Curves Franchise in 2024: Costs, Fee & FDD

Curves, founded in 1992 by Gary and Diane Heavin in Harlingen, Texas, revolutionized the fitness industry by introducing a gym concept tailored exclusively to women. Its mission was to provide a welcoming, supportive environment where women of all ages could prioritize their health and fitness without feeling intimidated by traditional gym atmospheres. As a pioneer of circuit training, Curves became a household name by offering a unique 30-minute workout combining strength training, cardio, and stretching.

The franchise’s core offerings include its signature circuit training program, which uses hydraulic resistance machines designed to be simple yet effective for women of all fitness levels. Curves also provides online workout programs, weight management solutions, and fitness tracking tools, catering to busy women seeking convenience. The primary customer base is women over 30, often looking for an accessible and supportive fitness option.

At its peak, Curves operated over 10,000 locations in more than 85 countries, serving millions of members daily. While the number of locations has declined in recent years due to market shifts, Curves still has a significant global presence, particularly in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. The brand continues to evolve by integrating digital tools like Curves On-Demand, offering online workouts to complement its in-person services.

Curves franchisees benefit from robust support, including initial training, ongoing marketing assistance, and access to the brand’s proprietary fitness programs. The franchise also provides guidance on site selection, equipment procurement, and operational strategies, ensuring franchisees are well-equipped to succeed. With a strong focus on community and empowerment, Curves remains a trusted name in women’s fitness, appealing to entrepreneurs passionate about health and wellness.

Curves Franchise Insights

1. Curves operates over 150 franchise locations in the U.S., showcasing a strong presence in the fitness industry with a proven business model.
2. The brand’s primary demographic is women over 30, with a proven track record of attracting customers seeking an inclusive, non-intimidating gym environment.
3. Many Curves franchisees report high member retention rates, with customers valuing the community-focused approach and personalized service.
4. Curves’ 30-minute circuit training program is designed for efficiency, combining strength training and cardio in a format ideal for busy schedules.

How much does it cost to open a Curves franchise?

Understanding the potential investment size and capital requirements is crucial when considering opening a Curves franchise. These financial commitments, including initial franchise fees, equipment costs, and ongoing operational expenses, impact the feasibility and profitability of the venture. Thoroughly evaluating these factors ensures that potential franchisees are prepared for the financial responsibilities and can make informed decisions about their ability to sustain and grow the business, ultimately contributing to long-term success.

Min & Max Investment

Opening a Curves franchise involves several key costs, which are outlined in Item 7 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). you can see a breakdown of the costs to open a Curves below from the most recent Item 7 below:

Item 7 in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is the “Estimated Initial Investment” section. It outlines the total costs a franchisee can expect to incur when starting a franchise, including the initial franchise fee, equipment, inventory, real estate, and other startup expenses. This section is crucial because it provides potential franchisees with a detailed understanding of the financial commitment required, helping them assess affordability and plan their investment strategy effectively.

Required Capital

To open a Curves franchise, the required capital involves both the initial investment costs and a net worth requirement set by Curves. Let’s take a closer look below:

• Initial Investment As shown above, the total estimated initial investment ranges from $71,731 to $100,375. This includes all the startup costs such as the franchise fee, real estate, construction, equipment, initial inventory, and additional funds for initial operating expenses. Assuming that you will finance your franchise investment, you should plan to have 20% of the total investment amount in the form of equity (cash) for the investment.
• Liquid Assets Fitness franchises in this investment range typically require $50,000 to $75,000 in liquid assets. This ensures you have sufficient funds for startup expenses and working capital during the initial months of operation. (This is an industry estimate.)
• Net Worth Franchisors in the fitness sector generally expect franchisees to have a minimum net worth of $150,000 to $250,000, depending on the business model and regional market conditions.

How much does a Curves franchise owner make?

Calculating the salary of a Curves franchise owner involves analyzing gross sales to determine total revenue, assessing operational efficiency to understand profit margins, and accounting for franchisor fees and additional expenses such as rent, utilities, and payroll. Effective management of these factors can significantly impact the profitability and financial success of a Curves franchise owner. This comprehensive financial analysis helps estimate net profits, from which the owner’s salary can be derived. A clear understanding of these factors ensures accurate salary projections and financial planning for sustainable business operations.

Curves Revenue & Gross Sales

Curves does not publicly disclose its median gross sales figures. However, as a long-standing fitness franchise with a proven business model, Curves’ revenue potential is influenced by factors like location, operational efficiency, and member retention. Franchisees benefit from a targeted customer base of women seeking accessible and supportive fitness solutions. While financial specifics are not provided, Curves’ established reputation and loyal customer base suggest steady performance opportunities for well-managed locations.

Which key factors impact the average revenue performance of Curves franchisees?

The performance of Curves franchisees’ median gross sales is likely influenced by several key factors. The growing demand for women-focused fitness solutions has continued to attract a loyal customer base, particularly as health awareness increases among middle-aged and older women. Curves’ structured 30-minute circuit training program provides an appealing and efficient option for busy individuals, contributing to member retention and repeat business. Additionally, localized marketing efforts and the flexibility of Curves On-Demand have helped franchisees reach broader audiences, including those preferring at-home fitness solutions. However, external factors such as regional competition, economic conditions, or shifts in consumer spending on fitness memberships may have posed challenges. Ultimately, the franchise’s ability to adapt and leverage its niche market appeal has been a driving force in its overall performance.

