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Post by greenergrass on Oct 11, 2016 17:42:16 GMT
Oh wait. I meant their gym. Because it was really just our money spent to get these places open. We aren't real business owners dba SF. We are just pawns and we are supposed to keep our mouths shut and follow the plan and spend more money.
I have followed their plan in the past and it just put me more in debt. Why is this new plan going to work when others have not? Did we get new members because we had EasyFit? Did people get new members with FOD? Now MyZone? Is your retention better? Are you getting more leads because you participate in all these programs? I have heard from some that the answer is NO. In my experience the answer is NO. Are we getting more leads because we have a NASCAR driver? Because of the country music star? I'm seeing fewer leads. Look at your marketing CoOps, those who have them. Memberships are sliding. Even with clubs closing, the averages of those remaining are lower still.
I hope corporate has an answer to all this. Are they waiting for Conference to spread the good news on how we will rise up from this? Or will it be another disappointment with more things to buy if you want success.
They surely don't want us to buy any Snap apparel. It's either that or they think we are all XL and large since that is mainly what's available.
Something positive needs to happen. I can't imagine I'm the only one ready to just walk away from this.
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Post by cheryl on Oct 11, 2016 17:47:57 GMT
I love the show "The Profit". The previews I've seen for Tea2go talk about the role of the franchisor (from what I can tell). Marcus is a fan of franchising. I don't think the attitude you've mentioned above is in line with what Marcus considers to be a good franchisor, and would actually be considered a predatory franchisor. (ie "you don't like it, then leave. You have $300K into it? We'll give you $20K") www.cnbc.com/the-profit/?__source=pd%7CtheprofitS4%7CGoogle_search&par=pd
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Post by veryfrustrated on Oct 11, 2016 18:05:49 GMT
From what I can tell - Faux wood flooring - Wood paneling - Remove red/grey/yellow stripes - paint one wall red - put up decals - replace old equipment (I believe it was the Cybex VR | 3 equipment - Still Cybex. Matrix and Octane - Install MyZone I can understand the similar look/feel of each Snap, although I'm not so sure this new look serves any purpose other than having their team find a way to make money off of it. I seriously doubt this change will attract any new members nor retain any old ones. Wood paneling? Didn't that end in the 1970s? And remove those stripes we just had to put up a year ago??? Replace Cybex VR 3 equipment? Like, the new stuff will help people cut fat and build muscle faster? And here all along I thought it was the weight, not the color of the weight.
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Post by supercool on Oct 11, 2016 19:07:55 GMT
If I had to replace all my VR3 equipment, at this point I'd just close the club without notice. Our equipment is extremely well maintained...a lot of it still looks "like new". No way I'd replace it...the ROI is not there.
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Post by Amy on Oct 11, 2016 20:03:22 GMT
We are in need of new cubbies. We have been getting by with less expensive wire ones that we bought at target. Does anybody know a good place to purchase good quality cubbies from?
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Post by greenergrass on Apr 24, 2017 15:41:58 GMT
Guys about 100 clubs have done this already and about 300 more will be completed over the next 12-18 months in the US and Canada. Don't miss the bigger picture as to why this is being done. Its not just about a better look. sure that is part of it, but it is also about staying relevant in a vary competitive industry. As you will see and hear at convention clubs that have done the modernization, along with implementing the current Snap Fitness play, staffing, technology, PT, Functional training... they are winning and competing in the most difficult of landscapes. The clubs that do the modernization bare minimums, juts to check the box and move on will not see the full benefit from the modernization. We compete in the boutique segment and as such, we need to position our brand as an upscale boutique fitness center. If we don't want to apologize for price we have to excel at service and a great looking product. Instead of being frustrated with this requirement, embrace it and be excited to see what we are doing to make the brand great, for many years to come. The most difficult landscape is the one that is in close proximity to $10-20 gyms. Please provide a list of these 100 clubs that have modernized....how many are within three miles of at least one $10 gym? How much did the modernization improve their financial situation, for those who are within 3 miles of a $10 gym? Did anything else change. Because adding PT is going to improve the financial outcome whether there is modernization or not. How many of these 100 clubs are new owners? I never apologize for the price I charge ($34.95 and up) or for the fact that I charge joining fees (which is now limited by the Fitpass situation). Anyone who does apologize needs some sales training and corporate - that's on you. When franchisees are brought in who have never sold a thing, help them. They are competing with us thinking they need to be cheap. The statements mean nothing unless there is something to back them up.
