Implementing Open Gym Hours at Your Business
Adding Open Gym Hours to your business can be a profitable way to give clients access to your space during quieter hours of the day. In an earlier blog post, we met Joel Tellier from Stay Gold Fitness in Toronto, who successfully incorporates Open Gym Hours into his diverse and vibrant fitness center. If you’re thinking of incorporating Open Gym Hours as an additional revenue stream, here are some essential things to consider, including a few pro tips from Joel.
Phase 1 – Plan
Assess and Document Client Demand
Gauge your clients’ interest and willingness to pay for open gym offerings. Talk to customers informally or conduct a survey to gather insights. Analyze your existing space utilization to ensure there is adequate demand. Weigh the potential for these offerings to cannibalize your other services and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Research Regulations and Ensure Compliance
Investigate local regulations and requirements for running an open gym, including safety and insurance considerations. Ensure compliance with all health and safety guidelines.
Assess and Document Available Business Assets and Resources
Inventory your current equipment and facilities to determine which ones you want to make available for open gym hours. Identify any additional resources or equipment needed.
Determine Pricing Model for Open Gym Hours
Develop a competitive and sustainable pricing model. Consider various membership tiers, pay-as-you-go options, or bundled packages.
Set Sales Goals for Open Gym Hours
Establish clear, measurable sales goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) for open gym hours. Evaluate expenses and determine how many memberships you need to sell to make it worthwhile. Streamline or eliminate staffing needs during open gym hours to minimize additional costs. Implement an automated process, such as a door access system linked to your scheduling software.
Create Rules and Accountability for Open Gym Hours
Develop comprehensive rules and guidelines for open gym usage, including safety protocols, equipment usage, and member behavior. Ensure these rules are clear and easily accessible to members.
Phase 2 – Implement and Administrate
Plot Availability into Schedule
Integrate open gym hours into the existing class and training schedules, ensuring there is no overlap or conflict with other activities.
Set Up Booking and Point of Sale for Open Gym Hours
Implement a booking system that allows members to reserve open gym time slots. Ensure the point of sale (POS) system can handle open gym transactions seamlessly.
Enable Recurring Bookings and Payments
Set up options for recurring bookings and automated payments to simplify the process for regular users.
Inform Clients About Availability
Announce the launch of open gym hours through various channels, including email, social media, and in-studio signage. Provide clear instructions on how to book and pay for open gym time. Encourage word-of-mouth referrals by implementing a rewards program.
Grant Facility Access Privileges to Paying Clients
Issue access cards or codes to clients who have paid for open gym hours. Ensure access control systems are updated and functional. Consider implementing an automated system that grants and revokes access based on a client’s payment status.
Phase 3 – Evaluate and Iterate
Evaluate Actual Sales Against Sales Goals
Regularly review sales data and compare it against the initial goals set. Identify trends and patterns in open gym usage to understand what’s working and what needs adjustment.
Find Ways to Streamline Processes and Costs
Continuously look for opportunities to improve your margins by implementing additional automation and optimizing staff schedules.
Solicit Customer Feedback
Gather feedback from members through surveys, suggestion boxes, or direct communication. Use this feedback to identify areas for improvement and ensure member needs are being met.
Revoke Facility Access as Needed
Monitor member accounts for unpaid balances and promptly revoke access for those with outstanding payments. Ensure this process is communicated clearly to members to avoid confusion and maintain transparency.
Adjust Strategy as Needed
Based on sales data and customer feedback, make necessary adjustments to the open gym hours, pricing, or rules. Stay flexible and responsive to member needs and preferences.