? Will you be able to continue to pay on your debt or will this throw you into bankruptcy?
Looks like you will have to get an attorney —unfortunately! Good Luck!
We asked Curves for the closing paperwork. However, we have been advised by our bankruptcy attorney not to sign, fill out, or send Corporate back anything. We are still in the process. When you file Chapter 7, there is a TON of paperwork your attorney needs – 2 years of tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, P&Ls, bills, contracts etc. We are having a staff meeting Feb 7 to tell the staff we are closing. We may actuually close that day of the meeting. Our attorney told us not to give anyone any notice and to just shut down. She said once we file bankruptcy, we are protected by the court. She also told us to leave all our equiopment and business assets in the gym and not to remove anything because once you file bankruptcy, those are no longer your assets. They belong to the court. We have a lien on our assets from the bank we took a loan out with. She told us to let Curves, the bank, and the landlord fight over how the assets are going to leave the property. Unfortunately, I don’t see any other way out. We do not want a 20 year judgement on us and we will not be able to pay all the debt monthly we owe from this albatross. Chapter 7 was the only sensible option.
Hi, I have been reading this site now for the past 6 or more months.. I just want to tell you a bit about the curves I work for! I’m in Australia and Curves is still a big hit here (But they are closing down too) I have been managing a curves here for 2 years now, and my boss is another Gary Heavin as far as Im concerned.. but he decided to sell his curves here for 150,000 he asked me to buy it … I seriously considered it, went to my accountant and he said buy it or 60,000 … well I then got onto this site and this site made my decision for me .. I didnt go ahead, anyway one of the other girls who works with me .. well she did buy it and she has paid 80,000 for it… now I tried to warn her.. but she wouldnt listen, Now we have gone from 600 members and we are now down to 190 and still sinking.. 4 cancellations yesterday (they say they love it but its boring) I am not religious but am praying for her sake that it works for her, now in the 2 years we have been open we have never had a visit from the topnotches, never a phonecall, email absolutely nothing at all… I just want to thankyou all for helping me make my decision cause if it wasnt for this website I would have ended up losing all like most of you have. So thankyou.. I am still there but I now have a bit of a sour taste in my mouth.. our boss isnt the best and all just seems like a bit of a headache.. the new owners have asked me to stay on and not let them down.. my only problem now is do I want to be there when it all falls apart … or do I just keep trying so hard to keep in going … I know that im only speaking as a manager and not a owner, but having lived and breathed the curves way for 2 years and nearly losing my husband and kids over putting so much into the business for a man who has no idea (the owner) i can see everything your saying happening here in Australia.
emotional toll/sacrifice is one of the highest costs of small business ownership. you are not alone. go to Curves-for-sale-by-owner on curves and trust that most listings reflect bitter disappointment and mounting financial losses being incurred by owners. most gross under $100,000 revenue, and not many businesses can operate that low and claim to make money.
Dear Stacera,
Obviously you have made a good decision , but It is easy to see why the business is failling,
Why arent the Owners more present and if the numbers are so low how can they afford a manager?? they should be doing all the hours if needed and with 190 members it is needed
Curves isnt the only problem in your case it’s the lack of ownership leadership !!
Dont feel bad if it fails as you said you are not the owner , give them all you got but members want to see the owners comfort them when there is a change in administration.
Good luck
NO
Regarding the Curves promotional partnership with the anti-gay American Family Association, Becky Frusher, Director, Corporate Communications, Curves International, Inc. has posted her response here:
http://www.franchisepick.com/curves-for-women-anti-gay/
no real good reason to buy the franchise whole. Right now, (today), there are two complete Curves circuit systems on Ebay for sale. must be secured creditors reselling repo equipment, as they would not be encumbered by franchise agreement.
If you are a person contemplating owning a women’s gym franchise, DO NOT DO IT!!!!!
We live in a trend driven society, not a hop on the bandwagon of success from a decade gone by. Look at how the diet trends have changed over the years. The exercise business works the same way. I could write a book, but I won’t bore you with my soap box.
There are so many things you are thinking to yourself right now, if you are seriously considering this business venture;
1. Wow, I could do this
2. I could own my own business and what a great one to have, a gym, I could get into the best shape of my life
3.There’s no inventory, I don’t have to worry about ordering product, storage space of that product, what to order, cost of the product, that then needs to be marked up, etc
4. There’s very little cash transactions done at the gym. I don’t have too much worry about employees stealing from me, or getting robbed.