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Post by greenergrass on Apr 24, 2017 15:43:35 GMT
And has anyone noticed that Planet Fitness has this wood flooring? So we copy them but surely we won't move to $10-20 membership dues, will we? Please let's not change to purple and yellow, lol.
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Post by patdaddy4 on Apr 24, 2017 21:43:27 GMT
Just got this nasty-gram from Corp: "Dear Franchisee, We are contacting you today because our records indicate that your club is currently past due for modernization and you have not yet contacted the modernization team. Modernization is a mandatory process for every club and is triggered at the renewal of the franchise agreement, the five-year anniversary of the franchise agreement, the sale of a club, and a relocation. Having a modernized club not only keeps your business looking fresh and ahead of the competition, it also provides your members with a better overall experience. Please reach out to the modernization team within the next seven days at modernization@liftbrands.com. If no contact is made within the seven days, you will be contacted by the legal/compliance team. Sincerely, Snap Fitness
I'm going to get back to them that it's not in the cards money-wise right now. The old "squeezing blood from a turnip" idea for sure.
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Post by greenergrass on Apr 25, 2017 2:49:20 GMT
Are you willing to or able to close rather than modernize? I think everyone will need to make sure their lease for their space allows them some exit clause in the event of something like this - financial burden.
I wonder how many locations will need to close in response to this modernization requirement. How many new owners do you think they can find to fill in the gaps? Or maybe the intention is simply to reduce the number (rather than grow it for the convenience of the traveling member).
They are giving you seven days? Did you receive one email six months ago, or how did this get to the point that they are giving you just seven days? So you just need to reach out.
Even modernization seems to vary from location to location. Some have to add the flooring. Some don't. Some have to add the mural, some don't. Some locations close before the end of their term and don't pay corporate. I have now heard they only made one location pay.
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FirecrackerGirlGuest
Guest
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Post by FirecrackerGirlGuest on Apr 25, 2017 5:03:39 GMT
I received the same email. I am very frustrated because I've contacted them a dozen times about modernization and they don't get back to me. it seems that there is a lot of turnover with corporate staffing because multiple times ive been told "that person doesnt work here anymore"
My lease will not let me out as I have 3 years left. I am trapped. I love my business but at this point I have no idea how to remain competitive.
I put my flag graphic up, painted red walls, have new equipment and replaced my signage etc. My club looks nice. But I don't have the wood floor. I guess if a wood floor is what it takes to get me more leads...
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Post by patdaddy4 on Apr 25, 2017 10:30:37 GMT
I received an email awhile ago, and put it off knowing I didn't have the $ to put toward luxury vinyl "wood look" flooring. I owe them a response and will try to reason with them on what's next.
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Post by snaplongtimer on Apr 25, 2017 15:19:08 GMT
No worries...corp will finance you. By doing this, I understand the pain of falling in deeper debt will be lessened.
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Post by cheryl on Apr 26, 2017 2:09:08 GMT
Find a club that modernized, snap some pictures and email them to them with the subject line. Modernization.I don't think they have a clue as to what any of the clubs look like.
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Post by greenergrass on Apr 26, 2017 2:52:44 GMT
Take some photos at Planet. They have the flooring. We are copying Planet Fitness. LOL!
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Post by cheryl on Apr 26, 2017 13:47:21 GMT
Well our local PF hasn't changed their flooring. I was just there this morning. (always keeping tabs on the local competition) It's still rubber flooring which is well worn down in certain spots. They did replace several TVs though.
I'd love to see the balance sheet on some of these PFs. I've run estimated cost models and still don't understand how they're still in business. It's a publicly traded company and not cash only, so I must be missing something.
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