ShapeXpress vs American Bodyworks Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
ShapeXpress Franchise
American Bodyworks Franchise
Investment $89,500 - $152,000$72,000 - $246,000
Franchise Fee $20,000N/A
Royalty Fee Varies-
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 2002-
Year Franchised 2003-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee $2.5K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
ShapeXpress Franchise
American Bodyworks Franchise
Experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Sales skills, previous employee supervision skills
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    Financing Options
     
    ShapeXpress Franchise
    American Bodyworks Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/No-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/Yes-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/Yes-/-

    Training & Support
     
    ShapeXpress Franchise
    American Bodyworks Franchise
    Training OngoingBefore 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, Security/safety procedures, 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, Regional advertising-
    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)

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    Expansion Plans
     
    ShapeXpress Franchise
    American Bodyworks Franchise
    US Expansion --
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion No-

    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 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.