5. It will be fun working with and meeting women. Infact I’m good at that, people like me, I’m outgoing.
6. This job/ownership will allow me to really make a difference in women’s lives.
7. I would be the owner of a business, Wow, powerful.
8. I was drawn to this business for a reason, and the reason must mean something. This business found me, as if I am “supposed to do this thing”.
9. After my initial investment, it shouldn’t cost a lot, because, once again, no ordering of product on a weekly basis. I will have the “product”, which will not have to be replenished, and I’ll earn money through memberships.
10. Every woman wants to be in shape!!! It should not be that difficult of a sell.
11. I know that Billions of dollars are spent on the diet and exercise industry…Billions!!!
12. All I need is 300 members, to make the money I am making now at my current job, the one I hate. I live in a city that has over 20,000 people, within a 5 mile radius, so how difficult would it be to get 300 of them to join the gym, something you know they WANT TO DO.
I could go on. All of the previous ideas are true. But for every reason to do it, there are 3 reasons not to.
Getting 100 members is an astronomical task. Yes women want to be in shape and thin, but I’d hate to say it, it’s what they want to be right at that moment of thinking it. Many, not all, and perhaps not even the majority, but many, do not understand what it takes to get there. They are afraid of a commitment….RED FLAG…that’s what your gym needs to survive, a huge commitment, people willing to not take the easy road, people willing to for go immediate gratification, people ready to make that change. Guess what? You will have to be the one to convince them of this. You will have to sell, sell, sell, your little heart out. You will have to convince someone who wants something so badly, that you can provide to them for a small amount of money, that joining your gym will be the best thing for them. You believe this, and it is true, but the person coming in will see all the equipment, think long term commitment, think about how long it might take to lose the weight, etc etc. You will find yourself trying to convince some stranger at that point, how they can dramatically improve their life, and still they hesitate.
This will start to ware on your psyche. You will start to resent the fact that these people should be begging you to join your gym and thank you for saving their lives. You will see the benefits of exercise on a daily basis, learn everything that exercise can do for you, and you will start to wonder why you don’t have a line out your door, or a waiting list, because you are at full capacity.
It doesn’t happen. Ladies’ gyms did well a while back because it was a new trend. It was easy. The women who joined thought it was easy. They tried everything else, this was new, and this time it will work. Well it’s not new anymore, it’s old. People are back to trying to find some other way to be in shape or thin. They are looking for the next new trend.
I’ve written too much. If I could save one person from financial ruin, sleepless nights, thoughts of suicide, then God Bless Me. Please, please please, talk to other owners. Many, 100 of them. It will be worth it. Don’t only talk to owners that will tell you what you think you want to hear. Seek the truth, do not convince yourself that you are different from those who fail. Do not think that their story will be different from yours if you venture into this. Do not think that you can learn from other people’s mistakes.
The business is too hard, not physically, exercising 8-10 hours a day is the easy part. The hard part is trying to convince people to save their own lives on a daily basis, listening to women who are so far in denial, it’s insane, getting so close to ladies, your customers, because the ones that are committed for any length of time, will be seeing you at least 3 days a week, and you will not help but to get to know them on a personal level…and then they come to you with some sob story about why they cannot fullfill their year membership agreement. You can be a hardcore business person, but run the risk of a disgruntled member saying bad things about your business, but most likely you will release her from her obligations, because you “know” her, and it’s no longer a business relationship. It’s too hard. It’s too hard.
It’s soooo rewarding, but it’s too hard. The rewards will not out weight the financial problems, nor the endless fight to keep your membership up. The bribes for them to join, the endless hours in one place every day, listening to women who are so in denial that they actually start blaming the gym as to why they haven’t lost weight. Meanwhile, they just told you what they had for breakfast, bacon, eggs, toast etc. You will have to explain countless times as to why members have not dropped 10 lbs after working out a whole 2 weeks, you will want to educate, and this will be very helpful to many, but the 10-15 women who will stand out in your mind are the ones who “know everything you are telling them already”, yet they are 40-50 lbs overweight. It’s too hard.
It was easy when they came in droves, money made it easy, the owners could not get close to any of them, there were too many, they joined with 5 or 6 of their friends, so the owner did not have to make them feel comfortable in an unfamiliar setting, a gym, they had their friends…This is not the case 10 years later. It’s no longer a new trend that “everyone” wants to try…It’s too hard.
Cindy-
I work in a similar industry (weight-loss centers) and it seems that your situation is just bad management. You must keep a professional relationship with your clients. Service with your right hand and collect dues/funds with your left. Managers should manage, counselors/trainers should provide the WOW service.
