Curves vs American Bodyworks Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Curves vs American Bodyworks including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Curves Franchise
American Bodyworks Franchise
Investment $115,600 - $243,200$72,000 - $246,000
Franchise Fee $39,900N/A
Royalty Fee 5%-
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 1992-
Year Franchised 1995-
Term Of Agreement 5 years-
Term Of Agreement 5 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Curves Franchise
American Bodyworks Franchise
Experience
  • Financially stable
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Curves Franchise
    American Bodyworks Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/No-/-
    Start-up Costs No/No-/-
    Equipment No/No-/-
    Inventory No/No-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support
     
    Curves Franchise
    American Bodyworks Franchise
    Training At regional meetings (full day), convention (3 days), local events (1 day)Before you open, you will run the ABW school. This is a very unique offer in the fitness industry. Under our model, anyone who has no experience in the fitness industry at all can learn how to run a health club. We teach you how to sell memberships, enter in contracts, reconcile your money, pick employees and trainers, and any other club operation necessary. Every new club can send one person to this week long seminar for no extra charge. After this training, you will feel confident when your doors open.
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluationsAmerican Bodyworks offers temporary and full time workers that have been in the industry and know how we operate. This ranges from sales people to back end workers. These workers can work temporarily to boost productivity and further your training; or provide a needed service for an extended period of time! Advertising. Through a small monthly fee you are a part of a national ad campaign. Our website is well maintained and up to date. We also have in house designers for any of your graphics needs that will make all of your promotional items professional looking and effective. Billing. As a franchisee we handle that for you. We run your credit card and checking drafts. We also provide a service for a small fee that will handle all your backend work for a monthly fee. This is perfect for non-owner operators. 24 hour tech support. Your computer system is vital to the operation of your club whether it is the draft or key card system. Problems sometimes arise and it is comforting to know someone is there to fix them at anytime.
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising-
    Operations 50% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 2

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (70% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Curves Franchise
    American Bodyworks Franchise
    US Expansion --
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    Company Overviews

    About Curves

    At the age of 20, pre-med student Gary Heavin had taken over a failing fitness center in Houston, turning the business around and, within five years, opened six more centers. After 10 years and 17 centers, Heavin's business went under. Not wanting to give up, Heavin took lessons from the strengths and weaknesses of his first chain and decided to open a second. In 1992, Heavin opened Curves for Women, a women-only fitness center, in Harlingen, Texas. The company began franchising in 1995.

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    About American Bodyworks

    American Bodyworks is the premier 24-7 fitness franchise of coed, neighborhood clubs. 
    American Bodyworks is a "key" club which allows members to access the club at any time they want.
    Each member has a key card to give them access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
    American Bodyworks is setting the standard in 24-7 fitness. Most health clubs today want you to fit into their schedules, American Bodyworks wants to fit into yours. You are our top priority. We understand that you need a health club with flexible hours in order to fulfill your fitness needs and have a healthy lifestyle. We want to help you meet your goals, and that is why we provide our customers the best equipment and services available to their neighborhood 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Everyone will feel welcome and comfortable with us. From beginner to athlete, all can workout in a non-intimidating environment with the best equipment available.  Normal people, like you and me work out here. All of our clubs have a community feel and everyone will know your name. You will not find the traditional, high pressure sales of health clubs. You will find a customer friendly staff whose job is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals.