Cheerleaders, Cheer Coaches, And Gym Owners.................

Date: Tue Feb 12 4:26 PM, 2008

RE: Cheerleaders, Cheer Coaches, And Gym Owners.................

Date: Tue Feb 12 4:44 PM, 2008

Anonymous wrote:

All of these are great tips, but I think the #1 factor these days is location. We have seen gyms open and close that had great potential but they tried opening in an area where there are already successful gyms. Not good, especially not in today's economy. If those successful gyms are trying to continue to thrive with existing members and new members, a new gym will not have a chance. Finding the right area should be the most important item on your list, in my opinion. Then consider all the other great suggestions submitted.

This is a great post, although I think the key word her is SUCCESSFUL - I know of a couple of areas where there are currently established gyms but I don't know how successful they are or how satisfied their customers are.

Date: Tue Feb 12 4:51 PM, 2008

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

All of these are great tips, but I think the #1 factor these days is location. We have seen gyms open and close that had great potential but they tried opening in an area where there are already successful gyms. Not good, especially not in today's economy. If those successful gyms are trying to continue to thrive with existing members and new members, a new gym will not have a chance. Finding the right area should be the most important item on your list, in my opinion. Then consider all the other great suggestions submitted.

This is a great post, although I think the key word her is SUCCESSFUL - I know of a couple of areas where there are currently established gyms but I don't know how successful they are or how satisfied their customers are.

I agree with your post about gyms that are currently established but not necessairly successful or even so customers who are happy. Which leads me t state that if you can come into an area and establish a successfully, satisfying gym in an area in need regardless of it having lets say two gyms already. Then if those other gyms are not giving the customers what they need and or what they are paying for. It doesn't matter of there are 3 4 5 gyms in that area. The successful gym will prevail. If you believe in your product and your gym. Stand by what you have to offer, there are a few places that could use a repuatble gym for parents to choose from.

Guest · Newbie

It is obvious to anyone else that this person does not what to tell where they are thinking of opening a gym???

Date: Wed Feb 13 8:12 AM, 2008

Anonymous wrote:

All of these are great tips, but I think the #1 factor these days is location. We have seen gyms open and close that had great potential but they tried opening in an area where there are already successful gyms. Not good, especially not in today's economy. If those successful gyms are trying to continue to thrive with existing members and new members, a new gym will not have a chance. Finding the right area should be the most important item on your list, in my opinion. Then consider all the other great suggestions submitted.

So NOT true. You can open up anything and can be successful. In Dallas there are over 100 cheer gyms. You just only hear about the big ones, and most of them are doing very well. In California, especially Northern California, people are very weird about competiitive cheerleading. You just need to show them that your product, staff and gym are whats great. There is no high school, all star gym, or youth team that is so great that a little competition can't stand. Its not about the economy either, its just people need to feel its worth it.

Date: Wed Feb 13 11:23 AM, 2008

Guest wrote:

It is obvious to anyone else that this person does not what to tell where they are thinking of opening a gym???

I think it is honorable not to mention where they are opening a gym. So that this doesnt turn into a gym bashing session. they are seeking advice and helpful suggestions and leaving out the location to keep the drama down. Thank you for doing that.
with nationsl coming up tha last thing you neeed on your mind is fighting board bashing messages

Date: Wed Feb 13 12:35 PM, 2008

Agree completely. Kudos to them for not mentioning the area. Also I agree with the post about location, we have seen it happen. It will be an uphill battle to steal members from existing gyms if those gyms are established and successful. It's not to say members may choose one existing gym over another, but a new gym coming in would have to offer something completely different than what is already there. It's not impossible, but it is far more difficult to do than to choose an area where there are no gyms in the close vicinity (within 20 miles or so).

Date: Wed Feb 13 4:32 PM, 2008

why would this new gym owner have to steal fron other area gyms there are plenty of cheerleaders everywhere, lol!

Date: Wed Feb 13 6:15 PM, 2008

I don't know about that. Enrollment was down this season for some gyms and with the economy and all it's hard to say how many new cheerleaders will be looking for a gym. If they offer something completely different (like quality at really low prices), that might do it!

Date: Thu Feb 14 12:13 AM, 2008

If you are starting a gym in California, make sure you see an attorney. Have him or her make sure all of your waivers are legal and have your parents sign them as contracts. Get your insurance, remember Californians like to threaten law suites. You will be taking money so unless you are a certified accountant, you will need to get one. And remember this, cheerleading is great and you must love the sport, because owning a gym will never make you rich. Lot's of luck to you!

Date: Thu Feb 14 6:30 AM, 2008

oh and don't forget, you must comply with all the city and county regulations. make sure you start this process early. if you plan on opening a gym in April the rules and regulations efforts will delay our efforts for several month. good luck to you!

