Purchasing a franchise is a large commitment. Regardless of if this is your first location or you’re an established entrepreneur, there are a few things you should know before signing on the dotted line.
These are the top 5 questions to ask before you buy a franchise:
1. Who is your ideal franchisee?
Every franchise has an ideal candidate for ownership. Ask the franchisor who that ideal candidate is. Are they a people person? Do they have certain experience requirements? Are there financial requirements such as minimum net worth? These self-qualifiers will help you determine if you are the correct person to own that brand’s franchise.
The ideal Fitness Together® candidate, for instance, is passionate about fitness, health, and wellness. Their ideal franchisee does not need a personal training certification either.
2. What are your expectations of franchisees?
Franchisees will bear expectations regarding operations and other obligations. Make sure to discuss the franchisor’s expectations of the unit operator, so both sides have a clear understanding of the relationship and requirements.
Consider speaking to other franchisees about their experiences. Fitness Together Franchise, LLC expects potential franchisees to handle hiring and day-to-day operations, which is common in the fitness industry.
3. What is your franchisee training program like?
Franchisors will offer initial training to set franchisees on their feet with their new business. Ask what the company’s operational training program will entail, and what other forms of support they offer. Will they attend the opening? Do they offer on-going training opportunities? Make sure your support expectations line up with the amount of support franchisors will provide.
Fitness Together provides world class support with both operations and marketing. This includes real estate site selection assistance, regional and national franchise conferences to collaborate with other owners, local marketing planning assistance, and more. The franchise support team is with you every step of the way as you become a gym owner.
4. What sets you apart from competitors?
The market for some franchise brands is heavily saturated and highly competitive, while others are paving the way with new, innovative concepts. Whatever franchise you end up pursuing, it is important to find how they set themselves apart from the competition. Ask who the top competitors in that market are and what the franchisor is doing to give themselves an advantage over them.
Ideally, the brand corners a market like the Fitness Together brand has in the fitness industry. Fitness Together personal training studios fill a niche of high disposable income individuals seeking private, personalized workouts that produce successful results.
5. What is a typical day like for a franchisee?
The initial investments and set-up of your location will take time. Once those pieces are over, however, owning a business begins. Find out what daily life is like for other franchisees, and how much time, effort, and energy you should expect to spend on running your fitness studio.
Fitness Together franchise owners, for example, have the option to be either an owner/operator or to hire a strong manager to manage their studio’s day-to-day operations. It takes dedication to own a gym, or any business, so make sure you are prepared for what the work will be.
If you think the Fitness Together brand could have all the answers you are hoping to hear, fill out this form to download a FREE info kit. There, you will receive information detailing all the important facts you need to know as a potential franchisee of the Fitness Together Franchise, LLC.