Buying a Curves: Startup Costs

Buying and opening a Curves For Women Fitness Facility takes time and money. I am not going to kid anyone and tell them that it is not hard work. But, let's be fair, so is anything else worth having in your life. From good health, family relations, extra money, and so much more - if you want to make it happen it takes work to achieve.

Same goes for establishing a Curves fitness franchise. There are many great reasons to choose to buy a Curves Franchise (and even more reasons to buy Curves in Dearborn Michigan):

1. Curves owns 25% of the fitness facility market; 1 in every 4 exercise clubs is a Curves
2. Curves ownership promotes Women In Business; most clubs are owner operated
3. Curves corporate marketing partnerships and promotions drive traffic to thier franchises
4. Curves franchise education and training resources supports and guides novice owners
5. Curves has one of the lowest franchise start-up costs and fees in the franchise industry

Where I am an expert, though, is in the arena of finances. I am a Financial Analyst by trade and do all of the accounting for the business. Today it costs $100,000 plus to open up a brand new club - if you can find a new territory. Since there are no new franchises being awarded in Michigan, the person wanting to change their life by buying a Curves can only do so through a resale.

So, how much money do you need to start a Curves franchise? Well, you start by understanding what it will cost to open up a new one from scratch. First, Curves International wants $50,000 to use their world-class name and brand. From there, it is up to you to do the following which take both TIME and MONEY ($30-40,000):

1. Research potential LOCATIONS (make sure there is good store traffic)
2. NEGOTIATE your LEASE and pay security deposit (get a lawyer and accountant)
3. Customize the space (leasehold improvements) with walls, carpet, bathrooms, office etc.
4. Decorate the facility (make sure to creature comforts and ambience)
5. Install Office: Computers, Scanner, Printers (color and BW), Fax, File Cabinets, Refrigerator
6. Buy electronics (TV w/dvd player, music receiver, 2 cd players, surround sound speakers, cd's and music licensing)
7. Prepare for operating the business (i.e. insurance, banking, credit card processing, payroll, taxes, licenses, etc.)
8. Develope Marketing Plan and Advertise, Advertise, Advertise the grand opening
9. Hire and train employees to help run the club
10. Budget in negative cash flow while building up Curves clientele (plan for an additional $30-50,000 for this)

Now since you are looking to buy a curves resale it is most important that you find an owner who did steps 1-9 correctly. Otherwise you might end up paying them for work they did and having to redo the work your yourself which will be an additional expense.

Number 10 is really the scary wild card. You could open the doors and have nobody walk through for months to sign up and provide the revenue needed to stay in business. How do you forecast or guess the future?

When buying a resale Curves you have the opportunity to see the history of how many people have called, walked in, and signed up to be a member. Make sure to look at that carefully because if the trend is not consistent that location could be troublesome. At Curves Dearborn we are excited that our location receives calls daily from women driving by and seeing our sign or walking in to find out more. We currently sign up approximately one new member each day without any local advertising.

Fortunately for you our Curves for Sale in Dearborn, Michigan, has been well built and cared for. We have top of the line location, ambience, equiptment, maintenance and staff. Our membership is stable and our sales are beyond the break even point and experiencing positive cash flow. All you need to do is drive. Drive the vision for marketing and advertising. Drive the growth of local corporate relationships with neighboring business. Drive the membership growth.

In short, if you are new to business or don't want to completely roll the dice on opening up a brand new business from scratch (which the setup costs can be very high and more importantly, unknown), then take a long hard look at buying our Curves for your business investment. You can make significant improvements to that business while already being positive cash flow and profitable. This is a win-win...

Springtime

Every year around this time is just amazing for me. Springtime is the time for eternal hope. Hope for better times ahead after about 4 months of VERY nasty weather where most people really believed that the long, cold winter would never end. It truly is the best time of the year for me.

For all the ladies at Curves For Women in Dearborn, it is the time to get energized and get moving. Personally, this time of the year gets me up to go do an extra workout. It gives me the energy of wanting to feel good and feel better than I have in a long time.

Springtime is wonderful for Gail and her team at Curves Dearborn. Women's fitness is their life and helping our members achieve their fitness goals is what it is all about. It makes their job that much easier when our members decide to come do the most famous circuit training workout around. The energy our Curves members bring to the club at this time of year is contagious to them and to other members working out.

