CURVES Franchise: Curves Still Bullying Failed Franchise Owners

114 thoughts on “CURVES Franchise: Curves Still Bullying Failed Franchise Owners”

• I googled number of Curves locations and found it on aggdata.com/gym_locations/curves. It lists 2486 locations as of 1-10-2013 in the US only.

• That is an interesting figure Getting Out, we have gone from over 400 in Australia to 241 so obviously they cannot brag that there are over 10,000 worldwide now. Would be good to find out somehow exactly how many are left.

• I’ve been told by clubs in other areas of the US that when you do not go to the area meetings that are mandatory that they take your club off the Curves Website, so if that is the cause you can’t go by the website which is what I did and counted each one for every state.
  It just keeps getting better. NOT

• I was told if you didn’t attend the REQUIRED meetings that you would not be entitled to receive any more leads. 90% of the leads we receive are bogus. So we don’t care.

  We were also told that Curves plans to offer Curves Complete only! You won’t be able to offer just the exercise. It’s getting better.

  We are planning on closing our club real soon. We can’t keep the doors open any longer. Rent just went up, our Wellness attendance is down and we are just not going to deal with Curves demands an longer.

• My club closed in December, 2012.

  Since then, I recieved one bill for 48k and that has been it. I simpy turned it over to my attorney.

  The bankruptcy language does not prevent a person from being able to declare a bankruptcy. In the US, the bk laws are federal and no franchise agreement can trump them. Its in there to intimidate.

  I loved my club. I MISS my club members. I wish things had gone differently. Closing was hard, smart and the right thing to do in my case.

  I gave my equipment to another club. I am not sure if there would have been legal issues or not, had I kept or sold it.

  At this point, I am sleeping well at night, still exercising at another local Curves as a member, and have moved on.

• We just discovered that our club has been removed from the website. Since Curves considers us non-existing, why are they still taking their fees every month?

  Those of you that have closed, when and how did you notify Curves that you were closing and/or closed?

• Hi Connie, I havent closed yet…but have been on the edge for the past year…I am also wondering how others have approached the closing with curves. I have been trying to hang on and get further a long with my time left with my contract….but it is so draining financially, physically, mentally and emotionally…I feel like Im breaking down, getting more non-functional, stress level is making me sick. I currently hired a manager, to run things, because even though I dont have the money, Im too overwhelmed and need someone who can handle the stress right now. The demands just keep coming. Now we have to memorize more scripts, apply more sales pressure, have a secret shopper come test us and fork out more money for the new diet bars and display, hundresd of dollars that I dont have for them to dig deeper into my empty pocket! I wish you the best, I dont have any answers, maybe some others can shed more light….

• I was involved with Curves for over 12 years and owned my own franchise for nearly 4 of those, managing for out of state owners for the rest of the time. I was Manager of the year at one point and I loved the program and what we stood for. It saddens me to hear of all the problems that franchisees are going through. I sold mine 2 years ago and although I miss my ladies, I am blessed to have found another way to own my own home based business that allows me to help not only women lose weight and gain their health back, but their husbands and children! If you are missing, truly missing making an impact on the health of others there are things out there that you can do! I promise you!! Keep the FAITH and just search. In less than a year I am making a 6 figure income and recouped my investment back the first month! Please do not be discouraged. There is life after Curves! Blessings!!

• Hi Monica, thanks for sharing some happy news….I figure you are involved in a multi-level biz, which is working for you. I have tried several in my lifetime and it didnt work for me. I wish you the best and perhaps some of the women here would benefit from your success, I know there are many lives that have been devastated.

• What about the clients who paid up front for a year and lost all of their money. No warning of closing and now they don’t answer the phone and the place is gone. I am out a year’s worth. Paid March 7th 2013 and the doors closed April 1st…gone no more Curve. No files, all my files of 10 years gone !! I am mad. The owner won’t answer the phone. I can’t find her.

