Struggling, failing, soon-to-close and closed Curves franchise owners regularly share information, advice and mutual support to each other on the Unhappy Franchisee website.
One of the frequent topics is the club closing procedures, and how to negotiate with Curves International in regard to their demands for a $10,000 “failure fee,”  often tens of thousands of dollars for “future royalties,” and the Curves International policy that forbids Curves franchisees from selling their own equipment.
From the post CURVES: Robert Lay’s Story, here’s a recent exchange regarding the $10,000 closing fee:
Donna  Submitted on 2009/10/08 at 2:41pm
HELP!!! I have read some of the horror stories …read more

When you’re considering a particular franchise opportunity, most franchisors will provide you with a wealth of sales literature, marketing brochures, videos, and legal documents (FDD), as well as an ample supply of timeworn cliches (”You’ll be in business FOR yourself, but not BY yourself”).
Franchisors should provide you with one more thing: The email or certified letter they’ll send you if you fail.
Ask for it. Get it. Read it. Think about it.
Don’t listen to the franchise salesperson when he tells you If you think negative thoughts you will kill the success fairy!
Realistic ain’t negative.  And this letter contains an important …read more