I am not an expert on the dynamic of the club and what happens with women's fitness in the Curves concept. I am, admittedly, a man who likes being macho by lifting weights and running. When I go to the gym to workout, I am usually working out alone and in my head. I love this time of year and love working out, but when I see what our members enjoy at Curves Dearborn...I am jealous.

The group dynamic that exists during the circuit training is second to none in making you feel good about what you are doing. Marry that with this perfect time of year for hope and renewal, then you get something very special.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy Curves Dearborn in Michigan

10) LOCATION - We are located in the heart of Dearborn, Ford country and a mecca of corporate headquarters so to speak. Our membership consists of women from over 70 zipcodes (while most Curves only attract membership from 4-5 zipcodes) and we are one minute from the Ford Rd exit off the Southfield Fwy.

9) HOURS OF OPERATION - We open at 8:00 am M-W-F and close at 7:00pm and open at 9:00 am T & Th and clost at 7:00pm, Closed Saturdays, NEVER close during lunch to accomodate the working women in the area. Our ladies love to work out at lunch or workout while they wait for traffic to clear (they agree that if they drove home first they would never make it to another Curves.) And yes, of course you can adjust the hours when you buy this Curves.

8) DIVERSITY - I hear this alot from members who have travelled and transferred to our location. Curves in Dearborn is a true melting pot of all ages, ethnicities and abilities. We have members from age 9-90, women who run marathons and use walkers. Truly a unique group where all are welcome to come as they are!

7) SHOPPING TRAFFIC - Curves Dearborn is located in a large shopping plaza with 30+ stores and restaurants. We are nestled next to GNC and Ashley Stewert and Avenue (ladies fashion) and David's Bridal. At least one woman walks through our doors each day and says "I didn't realize you were here OR What is Curves??"

6) COZY SPA LIKE ATMOSPHERE - Whether you are relaxing on the leather sectional with recliners or working out on the circuit you feel the warmth. The meditterean patio on the sea with sunset and mountains provides a little bit for everyone. LOVE is in the air, love for each other and ourselves.

5) ORGANIZED OFFICE SPACE - Our management team has an semi-enclosed office space where work gets done securely. We have internet access, printer (color too), copier, scanner, fax, fridge and microwave. All the essentials you will want when you buy a Curves.

4) PROCESS DOCUMENTATION - I like to think of it as "Curves for Dummies". Everything is labeled and has a place. All major processes (from sign-ups to deposits and payroll) have checklists so we don't forget the important things.

3) AUTOMATED BANKING - Every Curves I know does banking every day! What a waste of time. We have our deposits entirely automated so we press a couple of buttons every 5 days saving tons of time and money.

2) CITY OF DEARBORN - Population demographics include around 100,000 people with 36,000+ households and almost 7,000 businesses (25% which are women owned!)

1) AWESOME TEAM - Our Staff consists of 5 seasoned women who were all members prior to working at Curves so they know what members want. Combined our team has over 25 years of Curves experience!

For more information on buying this Curves in Dearborn Michigan call Gail 313-575-9340.

Meet Pat Our Eldest Team Member

Hi! My name is Patricia Durham. I first joined another Curves in October 2002, and later transferred my membership to Curves Dearborn in May 2003, because it was much closer to my home. The fact that I could drive to Curves, exercise, and be home in less than an hour was very appealing to me. I also liked the fact that the workout is structured. I know what I have to do and I do it -- no guess work is involved.

My reason for joining Curves for Women didn’t really have anything to do with needing to lose weight, although I definitely needed to. I was attracted to the Curves fitness program because I was in my early sixties, had some arthritis and wanted to keep as mobile as I possibly could. Curves has allowed me to do just that. The fact that I have lost 20 pounds, and several inches, has certainly been an added bonus.

In November 2005, on a whim, I responded to a note that appeared on the Curves Dearborn blackboard stating they were looking for someone to work 9-12 hours a week. At first I thought, “I could do that, but I wonder if they would consider hiring someone my age.” Well, Gail Bushbaker, the owner, certainly didn’t have a problem with that. I have been a Curves employee for over 2 years now and it has been a wonderful experience.

