Nowadays, the number of children being more inclined to gadgets, TV screens, and the digital world is slowly increasing. Although this is not totally bad, it poses a threat to younger children’s development and growth because their physical activity lessens and lessens each day. Since children are easily distracted, they need to have dynamic ranges of activities, and this is somehow what gadgets and TV screens can do. In this article, we’ll discuss the little gym franchise opportunity and how it can help us.
Given that it is easier to switch from app to app, video to video, and all that, parents tend to forget the importance of taking them out to physically play and be engaged in activities that help them practice their motor skills and bodily movements.
Introducing Kids’ Gyms
According to statistics, there are about 41,370 adult gyms in the USA. However, this does not include specialized gyms that are created and built for children’s physical needs. With this, it’s about prime time that America sheds some light on the importance of children’s physical activities and health by proactively opening more kids’ gyms, which is one of the inspirations in the story behind Little Gym Franchise USA.
The Little Gym Franchise Owner was Robin Wes, a musician, gymnast, and kinesiologist, who wanted to create something to benefit young children all around America. The concept started because he wanted children to enhance their overall development and health – socially, physically, intellectually, and more, in such a holistic way in a work-play kind of environment. He wanted children to have a safe space to develop their motor skills, enjoy playing, and hone their mental capacities in a setting that was built for the said purpose.
More and more people sign-up for the Little Gym Franchise Opportunity, which is all about allowing young children to develop and progress at their own pace. Currently, the program caters to 4 months to 12 years old children who want to develop their physical health through a gymnastics-like space that features a non-competitive learning environment. In this way, children do not need to feel pressured about their peers’ progress, and they are there to develop for themselves only. As time passed by. Little Gym became well-known for their vocation and life-long mission, which inspired a lot of other gym enthusiasts to come up with the same idea.
Pros & Cons of Owning a Little Gym Franchise
Now, if you’re wondering what the things you have to weigh before investing in a potential little gym franchise opportunity, don’t worry because we’ve got you covered! From the things you need to know about Little Gym Franchise Information up to the amount of money you might need to save for Little Gym Franchise Fees, we’ll lay it all out for you so you can be more ensured with the next steps moving forward!
Pros
1. Flexible Locations to Choose From
Little Gym locations are spread out across almost all the states in the USA. You’ll never run out of site location options because there is a market for every state. At the same time, there are also options for international site locations such as Armenia, Brazil, China, Czech Republic, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, England, India, Kuwait, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Oman, Peru, Philippines, and more!
So if you’re an interested international customer, you don’t have to worry about having to invest in an American-only location. So many flexible options to choose from!
2. Strong Real Estate Support
Franchise owners have the benefits of real estate support, so you do not have to go through the journey alone! From leasing processes to having construction permits, the Little Gym team will be there to assist you throughout the whole time. In addition to this, you are also entitled to license and zoning, relocation if there is a need to, and upgrading or opening additional facilities for your own franchised store.
The Little Gym International will also assure you that you’ve selected the most appropriate and available place for your new business. Their Real Estate Department will give you knowledge from their research on the best location available for creating your own Little Gym franchise, whether in The Little Gym Franchise USA or international.
3. Clear investment process From Start to Finish
The best part about investing in Little Gym is that there is a clear and cohesive process for opening your own franchise that can be mapped out in 6 easy steps.
Before anything else, the team schedules an Introduction Call with you so that you really know what you’re signing up for. They explain to you some background and history and discuss all the things you need to know. Then, you go through the application process, and if qualified, get scheduled with a call with Little Gym’s Director of Franchise Development.
Once you’re through with that, you get invited to a Discovery Day where you get to tour the main office and have a taste of what it’s like to have your own franchise, then you go through validation and awarding so that you can be an official and full-pledged franchise owner! Isn’t that sweet? For any clarifications, you can also check out their website, which is full of information so you can go through it anytime, anywhere!
4. Special Opportunities
If you think that’s all the beauty of grabbing a little gym franchise opportunity, you’re wrong. Little Gym actually offers special discount offers for United States Veterans and Active Duty Military, Reserves, National Guard, and Coast Guards. If you qualify for any of those said positions, you are entitled to 50% off the franchise fee. However, savings may vary.
5. Various Format
The Little Gym gives you two different business formats to choose from. This means the Little Gym Franchise fees will differ depending on the facilities you want to have and the market size. Even if Little Gym does not hold nor set the amount of lease and tenant improvements, their real estate department will guide and help you to find the best location and space for your gym with the greatest prices available. They will also inform you about the possible upgrades on your site.
6. It’s For Everyone
You do not need to have experience in gymnastics or be a business owner. The Little Gym Franchise Opportunity enables you to start a business even if you do not have any background or experience in this kind of job. They will teach you how their program will work, which are all based on a well-planned and professionally developed curriculum.