You are right, many potential clients are in denial, but let’s face it–weight loss, cosmetics, dating industry, gyms–it’s all the same. The business is sales. The only difference is we not only sell, but as a professional owner/manager we ensure the service is the BEST in town.
I am not a Curves Owner, but as a Weight Loss Center owner, you do not have to “fad” out. Provide superior service, deliver what you promise, and follow the franchise protocol. It’s a winning situation.
Rita
Rita;
I don’t think Cindy’s situation is one of poor management, it sounds to me more like burn-out. I know of this all too well; I experienced it a few times myself (I’ve owned several clubs- not Curves). It can be very frustrating to give, give, give of yourself then to hear whining from lazy or negative people.
It also sounds like Cindy needed to get back to the basics of selling (as we all do in this business); as Zig Ziegler said, “people do not buy a product for what you tell them it does, they buy a product for what it will do for them”. In other words, you need to address a need before you can effectively sell something. This is why we ask the open-ended questions while giving tours “how long have you been thinking about working out?”, “what has kept you from joining a club in the past?”, “will your husband support you in your efforts?”, etc. An effective club tour will overcome any objections before they are given. Yes, it is work, but it does work. This is why there is a great deal of time spent on selling during the Curves workshops. Can it be overdone to the point of being high-pressure and driving people away? Absolutely; I have heard this from many Curves members and staff. Getting them in the door and signed up is only the first part; you then need to service them. This is where many people burn out from the repetition, boredom and whining. Sometimes, you need to take a break and step back to realize that you are in a service business and you need to retain members to stay in business. Zig Ziegler also said “people buy from people they like and trust”; personalized customer service is critical in this business. The “personal touch” is particularly important in Curves clubs that are locked into a cookie-cutter franchise formula with nonadjustable hydraulic cylinder. Most Curves members will get results initially, but then they hit a plateau within a few months because their equipment is not adjustable. They are told to push harder/faster, but let’s face it, a 50-60 year old women can only push so fast in 30 seconds. That is when they get frustrated and bored and stop coming. Unlike the large coed clubs, these small women’s clubs stay in business by members actually using the club and continuing to get results; thus word of mouth advertising. Word of mouth advertising can be your best and cheapest advertising, but it can also kill you if members are saying things like “yeah, I stopped losing weight at Curves, so I stopped going”. Curves owners also have their hands tied behind their backs in terms of offering additional products, programs or services to keep things fresh for members and for extra profit centers (cardio equipment, yoga or stretching classes, tanning, massage, babysitting, etc).
The huge “fad” of women’s clubs popping up all over the country is over, but this still remains a very viable market and is here to stay. I would never recommend buying a Curves franchise, but this can still be a nice solid business (not a get rich quick scheme) that is not rocket science to run.
Disclaimer- Yes, I do sell non-franchise adjustable hydraulic equipment, but I am not on this forum to sell products; I do not give out my contact information. I do encourage anyone who is thinking about buying a Curves club or getting in the business to do LOTS of homework. This can be a very rewarding business in more ways than one. You can make a nice profit if you work hard, it can be personally rewarding and you can help make some positive changes in others.
Amen! And you are right, Cindy’s comments may be more of Burn Out and not Poor Management. It is about CLOSING GATES, Gaining committment, Gaining Yes answers to questions and overcoming objections. We are in a sales and service business and you cant service without first selling.
My franchise always tells me ” you can’t keep a church open without an offering”. Yes, we are here to help people, but it is also a business.
People need the financial accountability for committment to their program.
This thread had been a real eye opener. I had no idea.
Important message to all Curves owners.
There is another site that all current owners of a curves franchise needs to be aware of. The site was set up by Curves using our advertising dollars so we all need to use it. It’s intent is to allow owners to converse with other owners and to share ideas. It is a good site if you are looking for ideas on how to save your club or just have questions for other owners. Here is the link http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/curvesowners/?v=1&t=search&ch=web&pub=groups&sec=group&slk=1
Please go there to check it out and voice your opinion on the current posts and voice your concerns. This site is strictly for owners.
To all past and present curves owners
It is time for all past and present owners of Curves franchises to stand up and file complaints against Curves International and Gary Howard Heavin. I’m sure we can all agree that this company is in serious trouble with all the club closures and while the economy certainly has hurt our business the main set back is how the company is being run into the ground by Gary Heavin and his co-hearts. It should be obvious to all owners that the only way this will change is if we take action as a group. Some owners have been talking about a boycott of the monthly franchise and advertising fees that we pay. While that will certainly get their attention if enough of us follow through we can accomplish it even faster if we all file complaints with the BBB in Waco, TX, the BBB in your area, the Attorney General of your state, the Attorney General of the state of TX. and the Federal Trade Commission. I have included web site addresses where you can go to file such a complaint. Please do so ASAP and lets see how Howie handles the complaints.
