8 Questions to Ask Before Investing in a Boutique Fitness Franchise

Searching for the right boutique fitness franchise for you is exciting, but it can also be stressful at times. If you’re new to franchising, it can be hard to know what exactly to look for. So, we’re making the process a little easier by sharing five questions you should ask yourself when determining if you’ve found a winning franchise opportunity.

1. What do members think of the brand?

Customer approval and proven demand are two revealing ways to measure a brand’s health. These can give you an indication of how a studio will perform in your market and what kind of members you’ll need to attract to get your business off the ground. Luckily, the internet has made this process easy. You can browse reviews of existing studios, comments on social media, and even member groups to see what real-life customers are saying about the franchise.

2. How does the brand differentiate itself in the marketplace?

The truth is, in today’s marketplace, fitness franchises that do things differently are better positioned to get ahead. While playing it safe may seem like a good idea, fitness franchises that push the envelope, from their studios to their operations, present more opportunity than bland brands. When researching the brand, take note of ways the franchise differentiates itself in the eyes of both members and owners. If possible, you may even want to visit a studio or try a workout to get a better understanding of how members interact with the brand and what makes this boutique fitness franchise so special.

3. What kind of training and support is offered?

Whether you’re a new franchisee or an experienced business owner, training and support processes will help make starting your fitness franchise a little simpler. You may be a finance whiz or a pro at leading teams, but it’s important to understand the core of your new business endeavor and how you’ll be expected to follow established systems. Afterall, this is a huge benefit of investing in a boutique fitness franchise rather than starting your own studio from scratch.

A good franchisor will give you insight into the development process by outlining expectations, defining timelines, and showing you how they’ll assist you every step of the way.

4. What do franchisees have to say?

Existing franchise owners are some of the best resources you can use during your discovery process. They will be able to give you the most accurate picture of what it takes to become an owner, how the franchise’s processes work in day-to-day operations, and what you can expect from your first days on. The franchise should encourage you to connect with existing owners and their contact information should be included in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

5. What is the fitness franchise’s corporate team like?

Businesses with strong, experienced leaders can indicate your future fitness franchise is headed in the right direction. You can even get to know a brand’s corporate team before you officially start the discovery process by researching key players online. Once you’re further along, you will likely have a chance to talk with many of these important figures in the company, particularly those who work closely with the franchise department.

6. What Are the Financial Requirements and Expected Returns?

Before you move forward, make sure you have a clear picture of the total investment involved. This includes startup costs, ongoing fees, and any additional expenses tied to daily operations. It’s also important to ask what kind of financial performance other franchisees typically experience and how long it usually takes to become profitable.

7. Is the Location Positioned for Success?

In boutique fitness, where community and convenience are everything, location plays a major role in your studio’s performance. Look for areas with strong foot traffic, complementary businesses, and a population that aligns with the brand’s target demographic. It’s also worth asking the franchisor which markets are currently open for development—some may already have high demand and brand awareness.

Pvolve franchise locations are currently available in cities like:

Nashville, Austin, Scottsdale, Charlotte, Raleigh, and Salt Lake City.

8. What Should I Know About the Franchise Disclosure Document?

The Franchise Disclosure Document is a key resource in your decision-making process. It provides important details about the franchise’s structure, fees, obligations, and the experience of current and former franchisees. Reviewing it carefully can give you a clearer picture of what to expect—and if needed, working with a franchise attorney can help you navigate the fine print with confidence.

Pvolve Checks All the Boxes

Pvolve has all five of these features and a whole lot more to offer. To learn more about what makes Pvolve one of the best fitness franchises on the market, get in touch with our team. We’d love to help you continue on your path to entrepreneurship.