• Christie I am so sorry that you had this happen to you. I have heard of this happening to many members when clubs had to immediately shut down. Sometimes clubs are foreced to close by corporate, because corporate has seized their accounts because the club isnt able to meet curves requirements, and in that case the owners hands are tied, they have no access to their account. In other cases the owner has completely run out of money, she isnt able to pay rent or payroll or anything and is in debt over her head and in some cases have lost their own homes. Im not trying to make excuse for your loss, its not right or fair that you would lose your money either. Itsa hopeless situation. I am looking at closing, and I am losing my own personal money trying to keep it going…there is not enough money coming into the business to pay the bills, so I am depleting my bank account, infact I havent made a dime for myself for 2 years and am having to put my own money in for the past 2 years…but I am going to do all I can to reimburse money to the members who have pre-paid. This is a hearbreak and loss for all concerned, I dont judge anyone, because I dont know what personal devastation they may be going through. It is a desperate situation to close a club. I am sorry that you lost your money…usually other clubs will take you in and honor your pre-pay and take you in as charity. Do you have another club in your area that you could go to…if so contact them and ask them if they would help you out of this bad situation…if it were me I would have taken you in. Best wishes

• I have to wonder with the consensus of people on here why there cannot be a class action law suit against NCP? They are a buy-out company. If you go to their website, they have MANY companies under their umbrella; none of which I am aware are franchises.

  Call it my own conspiracy theory, but this company knows what they are doing. They see the numbers and I believe they are intentionally weeding out the non-profitable clubs so that one day they will sweep in, make a “generous” offer to the existing owners to take over and invite them to become employees of their company. As appealing as it may sound to some, I would NOT do it in a million years. Remember, you have a HUGE initial investment in this business so any profit sharing offers or talks of a salary pale in comparison to what your investment was at the beginning and through the years you have owned your Curves. This is just my own theory so take it with a grain of salt as to its potential authenticity.

  But even with the current circumstances, I say victim no more! (Yes, you can call me Erin Brockovich.) Perhaps I haven’t read it clearly, but the Franchise Agreement states we must grow and develop with the company. The acquisition by NCP and the direction of making it a “Diet Center” has CHANGED it and far exceeds the scope of growth and development. We pay a percentage each month for advertising and it is only being advertised as Curves Complete. You have to really press to get an answer if you are asking if just Curves Fitness is still available. I challenge you to call the 800 number and see for yourself. I was reprimanded by my AD for doing so and told that we are not to call. As far as I know, I don’t believe it is a crime to call any 800 number I choose.

  I didn’t go to one of the Action Group Meetings. I had a family trip planned with my dad who was dying. And yes, they took me off the website. When I pay money for advertising fees, I find this highly unethical, and most likely illegal. This was for the entire month of January, which, as you know, is the time when people are searching for a fitness program. I got two new members that month and they were from women who already knew about my club.

  One of the last monthly video messages from “the two overweight men who talk condescendingly to women” said, while they are aware that fitness sales are down, they will continue to advertise Curves Complete but would like us, at the local level, to advertise the other promotions they have implemented….rest of the summer free, Living Social, and the upcoming punch card for BCA month. All these promotions are band-aids and provide no real steady income. In fact, they deplete a standard monthly base for which we rely from our members. We all know that people shop the Living Social, Groupon, and Amazon ads. They have no real intention of joining and simply go from one fitness club to another on their purchased deals. I got one person from this promo….$18.00.

  Be very aware, these are completely intentional and well thought out plans by NCP. There is a bigger picture for NCP and while I don’t know what it is exactly, I refuse to be a part of such unethical practices where it is the very antithesis of what Curves touts themselves to be, strengthening women. I, for one, am embarrassed at even being associated with such a company.

  And while I’m on a roll….does anyone besides me actually run the numbers? At the recent Action Group meetings, we are asked to bring in our totals for new members/Curves Complete. Then (as you know), they compare those numbers to your own area, and the rest of the nation. It is meant (as always) to create a hype about how well you are doing. Well, I say compare them to last year’s numbers and let’s bring those to the meetings….not that we are given an opportunity to even say anything….but those numbers show I am down 27%. Those are the real numbers and those are the numbers of which we are all referring to in the above comments. Those are the numbers that are causing us to not being able to pay our bills, pay our quarterly taxes, force us to borrow money to stay afloat, or get another job as supplemental income.

