ShapeXpress vs J.W. Tumbles Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
ShapeXpress Franchise
J.W. Tumbles Franchise
Investment $89,500 - $152,000$155,150 - $225,900
Franchise Fee $20,000$42,900
Royalty Fee Varies$500/mo.
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 20021985
Year Franchised 20031993
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee $2.5K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
ShapeXpress Franchise
J.W. Tumbles Franchise
Experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Sales skills, previous employee supervision skills

  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills

  • Financing Options

     
    ShapeXpress Franchise
    J.W. Tumbles Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/No
    Equipment No/YesNo/No
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/YesNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    ShapeXpress Franchise
    J.W. Tumbles Franchise
    Training Ongoing

    In addition to the mandatory initial franchise training, we also offer optional training by request. An annual meeting as well as business training is also available.

    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluationsMeetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertisingCo-op advertising, Ad slicks
    Operations Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3 - 4

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (35% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 30% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (90% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    ShapeXpress Franchise
    J.W. Tumbles Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    About ShapeXpress

    NO LONGER FRANCHISING

    Proven results for members AND franchisees! Join our success in the $14.8 billion fitness industry! ShapeXpress for Women is setting the standard for women's only fitness franchise opportunities. "Amazing support from the corporate office." That's what our franchisees are saying about ShapeXpress. Support in every area of starting and operating your club: finding a location, negotiating a lease, decor & build-out, financing, marketing, membership sales, daily operations, billing, member tracking, hiring and more. Each franchisee is assigned a Franchise Support Executive to personally assist with setting goals and addressing concerns. Weekly conference calls keep our franchisees in communication with our corporate office and each other. Among U.S. franchises, 65% consist of fewer than 100 stores and 49% have under 50 locations. Compare this to ShapeXpress, which in its first 3 years of offering, has sold over 300 franchises!

    About J.W. Tumbles

    Fewer than half of American children get the exercise they need for good health, and only about one-third of elementary and secondary schools offer daily physical education classes. Jeff and Melissa Woods opened the first J.W. Tumbles in Solano Beach, California, in 1985, hoping to remedy this situation. The company opened its first franchise operation in Tucson, Arizona.

    J.W. Tumbles is a skill- and confidence-building program that promotes self-esteem and physical health in children aged 4 months to 9 years. Each class in its 'Fun'damentals program delivers challenging, noncompetitive activities. The program focuses on improving motor skills, spatial awareness, manipulative skills, coordination, balance, agility, flexibility, rhythm, strength, social awareness and sportsmanship. Franchisees can teach the program at their locations or use a van to take the fitness programs to schools. The company also offers summer and winter camps.