While creating your gym, you will be provided with The Little Gym Franchise information that will help you select certified and knowledgeable partners or businesspeople while also assisting in meeting the construction deadlines. They will make you familiar with the gyms’ standard interior design to meet the quality and effectiveness of the business. They will also give you data and information that can help you make your choices in the making through the business.
Cons
1. A bit pricey investment
The Little Gym Franchise costs are slightly on the expensive side, which starts from $174,900 to $456,500 as of the highest. This excludes the lease rent and improvements to space for the tenant. With this in mind, they are looking for aspiring and dedicated owners that are willing to invest for at least $75,000 to $100,000 and have a net worth of at least $150,000 to $200,000.
The franchisor, the Little Gym, does not offer money or direct financial assistance, which might put you in a tight spot when you have a very limited budget for the business.
2. Varying initial investment
Because Little Gym is located in multiple sites, the initial investment varies from place to place, which might affect your overall decision to choose to own a franchise. You might have some complications when it comes to financial matters.
3. Long Training Program
The training program is a bit too long and contains 3 different parts that almost take about three weeks or a month. The first part will be a 21-day business start-up training. This training might take longer or shorter than usual. The second part is the launch training, which takes about eight to nine days in total.
The last part will be the internship training that is provided in a classroom-style teaching so that the two to three people that the franchisees chose will learn and develop their skills on the practical training. Additionally, the franchisor might require you to attend another 15-day training course after the initial training that may cost about $350 per person per day.
4. No Control of Brand Name
You do not have any control over the brand name of your little gym franchise. As much as it is nice to be affiliated with an established brand, it will hinder and even risk expanding your business. Over time, this could hurt your business drastically. In addition, the profit of your business is tied to the franchisor. So if the overall performance is going bad, it will also reflect with your little gym franchise.
How much does the Little Gym Classes Cost?
Parents nowadays are more than willing to invest in the health and wellness of their kids. If spending a few bucks can offer a long-term solution to keep them away from their gadgets, they will not hesitate to cash out some money.
That being said, let’s take a look at the costs of classes in the Little Gym.
The annual membership fee of the Little Gym classes is $50. If you want to try it out first with your kid to see how it goes, you can join a class for a day at $30. It can range up to $96 for four days. This is only for those who want to see if the classes work for them. The gym offers monthly costs that are cheaper and practical than paying for each class.
The rates of the Little Gym classes vary depending on the branch you go to. Some parents prefer a monthly payment of $124. Everyone is welcome to join any time of the season. You and your kid will have one class every week, two free classes every month, and one free Lego Duplo class every month. There are other programs available for parents to sign up for, and the Little Gym also offers a booking for a party at affordable rates. With all the physical and mental benefits that your child can enjoy, the fees are just reasonable.
As of now, the Little Gym is available in 38 states and 30 countries. Finding the nearest branch in your area shouldn’t be too hard. Half of the branches are grown and established in China with 68 locations. Originally there were only eight classes to choose from the Little Gym. After the company’s rapid growth and expansion, the variety of classes and programs were also upgraded.
Can you cancel your little gym membership?
Canceling your membership should be done formally. It will not take effect by word of mouth or by informing them over the phone. You will be asked personally to come to the gym and cancel the membership.
Little Gym also offers another option aside from the full cancellation of your membership. They can freeze your account. This works best if you and your kids have to take a break for a holiday vacation, medical illness, or personal concerns.
Does Little Gym offer discounts and gift cards?
Robin Wes, the Little Gym owner, believes that every child should have an opportunity to experience an inclusive fitness environment. Hence, discounts are given, and gift cards can be purchased online via Treat. This option allows everyone to try out the Little Gym and see how it works.
How long is a single session in the Little Gym?
The average session in the Little Gym lasts up to 45 minutes. During the session, you and your child will benefit from different balance and coordination activities prepared by the gyms. However, despite being a gym dedicated to toddlers, there aren’t many brain-boosting activities available here. They only teach sign language word of the day at the start of the program, and that’s it. It is abundant in different physical activities, but it lacks real teaching of letters and numbers.
How much is the Little Gym Franchise?
Now that you have a glimpse of the Little Gym classes let’s take a closer look at the franchising aspect. If you are interested in franchising the Little Gym, thanks to its excellent brand recognition and stable profitability, here are the costs to consider.
The initial franchise fee of the Little Gym costs from $9,750 to $49,500. You also have to pay for the startup equipment and inventory package which ranges from $22,000 to $60,000. Signs and fixtures cost from $5,000 to $15,000.
How much does it cost to franchise a little gym?
If you want to be a franchisee, you must have at least $75,000 to $100,000, cash or assets, to be qualified. The initial investment of this franchise business can start from $152,700 to $377,000. It also includes the initial franchise fee that ranges from $24,750 to $49,500.
