Curves vs Zoo Health Club Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Curves Franchise
Zoo Health Club Franchise
Investment $115,600 - $243,200$47,969 - $171,799
Franchise Fee $39,900$19,999
Royalty Fee 5%greater of $399/ month or 7%
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
Zoo Health Club Franchise
Experience
  • Financially stable
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Curves Franchise
    Zoo Health Club 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
    Zoo Health Club Franchise
    Training At regional meetings (full day), convention (3 days), local events (1 day)-
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations-
    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
    Zoo Health Club 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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    #32 on Franchise Rankings.com

    About Zoo Health Club

    The appeal of a Zoo Health Club is far-reaching. Demographic studies indicate that members will routinely travel up to ten miles to attend a given location. This level of customer interest and loyalty speaks volumes of our success. Each year, Zoo Health Clubs contribute to their communities by hosting and supporting cancer walks, marathons, and a variety of other events and activities. Such involvement makes Zoo locations popular gathering places for local and regional events. Such is the appeal of the Zoo Health Clubs. Members love to return time and again in order to enjoy the familiarity of their Zoo, with its clean facilities, helpful staff, immaculate equipment, and friendly environment. Since the early 1970s, Zoo Health Clubs have promoted a carefully balanced atmosphere that is both family-friendly and appealing to serious athletes. Everyone-from those seeking a general fitness program to hard-core body builders-find what they need at their Zoo. The Zoo's unique business model benefits both the franchisee and its members:
    * Location, location, location! Convenient, easily accessible locations in secondary shopping centers make frequent visits routine for the entire family.
    * Small- to medium-size locations limit lease costs and ensure a friendly, community-like environment.
    * Low monthly fees attract and retain members.
    * Top-of-the-line equipment offers a competitive edge and keeps members challenged.
    * A variety of special products and services please members and increase revenue.

    "Top
    #99 in Gator's Top franchises.