Curves Franchise Operational Costs

When opening a Curves franchise, key ongoing operational costs specific to running the business include:

• Staffing Expenses Salaries or wages for employees, including fitness coaches, administrative staff, or trainers for in-person and virtual classes.
• Facility Lease and Utilities Monthly rent for the fitness center, along with costs for utilities such as electricity, water, internet, and maintenance to keep the facility operational.
• Equipment Maintenance and Replacement Regular upkeep, repairs, or replacement of fitness equipment used in the 30-minute circuit training program.
• Cleaning and Sanitation Ongoing costs for cleaning supplies and professional services to maintain a hygienic and appealing environment for members.
• Technology and Software Subscriptions Fees for scheduling platforms, member management systems, or Curves On-Demand technology to support virtual workouts.
• Local Marketing and Promotions Expenses for local advertising campaigns, community events, or promotional offers to retain and attract members.

These costs are essential to ensure smooth operations, customer satisfaction, and long-term profitability.

Curves Franchise Fees

When owning and operating a Curves franchise, understanding the ongoing fees is crucial for financial planning and profitability. Here are the key fees based on the provided data:

• Monthly Royalty Fee 7.5% of the previous month’s gross sales, with a minimum monthly fee of $375. This fee increases to 10% if the franchise agreement expires and the business continues operating without renewal.
• Monthly Advertising Fee 2% of the previous month’s gross sales, with a minimum fee of $175. This supports national and local marketing efforts to promote the Curves brand.
• Potential Additional Fees Franchisees may incur other costs such as technology updates, training refreshers, or specialized marketing campaigns, depending on their operational needs.

These fees ensure access to Curves’ branding, operational systems, and marketing resources, which are vital for sustaining and growing the business.

Curves Franchise Earnings

Estimating the earnings of a Curves franchise owner depends largely on the franchise’s median gross sales and operational efficiency. While specific earnings data may not be publicly disclosed, a franchise’s profitability typically depends on factors such as controlling expenses, effective customer retention, and the location’s market potential. For owner-operators, direct involvement in day-to-day operations often helps maximize profit margins by minimizing labor costs.

With Curves’ established brand and its focus on a consistent membership-based revenue model, franchise owners can potentially achieve steady income streams. However, factors such as local competition, the ability to attract and retain members, and adherence to operational standards play a significant role in determining profitability.

How to Open a Curves Franchise

Becoming a Curves franchisee is a rigorous process that involves financial scrutiny, extensive training, and thorough evaluation. However, it offers the potential for a lucrative business opportunity backed by a globally recognized brand and comprehensive support system.

The full process for how to open a Curves franchise is outlined below:

1. Initial Inquiry You or your franchise specialist submits an initial inquiry basic information about your interest and background. You should also conduct thorough research on the franchise, including seeing all of the information available on the Vetted Biz franchise intelligence platform, including access to the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
2. Franchise Application Complete a formal application to demonstrate your financial qualifications and business experience. This step allows the franchisor to assess your suitability as a potential franchisee.
3. Discovery Process Participate in a discovery day or virtual session to meet the Curves team, learn about the business model, and explore the operational and financial expectations. This is an opportunity for mutual evaluation.
4. Approval and Agreement If both parties agree to move forward, you’ll sign the franchise agreement and pay the initial franchise fee, securing your territory.
5. Training Program Attend Curves’ comprehensive training program, which includes classroom learning, operational best practices, customer retention strategies, and hands-on experience at an existing location.
6. Site Selection and Setup Work with Curves’ real estate team to find and lease a suitable location for your fitness center. Oversee the build-out process, including equipment setup, branding, and interior design.
7. Pre-Opening Marketing Launch marketing efforts to promote your new location, including local advertising and community outreach to attract your initial members.
8. Grand Opening and Operations Open your Curves location with ongoing support from the franchisor, including field representatives who provide guidance in operations, marketing, and customer acquisition during the critical early months of business.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Established Brand Recognition: Curves is a well-known name in the fitness industry, particularly among women-focused gyms, giving franchisees an edge in attracting customers.

Niche Market Appeal: The brand specializes in 30-minute circuit workouts for women, catering to a loyal and underserved demographic within the fitness sector.

Low Startup Costs: With a total investment range of $71,731 to $100,375, Curves offers one of the more affordable entry points compared to other fitness franchises.

Proven Business Model: Curves has been franchising since 1992, providing decades of experience and a time-tested system to support franchisees.

Cons

Limited Target Market: The focus on women-only gyms may limit the potential customer base compared to more inclusive fitness models.

Competition from Modern Fitness Trends: Curves faces competition from newer boutique fitness studios and app-based fitness programs, which may attract a broader demographic.

Membership Retention Challenges: Fitness memberships often face churn, and sustaining recurring revenue may require significant focus on customer retention efforts.