The team at Curves Dearborn are “the best.” One of the biggest assets for me is the diversity of our members. There are several different ethnic backgrounds represented and I have met so many fabulous women -- warm, caring, witty, helpful and loving people. Wow! I feel so blessed.

Thanks Curves for making my life so joy-filled and my body so much healthier. Curves - what would I do without you?

LOTS OF LOVE ~ PAT

600 lbs of Food, 21 NEW Curves Members and Counting!

Just wanted to share a Curves Food Drive update with you. Not bad for being buried under snow for the past 2 weeks! Thanks so much ladies for your generosity. For those who haven't brought in their food yet we will be collecting through the end of the month so if you plan to lose weight this year make sure to donate as many pounds as you want to lose for good luck :-) And don't forget you can earn a FREE MONTH at Curves in Dearborn for every NEW member that signs up as a referral from you. Still collecting and counting!

~THANKS CURVES DEARBORN

Thanks for posting Shelia!

I can't tell you how excited I am to hear from you! Your comment was so uplifting. I could sense your excitement about your personal success and Curves. Cindy and Pat agree that you are an AMAZING WOMAN and a joy to have on the circuit. Congratulations on losing 20lbs this past year and staying focused. I personally miss the support I feel everytime I visit. I'm looking forward to meeting you on my next trip March 26th - April 1st.

~Keep up the HARD work! Gail

Meet Cindy, Manager Curves Dearborn

Cindy the Hun, as I lovingly call her, cracks the whip for me when I am away. We were referred to each other early in 2006 through a mutual friend who knew our Curves was hiring and Cindy was moving to Dearborn. Normally I only hire from the membership because I like to ensure I know your workout ethic and personality.

Hiring Cindy was a leap of faith and a blessing from above. At first she scared me. Don't laugh, you'd be scared too, to meet someone crazy enough to wear shorts when it is 20 degrees out! Now I know what you're thinking, everyone scares me. In my world I have found this truth: either scare or be scared. Most people say I scare them (because I'm so tough for such a shorty) and if I don't, they scare me. Ironically those are the people I end up admiring the most.

But don't you be scared, we are just talking about TOUGH LOVE, something we all need to stay on track and achieve the best person we can be. Think of it as lots of hard work with smiles!

Cindy is in her early 50's and has been married for 34 years. She has two male adult children, one who is married to a wonderful girl Jeanette (who also works at our Curves part time). Cindy has always been into sports and fitness and as she has gotten older Cindy says her body has made many changes and not always for the good.

"Fitness is a very important part of my life. I joined Curves for Women 7 years ago this May over Memorial weekend. I went in to see what this Curves concept was; I kept getting flyer's in the mail, so I had to check them out. I joined Curves on the spot. It was totally different than any exercise program I had done in the past, it was very intriguing.

Within the first month I lost 8 lbs and 8 inches, I was hooked; in total I've lost 38 pounds! Three months later I was at another Curves that was closer to my house and they were hiring. On a whim I applied and I got the job. Six years later I am still at Curves and I love every minute of it. The women are great. It is like an extended family."

Lovely Cindy (the Hun)

Meet Gail, Owner of Curves Dearborn

Hopefully you are enjoying our blog and learning about our Curves in Dearborn Michigan. If you are a member, I encourage you to contact me and let me know how you are doing, what you like about our Curves and if there is anything we can do to help you be more successful or make your visits better.

If you want to buy a Curves in Michigan this is definitely an excellent opportunity for you to buy an established thriving business. Please call Kevin to discuss 702-400-9986.

My name is Gail Bushbaker, I'm a native Detroiter who was transplanted to Las Vegas Nevada in 2005. My husband Kevin and I started looking at buying a Curves in Michigan in early 2000 after I was laid off from one of my so called "real jobs" for the 2nd time. I have been an entrepreneur since 1990 when I started a cleaning business. Professionally I worked in quality management. Service and continuous improvement are in my blood.

In August of 2003, the day of the east coast blackout (you all remember that don't you?) Kevin came home from work and announced he found a Curves for Sale in Dearborn Michigan. I had news to share as well, I was about to be laid off again, for the 4th and last time.

By this time in 2003 we had spent over 3 years researching buying a Curves or other fitness franchise. We had even considered opening our own mom and pop exercise facility. In the end we concluded that the other franchises or our idea could not possibly compete with a brand icon like Curves. It was buy a Curves or nothing.