  Does anyone know of another franchise that operates in such a way that the franchisees do not make any money at all but actually go in the hole and eventually have to file bankruptcy?

  Even the new Curves bars….run the numbers on those, as well….with shipping and the mandatory cardboard display we must purchase, along with the $2.00 off coupon, you would be going into the hole buying these bars. Even after the coupon has expired and the cardboard display has since been paid and is starting to tatter and buckle, you will make approximately $12.00 on two cases of bars. It is insulting to keep hearing how they are going to boost our revenue.

  I am totally willing to do something about this. I refuse to be a victim of such calculating tactics where I feel like I am being treated like a stupid woman who will just go along with the herd of sheep following a leadership that has such unethical practices. And I’ll say it again….I think not only unethical but illegal.

  Tell me what to do….I’ll be your Erin. I don’t have the money to pursue much as far as attorney fees but there is strength in numbers. Let’s turn Curves motto around on them and use it to empower ourselves and not let this continue any longer.

• Marilyn you are right down to every last dot on your I and cross of your t……I have thought the very same thing in regards to the pruning down of the clubs, and I also know that they make more money from the clubs closing than if they stay open…there is no financial incentive for them to care if you stay open!! Have you talked to Ron Gardner of Dady and Gardner? He has helped with some of the curves issues before…I dont know why there isnt a class action suit. Please be our Erin, and I will go with!! I am taking steps to close and lose everything, I just cant stay afloat any longer and I cant meet all the demands of curves and I am breaking down…..You can contact me through admin on this site. I also think its unethical to remove clubs off the website for punishment, once again I think they make more money on us if we close!!

• Hang in there, Hope (and others). I am right there with you as far as wondering where the next dime is going to come from (particularly with quarterlies due tomorrow) but if I go down, I want to know I did it with a fight.

  I initiated contact with Ron Gardner yesterday. Let’s see what happens…..

  If nothing else, I feel good about standing up and taking action. I refuse to be manipulated and cajoled into thinking this change is actually benefiting me. Numbers speak the truth….certainly not a bunch of rhetoric trying to convince us of something that is nothing more than….well, rhetoric.

  If anyone has anything to offer that might help my (our) plight, feel free to contact me through admin.

• We closed our club July 31. We sent emails to the AD & to CI. We have heard nothing from anyone. Like all of u, we were unable to pay the bills, including the rent the last month. We were hoping to catch up with all we owed with the Wellness owed to us, but Curves is withholding those payments! That is truly unethical! We were also kicked off of Curves Community. No way to speak to wellness.

  We, too were deleted from their website when we were unable to attend those boring meetings because of health issues and lack of staff to keep the.Club open.

  Needless to say, since closing the stress level has been greatly reduced!!

  We felt bad for our loyal members. However we were able to find a place for all to exercise at a very low monthly rate (not a Curves) and everyone is happy!

  We will keep checking this blog for updates. I would be interested in a class action suit.

  Hang in there everyone. Trust me, there is a good life after Curves!

• Hello everyone! Yes I have closed my Curves, nothing about any of it was pleasant. But I think CI has moved on to other things since they haven’t been able to get $64,000 out of me. I think there was several things they could have done differently to help the franchisee to make a little money also. I am very bitter over all of this, I am broke and have nothing left to give!!! The Curves name did make me stronger but for very different reason!

• Marilyn, havent heard from you since your last post and your connection with the attorney…how did it go? Any hope for the rest of us?

• Donna, how did they come up with 64,000! Have you spoken to an attorney? I am concerned for you….there have been quite a number of posts where owners thought CI moved on and then a year or so later they were served with papers to go to court…not trying to scare you, just want you to be prepared and protected…
  I cant fathom how they came up with 64,000…how many years did you have left?Keep us informed and continue to read posts so you can be connected with others. Take Care, you are not alone in this horrific nightmare.