What are the requirements for franchising?
Your desire to be a franchise owner of the Little Gym is not enough to get accepted. You have to prove that you have the potential to become a successful franchisee. The Little Gym is very keen on choosing potential franchisees. They will let you answer a questionnaire, requesting all the information for you to open a franchise. After reviewing, personnel from the company will contact you. If they have decided that you can become a successful franchisee, they will invite you to a meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona.
It doesn’t end there. The meeting per se is part of the test. This is your final phase to prove that you are qualified to become a franchisee. If you pass, you will receive the Uniform Franchise Offering Circular for your perusal. If you fail, you’ll have to postpone your dreams of becoming a franchise owner of the Little Gym until you can meet the imposed standards.
Does Little Gym offer financing options?
If they see potential in you, but you need a little help in the financial department, the Little Gym is partnered with reputable third-party lenders. They will help you to process your financing application. Once approved, you can proceed to the final stages of your franchising.
The Little Gym’s ongoing fees include an 8% royalty fee and a 1% ad royalty fee. For you to start operating, you must have at least five to seven workers.
Is franchising the Little Gym worth the investment?
It cannot be denied that franchising the Little Gym is not cheap. There are expenses and ongoing costs to consider. However, every penny is worth it when you become a franchise owner. Many former doctors, teachers, and lawyers are now franchise owners of the Little Gym. This franchise business provides an excellent chance to work with children and make a difference.
Besides that, becoming a franchise owner of the Little Gym allows you to have an excellent financial growth opportunity. While it may not give you a life of luxury, you can live comfortably, especially during your retirement years. Many franchise owners are retired and just enjoying the work with the kids while earning decent money. If you feel like you have the potential to become a successful franchisee of the Little Gym, consider turning in your application and enjoy a rewarding experience in this fun, inclusive environment with the kids.
Little Gym vs Special Strong
Franchise Fee
Having your own gym is an investment. However, you can still limit your costs by finding the right franchise.
If you are eyeing Little Gym International, so, how much does the little gym franchise cost? Well, their fee starts at $49,500. This payment comes with pre-opening training and support which gives you access to the comprehensive curriculum and tools. The Little Gym franchise aims to develop the overall fitness of children through recreational sports and other training programs.
On the other hand, Special Strong gym franchise has a different approach in terms of plans to choose from. The starting fee is only $25,000 and can go up to $50,000 for bigger and advanced gyms. It is more affordable compared to other franchises.
Both of these franchises do not provide direct financing. It is solely up to potential franchisees to fund their application. Special Strong can offer assistance through a third-party loan and lines of credit.
Duration
The length of the franchise is also an important factor in choosing a franchise. A franchise under Little Gym runs for 10 years, which can be both a benefit and a disadvantage. It is a good duration for the fee paid for, but it may be overwhelming for those who are just starting and do not want to be tied into a long contract. Franchise owners can easily renew their contract for another 10 years as long as they meet the requirements.
In terms of duration, the Special Strong franchise is more flexible. There is no single, fixed-term since it varies on the type of franchise.
Training and Equipment
Both the Little Gym and Special Strong gym franchise requires its adaptors to undergo training. Franchisees must be able to complete the training to proceed. This is essential to ensure the quality of service provided as well as the safety of clients. The fee already covers the training and equipment needed.
Even though franchisees of a Special Strong gym must be accredited trainers, they will still be given up to 90 hours of training that covers in-depth topics. You will also gain access to Special Strong equipment.
For the Little Gym franchise, the training period is longer. The entire training is divided into three parts that last for three weeks to a month. First, franchisees must undergo Business Startup Training to learn the concepts and technical information. Next is the Launch Training and the internship. The program is delivered using mixed methods such as lectures, presentations, hands-on assessments, and more. All franchisees are required to finish the program. Unlike Special Strong, Little Gym International may charge about $350 for group training and advanced courses, depending on the decision of the franchisor.
Target Audience
It is important to determine your target customers before committing to a franchise. Choosing a gym that is inclusive is a better option since you can serve more clients and address their needs.
If you plan on focusing on toddlers and children, then the Little Gym franchise would be more suitable. It has over 400 locations worldwide and caters to the physical fitness of kids as young as four months up to 12 years old. From the training up to the equipment used, this franchise concentrates on the development of young kids.
For a franchise that has a wider target audience, the Special Strong gym might be a better choice. It focuses on addressing the needs of clients with disabilities. This franchise is a perfect match for individuals who want to develop the overall development of both the physically and mentally disabled.
Putting up your own franchise is a big decision. You have to explore all factors before coming up with the decision on which one to go for. Be patient and study every corner. This way, you’ll be a successful franchise owner in no time.