On November 5, 2003 our 3 year long journey and dream to buy a Curves in Michigan came true. We were the proud owners of the Dearborn Curves. It was originally located on Schaefer and we moved it to it's current location and reopened in March of 2004.

Buying and owning a Curves has been very rewarding. We are sad to end this chapter in our lives but as a new chapter begins we know that passing the baton is the right thing to do. Ironically the journey in our new chapter - Adoption - also has taken 3years to come to fruition as we will be parents any day now.

Looking back we know the time we spent preparing to buy and own Curves made all the difference in our success. We are fortunate to feel the same about being ready to be parents.

Stay tuned for more on our story ~ Gail

Meet Traycye...

BEFORE: January 2007
I'll never forget the first time I met Traycye, to be totally honest she scared me. She didn't smile much and dressed like a man (pictured left), what can I say. It is nice to be able to joke about it now that we have gotten to know eachother so well. While Traycye can be tough as nails, and she has had to be to accomplish such amazing weight loss, there has always been a beautiful flower waiting inside to bloom.

MIDPOINT: October 2007

Traycye started working out at Curves in Dearborn on April 30, 2007 (45 weeks ago). She has lost a total of 113 lbs and 63.75 inches. The most notable changes in her body can be seen in her hips which at one time were 52" and her body fat which was 42%. Today Traycye's hips are a slender 38" and her body fat is a healthy 27%.

TODAY: February 2008
Traycye has worked out 202 times since she started the Curves program, that is an average of 4.5 times per week. She is orginally from Canada and she travels frequently to Montreal where she makes sure to visit other Curves never missing a workout; maybe that is where she does the half of a workout (ha ha).

When she is not working out hard at Curves she works hard at Northwest airlines as a Supervisor in baggage which can be both physical and stressful. Recently she has been dubbed the ice-princess by her co-workers b/c her new smile is all it takes to melt the ice away (ha ha). They also presented her with honors and a "Certificate of Consumption" because they are amazed that she has lost so much weight while still eating 20 times a day.

If you run into Traycye on the circuit don't be surprised if she talks your ear off. We actually believe this is her secret weapon for burning extra calories. We love Tracycye and know when you meet her you will too! Most members and people she knows who haven't seen her in a while don't even recognize her. Read more about Traycye

CONGRATULATIONS TRAYCYE! ~ Gail and the Curves Staff

All Curves Are Not The Same

Today I was reminded that all Curves for Women are not the same and why Curves in Dearborn is so special. My day started at a doctors's appointment with a physician who is dramatically overweight; she is 5 feet tall and weighs 350lbs. I hadn't seen her in a year and a half and immediately when she walked in I mentioned how good she looked and asked if she had lost weight.

She stood there half shocked and half beaming, her smile said it all. She had lost 50 lbs since January and no one had noticed and she didn't understand how I knew. I was secretly pleased to know that the sixth sense that I have developed from working in women's weight loss had recognized her success, something she wasn't yet giving herself credit for.

Immediately I started talking about my personal experience at Curves working with over 1,000 women who were losing weight and changing their lives. I encouraged her to celebrate this victory and she naturally proceeded to share her story with me. I was moved when it was almost 30 minutes later and I realized this busy doctor was spending her valuable time with me counseling her on weight loss and managment.

In the end she thanked me and said she wished she could join my Curves in Dearborn. When I suggested she join Curves in Las Vegas she sighed and said she had already visited two locations and they were nothing like what I had talked about. Unfortunatley I had been to these locations and I knew she was right.

I was devasted for two reasons. Had this doctor been able to come to Curves in Dearborn I know we would have contributed greatly to her success. And in turn imagine all the other women patients she would have been able to help.

This experience reminded why I work so diligently with my staff at Curves in Dearborn to ensure that above all else, EVERY woman feels comfortable and encouraged at Curves. And more importantly it humbled me because I know how hard the staff really does work due to our members who make sure to tell me how much they appreciate my Curves Dearborn staff. I take great pride in this as an owner especially since I am 2000 miles away.

So in the end I guess this post is to say THANKS to my staff, for being part of the Curves Dearborn family and for making all the difference. Stay tuned for more to come on the great TEAM at Curves Dearborn!
~Gail

Get a FREE MONTH at Curves during Food Drive!