• We closed on JULY 31 and just today received the DEMANd letter from Curves. Among other insignificant demands, they want $20,000.00.

  The demand letter is addressed to our defunct LLC that was dissolved last month. We have ten days to comply. Not sure how we are going to handle our reply (if any), it’s encouraging to know they don’t seem to be on top of things. Probably have too many legal issues to deal with.

• Hi Connie, so happy you are free! How many years did you have left on your contract? 20,000 is much lower than others on the site, so I am wondering if you didnt have as much time left….Please let us know…Im hanging on but dont know how much longer, thanks! Wish you better days ahead!

• My club closed last December. I just completed a business bankruptcy, and the owned rent on the lease, other bills, and the 48k demanded from CI are all wiped out.

  Almost 9 months later, I am sleeping well. I am relaxed and happy and exercising well. I know other owners who are struggling and working full time at other jobs to support their clubs.

  Bankruptcy isnt the end of the world. I have my house, cars, etc etc etc. What I dont have is creditors hassling me for money that I dont have, and never did. After a few years of being a Curves owner, I had never taken a pay draw.. How they expected 48k out of me is beyond me. ( Seriously, if we had it, we wouldnt be closing)

  If you guys are sinking, do speak with an attorney about this option. Ya, your credit takes a hit, and it can be built back up. If its the best solution, find a knowledgable and skilled attorney and have a hard talk. If he says its a go, then do it. You will stop bleeding money, your mental health will start to recover, and you can, indeed, have a great life.

  Do I miss it? I miss the club, the members..the rest, no way!

  Best to all, Carol

• As I posted earlier, we closed July 31. What a relief! We had 2 1/2 years left on the franchise agree. They based their monetary demand on past collections. I previously stated they want 20k. It’s more like 22k. We have a pending email from them wanting some more info, like what happened to the machines, etc. They stated they are willing to offer us a reduced settlement. That is to be seen.

  Did they withhold Wellness monies from anyone else that has closed? They withheld our June & July payments. That can be their reduced settlement!

  Good luck everyone. I log on to this site periodically to check out what is going on. So keep me posted.

• Connie, did you use an attorney or just by yourself?

• I’ve had my club for almost 3 years and I’ve worked a second job the entire time just to make ends meet! My area has taken a pretty hard hit and has the highest unemployment rate in my state. I have been getting by but keep sinking farther into the deep dark debt whole. I contacted my area director several times for help and was promised visits along with weekly conference calls. After probably the 5th cancelled visit and a number of unanswered emails and messages she shows up only to go over my profit/LOSS and doesn’t know how to help me. So she recently told CI I was considering closing. I got an email closing packet and have been trying to put my ducks in a row. They are wanting $33,320.00 if I close… meaning I will be contacting a bankruptcy attorney. Any advice on how to proceed with closing and selling merchandise, equipment, signage, etc Or any advice on making this a smooth transition would be greatly appreciated!!

• Dear Michelle, I am so sorry for the over- whelming stress you are under, you are not alone. I recently read a post under curves about an owner who had claimed business bankruptcy, and she said its not as bad as you think, and she is happy to be relieved of her debt. Of course its not right, none of it is, but you need relief…have you checked into bankruptcy?

• Hope: I have handled this all myself. No attorney involved.

  Today we received an offer from curves to settle for $4,000 less what they us from Wellness!

  Ladies, try getting them to settle. I am sure they don’t want another lawsuit.

• Carole
  We donated our equipment to a nonprofit organization that works with mentally & physically challenged folks. Our members are allowed to workout there for $10.00 a month.

  If you have a recycling place in your area they might take the machines. We have one here and they would have picked them up and paid us money.

  The products, etc we sold to another Curves.

  Please let me know if you have other questions.