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
My mom and I are thinking about buying a curves in MN. I had no idea things were like this. The price we would pay is only $5000. each so we thought we were getting a great deal the reason for selling is that she owns two and has a full time job and is not able to be at either curves and is so overwhelmed by all of it. At that price do you think this is still a bad idea???
Lilmomma,
5000.$ Just do it !! but first ask how many members ?
see bank reccords to verify the actual entry of money, Ask the members if they will renew and if not why? Ask the other business around , ask the landloard if the rent has been paid , electricity etc.. if not make sure you are in no way responsable for any of the amount due.
But if all cheks out , just work 60 H a week and make shure your costumers are happy and are loosing weight and youll make it. spend at least 20% of your time on prospection and making contacts with other business ..
Good luck..
lilmomma;
I would say that unless she is going to pay you at least $15,000.00 to take over the club, it is a bad idea. This amount should cover your franchise and advertising fees and any product they force you to carry for the first year (it won’t cover your rent, payroll, etc.). That would give you some time to try to bring the membership back up to covering the monthly expenses. If she is trying to sell her club for $5K, you can rest assured that she has been losing money every month and wants to get out from under it. I can imagine that she is overwhelmed.
If you are still considering this deal, you will want to see everything; her bank statements, EFT drafts, membership list, check register, P&L statements, etc.
Good luck.
Lilmomma,
It may sound good and cheep to you but be very careful. Have her give you a projection sheet for the last three months. This is a report generated by her computer system and has to be sent into the Curves International home ofice each month. Compare the total income figure with what she deposits and it will also show you the total number of actual members. She is more than likly losing money each month as most clubs are and at that price it can’t be a profitable club. That is not to say you and your mother couldn’t change it around but it is very unrealistic that you will given the times we are in right now. In my opinion you should run not walk away from this as if you don’t have at least 25 to 30 thousand set aside to keep it going until it is profitable again. Keep your money and buy a dog grooming business.
Yes, thats right people I’m getting down right happy. Curves International is finally begining to feel the heat from all the owners who are fed up with the dishonesty, lack of integrity, and just plain bad business practices of Howie. He is begining to buckel and it’s driving him nuts. So to all you owners keep writing the BBB in your area and in Waco and the attorney general of you state and TX. Don’t forget the FTC also. Keep the pressure up!!!! Also don’t forget to join the yahoo group curves owner site and voice your concerns there also.
Unhappy,
How do you know CI is feeling the heat? What actions or behaviors is CI exhibiting that shows they are getting uncomfortable?
That is what I was going to ask. Who else has contacted the BBB and FTC? I contacted the FTC and http://www.change.gov.
I was in Waco TX all last week working with attorneys and believe me they are feeling the heat. We must keep up the complaint letters to the BBB Attorney Generals and the FTC. The attorneys are pit bulls and howie has very little time left on delaying the law suits as he has tried to do in the past. Many more suits will be filed in the comming months as what they are doing to owners who are forced to close is definately illigal. I’m so dam happy I’m almost giddy. If you want more info call me or send an e-mail to this site with your number and Sean will forward it to me and I will call you and explain what is happening with the law suits and who to contact in TX.
Wow, I have never seen so many negative people. Business is business with no guarentees. It is what you make of it or should I say put into it.I agree that a closing fee seems unfair,but unqualified people should not be in this business and location is everything. Did you research how many people in your area. Do you run your own club, or leave to people you pay minium wages. There are clubs that are sucessful. Those people are not negitive and give it their all. Who said working out was fun. but it is essential for good health educated women know this. If you make your club a positive envirment, where women can go get 30 minute workout feel good and leave what could be better. for all the negitivity know wonder so many have failed the strong will survive not just with curves, but for all businesses, not everyone is cut out for curves some learn the hard way as for CI yes there is room for improvment, but curves community is there for you always, do you use it are you afraid of your computer. 24 hours aday you can log on. This is big business they will not hold your hand. You need to be a self starter and sell and get along with women. I am so glad I didnt see this site before I bought my club or it might have discouraged or even scared me. This site is so negitive it breaths failure that conveys to members you need to stay upbeat and positive and reassure the women they are doing good for health and wellbeing that breaths sucess.If you cant stand the heat get out of the fire
Curves franchise website: “With a Curves franchise, you’ll be in business for yourself, not by yourself… We assume that franchisees have no experience or knowledge in the operation of a fitness and weight loss facility…”
another curves owner: “…unqualified people should not be in this business… not everyone is cut out for curves… This is big business they will not hold your hand.”