Existing members of Curves in Dearborn, those who signed up prior to the 10th Annual Curves Food Drive, are encouraged to pick up special flyers to take to work, school, church, where they live and shop, wherever they go. We need your help to spread the word about the Curves Food Drive!

To show our appreciation for your efforts you will recieve a FREE MONTH at Curves Dearborn for every new member that signs up an says that they heard about it from you. So make sure to tell everyone that you meet that now is the best time to get started at your Curves in Dearborn!

Plus, all members (new and existing) who volunteer to pass out flyers will be entered into a special PRIZE drawing. And don't worry, if you are a new member who signs up during Food Drive and you are telling everyone to come join and they do we have a special reward for you too!

THANKS FOR HELPING SPREAD THE WORD ~ Gail

A Man's Perspective: Magical

Kevin is Gail's husband and an avid supporter of the Curves women's fitness club in Dearborn Michigan. He contributes at this blog occasionaly and offers the man's perspective the best he can. He also manages many parts of the business for Gail while she focuses her efforts on the members' success.

I really love what happens at the Curves club. Gail and her team are the best in the business and I am proud to be married to her. What I am most proud of, though, is the difference she and the Curves fitness instructors have on the members.

I used to think it was all about losing weight and looking better. I was only partially right. What happens at the club can truly be magical. If you have ever been around somebody who achieves their life's goals and you were there to either help them along or just be part of it...magical. There might be another word for it, but I really like this one.

Curves members are not just about losing weight - albeit a very important part of it. No, it is about giving yourself some "me time" to set the mind and body in motion. Spending 30 minutes with other women who are all attempting to achieve very similar goals does more for the soul than just going to a gym and working the machines. It feeds the soul and bonds you to who you share the experience with.

What I see when women leave the club after an breath-taking workout is an aura of happiness about them. They did it again. They spent another 30 minutes in the exact way they wanted to AND without the pressure of showing up for men who are working out right along side of them. They show up for themselves and what it can mean to their self esteem.

As a man who works out regularly, I can vouch for the fact that men and women approach fitness in a completely different manner. Men like to go to get buff and, yes, even those of us who are married, have an ego to get stroked by having other people (other men as well as women) notice their workout physique.

For women, especially those not interested in playing the fitness gym fashion show, the process is completely different. This is where Curves for Women steps up and provides the atmosphere and tools that are perfect for success; perfect for them.

I am so proud to be a part of this journey which these members embark. Some potential members come into the club feeling defeated and troubled that almost nothing has worked for them in the past. They take the chance and sign up with us - and committing with signing up is VERY important to the oomph needed to push forward. When success finally comes, it is magical - even for those of us watching from a distance...

~Kevin

Curves Food Drive - SAVE $120

It is that time of the year again! The Annual Curves Food Drive in March has always been one of my favorites. The buzz of new women joining the club, the truckloads of food that we collect and donate. There is nothing else like it.

HERE IS HOW IT WORKS: New Members get started and SAVE $120 or 80% off their activation with a a LARGE (recommended 20lbs) donation of non-perishible canned goods.

Existing members of Curves in Dearborn Michigan can also donate food. WE RECOMMEND you donate 1lb for every lb of weight you want to lose! If you aren't trying to lose weight we suggest you donate 20lbs, or better yet, your current weight in food to ensure you won't gain weight (ha ha). PRIZES will be awarded for: Largest Food Donation each week and overall!

In 2006 we collected 1900 lbs and in 2007 we donated 2500 lbs. Our goal is to donate 3000+ lbs in 2008!

THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR DONATION ~ GAIL

Thanks for Posting Kari!

A BIG THANKS to all the Curves Dearborn members who have visited our blog so far!

And especially to KARI (pictured left) for our first inspiring comment. I'm so excited to have this dialogue with you and look forward to chatting with other members of Curves in Dearborn Michigan.

FROM KARI: Hi Gail- Thanks for your email. I would love to share - once I get going and lose some more weight! I really enjoy your Curves in Dearborn Michigan because everyone has been really helpful. I have never been able to join a gym and keep going, but I really think that I will do it this time, because I really enjoy going and like the fitness trainers and the other women.

I look forward to meeting you too! KARI