• I think we all should speak our minds at the regionals coming up in Nov. Instead of us listening to what Curves Corp has to say we should all speak up and tell them how We their ” money makers” feel !!! With all the struggles we are all having and all the closing one has to wonder if its more beneficial to Curves to sue the franchisees for defaulting on their contracts, or to help keep open the existing franchisees?? It seems to me their making more money off the closing franchisees. Nothing the new owner are doing is working!! Anything that helps my curves bring in more members is done by me and my partner. Last year September was our best mth for signups , this year NOTHING..Hope to see some incourageing info at Regionals not very optimistic but hopefully some of us owners will step up and open our mouths instead of letting our hard work go down the toilet .

• Trying Hard, I agree that its probably more profitable for corp if we default…I have thought for awhile that if you arent one of the top clubs you are not valued and its better you are pruned and they get their money anyway. I think they want the cream of the crop and when that is accomplished they will somewhere down the road sell us to another company where they make another profit. They cant turn us over if too many of us are mediocre or worse, they need us to be polished so they can market us for their next profit and move on to their next venture.
  I hear what you are saying about speaking up at the meeting, however I think its very unlikely, they usually do not allow anyone to say anything, that is how they run the action group meetings, they make it known that it is all to focus on the positive, no complaining. I agree that a united front needs to be demonstrated, and that we all should come together, Im just not sure how to make that happen. So many are so beaten down, stressed out and barely functional that we dont have the strength to fight, which is what they want of course….and you are right that we shouldnt just let it all go down the toilet…its overwhelming..

• I closed my club September 20. What a nightmare this has been. My lease ran out and I couldn’t get another building… why? I lost my house – it was either that or pay my $3000 a month rent to keep the club open and escape the oppression from CI. I truly believe that this franchisor oppresses us. It seems for every women that gets help, CI and NCP is tearing another woman down (an owner). This doesn’t make sense. If I could have gotten a building I wouldn’t have closed. My “letter” says I owe about 29,000. I was so stressed, broken, maybe is the better word. I have so much relief now, even though I have to deal with Oppression from them. They even wanted me to keep my business phone and transfer all calls to them. How on earth is that even possible? No business – no phone. I’m in all anything that can help this company stop killing people. OH – I forgot how CI wouldn’t let us collect service fees in Jan for Curves Complete. It was like “okay, where’s our revenue”…..

• “CURVES Franchise: Curves Still Bullying Failed Franchise Owners” Not just failed franchise owners….my club is doing as good as can be expected from a brand that has abandoned it’s loyal core members! During the November Regionals Monty Sharma stated that women just don’t think about Curves when they are choosing a gym…..rule one of brand recognition, ADVERTISE!!!!! I’m tired of being bullied, some days I feel like a fly caught in a spider web. I think at the very least our loyal customer base who still LOVE THEIR CURVES should start a letter writing campaign to CI. They are unhappy too! What would happen to this brand if they all started opting out of their local Curves? Yes, it would hurt me but in the end, it might just free me of this nightmare!

• Hello Everyone, I just spoke with Kelly Spann at the Law Office of Jonathan
  E. Fortman about our potential claims as Curves franchisees. They want to
  talk to as many people as possible. They have a successful track record, and they are willing to help on a contingency basis. Please go to
  http://fortmanlaw.com/curves-request-for-information/ and give them your
  story!

• Patti, I am a club owner and struggling to keep the doors open. I talked to a Curves rep about closing and was told I would have to pay $28,600 in fees. Did you pay the fee they want? How do they go about collecting it?

• Juline…. Unfortunately, that is true. Mine was in the same range. I did not pay and have an attorney now. I haven’t received anything else yet except the demand letter. It’s now been 3 months. From the owners groups, I understand they have sent collectors after an owner that closes before their FA is up. With this new NCP – I advise you to seek an attorney….
  .

• I am worried that CI will retaliate against me for saying this but I think all of you should go to jillianmichaels.com and note that she is selling her own circuit training and weight loss program which is in direct competition with us. When I wrote CI about this they informed me that Jillian just developed the workout and is still doing her own thing. None of us seem to be able to do all the upgrades they want since most of us are struggling to just pay the rent but it does not seem to matter to CI. They want all the money they can get from us without any regards to the humans involved. One of the things that attract women to Curves is the personal attention they get and not this sterile environment that CI wants.

