|
|
Post by swtexan on Feb 14, 2017 16:51:49 GMT
Well put, Mr. LaFluer! Ours is a service based industry and while it would be nice to have the "newer" equipment and upgrades- I would argue that it's not necessary to succeed. My staff greet each member by name upon arriving and when they leave. I've gotten so many compliments in regards to this from our members and I think that it plays a huge role in retention. I can't afford Woodway treadmills and right now I can only afford to keep my 10 year old Cyber 445T's going for as long as I can. I truly feel sorry for those owners who were duped into thinking that you could succeed as an absentee owner. From my experience, that is simply not the case.
|
|
|
|
Post by cheryl on Feb 17, 2017 16:12:56 GMT
For those looking to update their clubs with some of the new remodels: Just wait until those clubs that remodeled start advertising through email that they're closing and pick up some of those things desks, signs, paneling, etc) for pennies on the dollar.
|
|
|
|
Post by snaplongtimer on Feb 18, 2017 16:48:58 GMT
I remember being a member of Powerhouse for many years prior to opening a snap. I opened my first club and finished my Powerhouse membership. I thought the equipment at Powerhouse was awesome and they even repainted the frames of the machines as updates. After being in my first snap club with brand new equipment, I never knew how outdated the powerhouse equipment was. My point is, if I never seen a brand new gym I still would have been impressed with the Powerhouse equipment. It was all customer service that kept me from straying to another gym.
Yes, I was duped into thinking I could be an absentee owner and I have paid for believing that. I argued it shortly after day one with corp and they argued that I need to get out of my club and be doing other things. Now they argue it's no longer an absentee owner investment and to get back in the club. I've lost my fire for this franchise and have told them that. I'm counting my days...
|
|
|
|
Post by snaplongtimer on Feb 18, 2017 16:52:42 GMT
I also met with a Powerhouse multi-club owner and I was impressed how much freedom they give you. He just laughed at my franchise and says I should convert it to Powerhouse...a well recognized name in the fitness industry and gave me examples why. He says they use a nationally recognized software package and was very happy with it. I was impressed.
|
|
|
|
Post by Snap E on Feb 18, 2017 17:05:11 GMT
I'm planning on the new carpet (black), LVP (wood floor), "wood" panel behind TV's, desk and paint. Hoping to be in under $10k. Has anyone already done this? Someone in MN claims that their gross has increased by $10k/month simply because they completed the renovation- I find that hard to believe. We have done the upgrades and the gym looks awesome. Instead of the vinyl wood floor upfront we did wood look tile. The mural is fantastic and makes a statement, we space equipment in from of it but still has am impact. The wood panels on the walls are difficult to install but they add warmth to the space. Cost more like $12-13k. We didn't do any equipment changes but replaced worn pads. |
|
|
|
Post by greenergrass on Feb 18, 2017 17:09:41 GMT
Did the Powerhouse owner tell you how much they pay monthly for their software package? If it's more, it's probably justifiably better. If it is less, but better, then SF corporate just lies to us about having "world class" anything. With this franchise, I'm not enjoying "world class" support or technology at this time.
There is a survey company out there which could rate satisfaction from 1 to 10, and it would be interesting to see how all the Zs in the US would collectively rate this franchise. I suspect it would be quite low. Unfortunately, it's not apparently a concern at corporate.
I too have lost my fire...and am counting my days.
|
|
|
|
Post by cheryl on Feb 18, 2017 21:34:41 GMT
Wanna know just how outta whack snap's software pricing is? IHRSA is coming up in Los Angeles in less than a month. Swing by the different software providers (eg Twin Oaks, MotionSoft even Checkfree) Ask them to show you what their software can do and how much it costs for a single license. Next ask them what the cost would be per site if you ran it at 1800 clubs. You'll see what a joke we're working with and how badly we're being ripped off.
Were you the class clown growing up? Bring your laptop with you to the show and show the different software vendors the joke you're working with. You'll have everyone rolling on the floor laughing. Maybe you could lead an ab exercise and show everyone this joke. Their sides will be hurting for days.
|
|
|
|
Post by swtexan on Feb 18, 2017 23:53:14 GMT
I'm planning on the new carpet (black), LVP (wood floor), "wood" panel behind TV's, desk and paint. Hoping to be in under $10k. Has anyone already done this? Someone in MN claims that their gross has increased by $10k/month simply because they completed the renovation- I find that hard to believe. We have done the upgrades and the gym looks awesome. Instead of the vinyl wood floor upfront we did wood look tile. The mural is fantastic and makes a statement, we space equipment in from of it but still has am impact. The wood panels on the walls are difficult to install but they add warmth to the space. Cost more like $12-13k. We didn't do any equipment changes but replaced worn pads. Snap E, did you have Corporate do the work? SWAT team? Or, did you simply get what you needed from Corporate and have contractors do the work or do it yourself? Curious. If you don't mind saying, what was the cost of the flooring and how many square feet did you install? |
|
|
|
Post by greenergrass on Mar 5, 2017 16:59:45 GMT
I think it will be impossible in a metro area with several franchisees/owners to make an upgrade work and bring in more revenue. I say this because there is no control regarding owners who will offer cheap prepaid memberships, lower joining fees, and lower monthly rates. A member can go four miles away and join with another cheaper location/owner. They can do a 12 month prepay at the lower rate. They can alternatively look for the cheapest online joining rate and dues to set up their membership. Yes, it is possible to adjust the rate when a member transfers in. But that is, as you all know, three to four months after they join. I could join a cheap club online, have my card mailed to me, and then attend the more expensive (Ex. Bexely, OH, newly rennovated) location and my rates won't adjust until I am transferred by reciprocity.
|
|
