Frequently Asked Questions

The BTF Advantage | International Opportunities | Get Started Now | FAQ's | Contact Us Bally Total Fitness offers prospective franchisees the opportunity to join with Bally and benefit from our nationwide consumer awareness, as well as Bally's marketing and management expertise. Our experience can help you attain your goals. These questions are designed to help determine whether this franchise opportunity is right for you Q: Where is the Bally corporate office located? Bally Total Fitness Corporation 8700 West Bryn Mawr Ave. Chicago, IL 60631 Attn: Franchising Department Ph: 1-800-410-CLUB Fax: 1-773-380-7679 franchising@ballyfitness.com Q: What are the franchise opportunities available through Bally Total Fitness? Currently, the most practical and cost effective approach would be to convert an existing health club into a Bally Total Fitness club. Alternatively, you can develop a brand new health club facility and become a Bally franchisee at that location. In either case, the availability of franchises in specific geographic areas must be discussed with Bally franchising personnel prior to approval. Q: What is the total investment and how can I financially qualify as a Bally Total Fitness franchise owner? The total initial investment for a new Bally franchise ranges from $100,000 to $1.5 million, depending upon which option you choose and the size of your club. This includes all training, support and equipment - everything you would need to open or convert your club to a Bally franchised club. In addition, Bally requires prospective franchisees to have an appropriate level of cash or other liquid assets. Q: How much is the franchise fee and what is the term of the franchise? The franchise fee is $12,000 for an existing facility and $30,000 for a new club. The initial term of the franchise is a minimum of 7 years with renewal options, provided you maintain certain standards of quality and performance. Q: How much is the royalty and other fees? Bally franchisees pay a royalty of 4% of cash receipts to Bally for continued support, new product development, and the right to continuously use the Bally Total Fitness trade name, logo and operating formula. Bally franchisees presently contribute up to 4% of cash receipts for advertising (where available). This fee is designed to support advertising on national and regional television. Finally, Bally franchisees contribute 4% of cash receipts to support the Bally Club Management System and Regional Service Centers. Q: How much cash (or liquid assets) is required to acquire a franchise? U.S. $200,000 Q: Will Bally Total Fitness assist me in financing the cost of the club including build out and equipment? Unfortunately, Bally cannot provide financing. Costs may be financed through a bank. Q: What services do the Bally Club Management System and Service Centers provide? The Bally Club Management System is Bally's proprietary club management software program that is electronically tied to Bally's mainframe computer at our Regional Service Centers. These highly automated operations provide backroom administrative support for Bally corporate and franchise clubs, including customer service, contract processing, dues collection, management analysis, and membership renewal services. Clearly, they represent a vital lifeline between Bally Total Fitness and your franchise operation. Q: What if I do not want to benefit from Bally Service Centers? The Bally service centers are an integral part of the franchise package and provide the systemization we feel our franchisees need to achieve maximum returns. Therefore, they are integral to, and inseparable from, the Bally Franchise. Q: What kind of training does my organization receive? Your management team will receive in-depth training from the Bally Training team. In addition, you and your sales and service managers will receive on-site training in your Bally facility. Our training program is continually evolving and can be tailored to meet your needs. Q: What type of continuing guidance and supervision do I receive? Through the Bally Club Management System, you will receive daily management reports and advice via your Bally Service Center. Bally also provides on-site visitations and reviews, policy updates, newsletters, seminars and equipment bulletins - all designed to keep you abreast of industry and company advances. Q: How much money will I make? Profitability varies depending upon a number of factors, including sales, location, occupancy and operating costs and the ability of the franchisee to manage the business. Questions related to profit and loss are discussed during a later stage of the selection process.