• Hi guys! I read an (old) article on ClubIndustry.com that quoted a former president of CI, Mike Raymond, stating that “We made it easy for them to decide to leave by announcing a policy that removed any penalties for closing.” (See http://clubindustry.com/blog/examining-state-curves) Does anyone know what the *new* policy for closing down franchises allows? Any formal changes in Franchise Agreements beyond 2011 that indicate this policy specifically?

• Mzee,
  I became an owner in Oct ’11. There is no mention of “get out of Curves free” policy. Still remains the same “pay the $795 royalty per month remaining on contract”. I just got out of the agreement; I had to pay $6000 and I had 33 months remaining. So I made out pretty well. I followed their requirements exactly and that’s what I ended up with. All things considered though I lost money from the very beginning so I never exceeded the minimum royalty payment so I’m sure that’s where the adjustment came in… You can ask the admin for my email if you need anything specific.

• Hey Team ……. been in the fitness industry for over 34 years and have owned my own gyms and fitness centers in two countries.

  I took over an ailing Curves just on three years ago and have built it into a clean, modern and profitable business.

  Then along comes Curves with it demand that I now put in new equipment and procedures and ….. wait for it, I have one week to decide !!!! You are kidding aren’t you.

  I will be closing up shop almost immediately and will take MY members with me

  Watch this space as I am sure there will be more to come on this one.

• I’m so glad I found you all. I’ve worked at Curves for 10 years. Our club was sold to a wonderful lady 5 years ago. She is a joy to work for. I have seen her become so overwhelmed in the passed two years over all the changes CI has and is pushing. For a while now, she has been paying out of her pocket to keep the club open. And now the demands to update machines, new mats etc. for the Jillian Michaels workout that 90% of our members are unable to do ( most being over the age of 50 years old with bad knees, backs etc.) She can no longer handle or afford the never ending demands that CI has been pushing on her and will be closing her doors in Oct. This makes us all very sad. Most of our members have been there for many years and have become very good friends. She’s always thought she’s the only one with all these Curves problems. I’ve told her I was sure she was not the only one. And here you are. You all need to get together and fight those greedy you know whats.

• I agree with everything your saying

• We Closed in July 2013, complied with all demands CI wants 28,000. We were contacted a couple of months ago by Cedar Financial out of California. Has anyone heard from that company about demand for payment?

• Can someone tell the wording for part 18 of the franchise agreement. Our original contract is from 2002.

• Robin:

  I can get you the wording for part 18 of the March 2003 franchise agreement. If interested, email me at UnhappyFranchisee[at]gmail.com

  ADMIN

• i am also having the same problems with 7-eleven. i am also a store owner and SEI has taken back my store in mid feb of 2014 for similar reasons and i am trying to fight it as well but the lawyer fees are too much for me to be able to do much is there any thing i can do or find help some where? i am financualy unable to pay for the $100,000 to $200,00 in attorny expenses and thats a low estamate trying to win back $135000. any advice is appreciated. my email is [redacted]

  thank you

• Hello, Robin & Sherril,

  Sorry to hear of your troubles with CI.

  My firm, Bridge Management Consulting, helps small business owners who are struggling with overwhelming debt resulting from a failing or closed business.

  We’ve run into franchisors demanding unearned future royalties, and we’ve successfully fought back on behalf of our clients. Don’t give into them.

  Please visit our website, http://www.bridgemgt.com, to learn how to fight back against unreasonable creditors, or call me @ 401-390-3801.

• Anyone close 2 or more years ago? What was outcome with CI and pursuing the future fees? I closed about a year ago and now have Cedar Financial, CA hounding for a reduced 1/3 settlement amt – legalized extortion! Cant afford the $10k of the original $30k amt but also can’t afford the threat of the $30 k plus their attorneys fees. This is jacked! I really wish I was parishioner were the Heavins’ go to worship and hold themselves out to be such devout Christians. HA! Someday they will get their reckoning! pls lmk if you’ve had to deal with Cedar Fin, Ca and the outcome? Thx

• Hello, Alan,

  My firm, Bridge Management Consulting, helps small business owners them who are struggling with overwhelming debt resulting from a failing or closed business.