As an outsider looking in, I agree with what ACO says about having a positive attitude, taking responsibility, etc. I also know the importance of industry experience.
Isn’t the problem here that Curves went out of their way to sell to people with little to no experience? Didn’t they PROMISE to hold hands, be there every step of the way?
I’ve watched this train wreck coming for a long time. Can CI really be surprised after they not only left people without the implied promise of support, but then they charge them $10K when they fail… sort of a farewell insult?
another curves owner, have you expressed your frustration to CI for their poor franchisee screening and unrealistic promises?
another curves owner,
Yes you are right there are plenty of dissatisfied owners on this site all of which have been taken by curves International with it’s false promises, lack of support, and down right lies. You as an owner knows what you have had to put up with. What are your complaints with Curves International and don’t tell us you have none. How many have closed in you area? Do you really believe it’s all the owners fault and that corporate has no responsibility for any of this?
The only thing that is going to save Curves is a change in management at the top levels and the only way this will happen is if owners get involved and band togeather in the many law suits that are being formed. We have tried other routes since 03 and it has only gotten worse. Go to the group yahoo site and we have certainly voiced our complaints their with no success What do you purpose we do? Maybe you are still drinking howies kool aid but for many of us weve had enough. It’s time for a CHANGE.
Yes you are correct they do claim you need no experience, But only a dummy would get involved with fitness if youve never worked out. Didnt you go to club camp. Didnt you learn how to run your business.Their is a learning curve most go through but as time goes on you get better. you learn as you go as with most business.We have had some that closed only to be snatched up by women with desire to run their own show and are willing to learn. I have tryed giving advise at times as I want them to succeed. But I can tell right from the beginning if they are cut out for this business. As for CI, there are things I would like to see changed. but look at most franchises they are all the same. google macdonalds or starbucks you will see the same owners that do well and some that dont. Its the same with all companys.As far as lawsuits even if its 1000 of you that are suing for who knows what there are thousnads that are satisfied with their income from curves. This company is going nowhere it will survive the test it already has. Why would you think coporate is responsible for the way you run your company. I am responsible for my succsess or failures. I am in business for myself and I love that they only give guidlines that I stick to. I am responsible for my destinyand I dont blame anyone for my mistakes I only learn not to make them again. I love my curves and so do the women that come to my club. I have changed women in ways they never thought possible that has impowered me and makes me feel good. My friends that are curve owners love their clubs as well we are friends and work together. This is a simple business not brain surgery you just have to be true to yourself and to the women they can certainly see through a phoney that just is counting dollars. women are emotional beings and need caring, they cant wait to come back to exercise and feel the endorphine rush. also I have a great staff that care also. I could go on and on I forgot this is a sit e for the negitive but if you visit my club I bet I can change the way you feel too
I am willing to wager that most of the women complaining about lack of business are either overweight or pesimists. Neither attract clientele to your clubs.
I bet you are right also these are the same people over and over again. move on I will share this site with fellow owners that will only laugh as they have what it take to be successful, and will not entertain these negitive notions. Exercise is a wonderful thing some of you should try it. It will make you feel better about yourself and you will eventually look better too.TRy a treadmill thats boring but hundreds of thousands do it everyday to stay in shape exercise is not a fad its important for good health ask any doctor we make a difference and I am proud of it so many women have achieved their goals in my club and are grateful all because of curves the 30 minute workout I can sell this to anybody and then help them to get into the habit of exercise then my job is done. I am passinate about what I do. CI gives you tools its up to you to use them. I have taught many to feel good about themselves and be accountable.Have you watched biggest loser its possible to change a person. One of the contestants has bought a curves I am told and is now a believer. CI should screen potential buyers better. but they promise you nothing only if you have desire to make a difference you can and clubs that are closing will only make it better for the strong ones doing well. survival of the fittest no pun intended. The 10,000 failure fee is not a punishment only contractual that each of us sign it should be resinded as this will end this stupid site for all you crybabies busuness is business. look at wall street are those people getting sued,what about the banks writing crappy loans and stupid people signing them knowing they could not afford their homes in the first place are they suing. You people want change this site is not the way to go about it it only contributes to your negitivity, everybody is good at somrething go out and find out what that is