  We’ve helped with unearned franchise fees, terminating franchise agreements, and non-compete clauses. We know how to work with collection agencies, prepare client’s PFS, and negotiate settlements that are acceptable to our clients.

  We’ve handled several franchisees who need to get out of their particular franchise hell, and we’ve successfully fought back on behalf of our clients. Don’t give into them!

  Feel free to contact:

  Ryan Lineham, Director of Client Services
  401-390-3800
  ryan@bridgemgt.com

• I have a curves in England and too feel increasingly frustrated with the lack of anything, no advertising, but still ad fees, no stock when you need it, $40 shipping charges regardless!! old fashioned t shirts and stock, the bullying tactics around cleveland clinic and the new OS system, I have lost so much money because with no notice Curves removed my ability to even receive internet leads because I didnt sign up to Curves complete! they might have well have shut me down, how can they make such a fundamental change to business operations with no notice, its appalling I have no loyalty to them at all. I love my club and my members just wish i wasnt part of CURVES.

• I have been a Curves owner for almost 10 years. Since 2008 I haven’t taken any money from my club for a salary. I now work a part-time job to stay afloat. My contract is up on 2/18/15. I am struggling to honor my contract and plan to close in Feb. 2015. I am counting down the months!!!!

  Every time I speak to my AD, she makes me feel like such a failure. I am not going to stand outside a grocery store, day care or other shopping facilities and hand out flyers. My husband and I spent many a weekend/weeknight passing out flyers and never got members from this. I don’t know of any other business who goes door to door handing out flyers.

  With the new Curves Complete, I complained about the price of the Kits that we were supposed to give away. They had a perceived value to our customer of $50 — did anyone EVER thinks they were worth the cost to us – then we gave them away. I believe it contained a water bottle, plastic key coil, some vitamins, and a pedometer — and fancy packaging.

  I purchased the bars and the display. It is now sitting mostly empty in my club as I can’t afford to purchase any more bars. I didn’t jump on the Jillian band wagon — didn’t purchase the TV, Sound System and mats — as my members are older and can not do the moves. Yes, I have been threatened — but I don’t care at this point.

  Most of my members are SilverSneakers -who don’t come. CI takes a cut out of the wellness payment for them.

  CI is in my checkbook more than I am. Has anyone had an issue with money demands if the club closing is after the contract has been fulfilled. We hardly have any clubs left around here — its sad. Not looking forward to closing as I know I have ladies who need to exercise for their health. But I can’t opt for another 5 years. I’m taking $$$ out of my pocket now to stay afloat until my contract is up.

  Yes, I spent Christmas a couple of years ago — painting my club for the new colors — then with all the demands — I decided not to jump thru any more hoops. I don’t offer the JM workout. We have the machines and offer a Zumba class (the Zumba instructor is making more money then I am)…..I used to believe in what Curves stood for — as my Mother died at 72 and believe that if she had a safe, comfortable place to go to exercise, she would have had better health. Now I literally hate coming here — knowing that I’m going to close and am stressed out — burned out. I have thought that I was the only one in this shape — as talking with the AD — she ALWAYS made me feel like the failure — never letting me know that other clubs were in the same shape.

  Thanks for letting me vent — as I don’t have anyone else to tell this to. Please let me know your experience if you have closed after your contract is up.

  Sincerely,
  Bobbi

• Bobbi,
  I feel your pain! I just closed June 20th after 13 years, and my story is very similar to yours. Unfortunately, there are about 7,000 others with similar stories. So gee, I really don’t think it is our fault. Have you ever joined the Yahoo Owners-Managers group? owners-managers@yahoogroups.com. You should join and review posts going back. It is a group of 2,000+ current and former owners. They have been my lifesavers, and you will know that this all IS NOT YOUR FAULT!