Date: Thu Feb 14 9:43 AM, 2008

there is a magazine for cheer gym owners cheer biz news, and it has a lot of helpful articles on running the business

be sure to spread the word early, but be ready to open- insurancewise, legalwise- make sure you trademark your name statewide and then even nationwide or else you might have to share the "elite extreme ultimate" name with everyone!

figure out your budget and then add 20 percent on top. just getting utilities open in your name is outrageously expensive- call them and ask the commercial rates for deposits just to have your light and heat turned on

Date: Fri Feb 15 1:20 AM, 2008

Anonymous wrote:

there is a magazine for cheer gym owners cheer biz news, and it has a lot of helpful articles on running the business

be sure to spread the word early, but be ready to open- insurancewise, legalwise- make sure you trademark your name statewide and then even nationwide or else you might have to share the "elite extreme ultimate" name with everyone!

figure out your budget and then add 20 percent on top. just getting utilities open in your name is outrageously expensive- call them and ask the commercial rates for deposits just to have your light and heat turned on

What is this wonderful magazine you speak of??? I think I MUST get it!!!!

Date: Fri Feb 15 7:27 PM, 2008

Cheer Biz

Date: Sat Feb 16 1:23 AM, 2008

As i read through these post I have to say....i agree with most of them.....I cannot emphasize enough the importance of CUSTOMER SERVICE! Although it will be your business & you have the right to run it the way you want, if the customer service is not there then.....I promise you, your business will not succeed. Ask any successful business owner their secret. They will probably tell
you, customer service. They will also tell you it is cheaper and less time consuming to keep their
customers, rather try and get new customers. Use that same concept and you will be fine.
I guess I am just big on customer service, especially where I spend my time and money.
Even if the season is not so great, but the owners are considerate, honest, love the kids, and willing to correct some things, I am still willing to pour into that business financially.
The girl/boy cheers, but mommy and daddy pays. If the parents are happy then everyone is happy, the cheerleader, parents and business owners. Also, please be up front, it is very important to meet with your parents monthly, quarterly or whatever you choose. Explain your expectations for the furture months. If you can't do this, then delegate someone professional to do this for you.

Incorporate fun and bonding activities over the summer for the kids, this is important. Also, be as professional as possible, tacky does not work. Don't play favorites, of course you will have some girls and families that you bond with, but don't make others feel bad in the process.

Lastly, keep up with the trends of Allstar cheer. Educate yourself constantly on what is out there & what the judges will be looking for. My family has
paid for allstar cheer for years and for me Customer Service is at the top of my list. Best Wishes with the start of your new gym!

Date: Sun Feb 17 1:38 PM, 2008

I agree with whoever said to keep your pricing honest. There are a handful of gyms that claim they charge only "this much" per month and then get you on the back side with comp fees, uniforms, coaching fees, choreography fees, etc. The "this much" only covers tuition, everything else is tacked on later and suddenly it costs twice or three times as much as you expected.

From what I hear there are going to be a few gyms making outrageous claims about prices for next season. Don't be fooled. Anyone who has been around cheer knows what it costs, minimum, to participate at the all-star level. Ask for the TOTAL cost before signing on the dotted line!

Date: Sun Feb 17 8:35 PM, 2008

Does everyone sign a contract to pay and how is that legally binding or is it more of an honor/promise to pay?

Date: Sun Feb 17 8:47 PM, 2008

As far as name goes for your gym, there is noway to trademark your name. You can set yourself up as an LLC or a Corp, but someone can come along and file a "doing business as" and take your name. Just try and be creative with your name. Many cheer businesses build off of others names. Which I don't agree with. Those cheer companies no matter how big or small have usually worked hard at being in business, they don't need someone using their name. Besides when you go to competition it is so annoying to try to destinguish which gym is who. Don't start a gym off of someone else's hardwork (meaning getting into a gym and stealing their customers). Go out advertize and get your own game going. It's the American way. Good luck!

Date: Sun Feb 17 8:50 PM, 2008

Anonymous wrote:

Does everyone sign a contract to pay and how is that legally binding or is it more of an honor/promise to pay?

Your customers need to sign a contract to pay. It is a legal document and works well in court. Promise to pay doesn't work in this country. People will justify why they won't pay you.

Date: Mon Feb 18 10:31 PM, 2008

Anonymous wrote:

I agree with whoever said to keep your pricing honest. There are a handful of gyms that claim they charge only "this much" per month and then get you on the back side with comp fees, uniforms, coaching fees, choreography fees, etc. The "this much" only covers tuition, everything else is tacked on later and suddenly it costs twice or three times as much as you expected.

From what I hear there are going to be a few gyms making outrageous claims about prices for next season. Don't be fooled. Anyone who has been around cheer knows what it costs, minimum, to participate at the all-star level. Ask for the TOTAL cost before signing on the dotted line!

Can u tell us what the "everything else is tacked on later and suddenly it costs twice or three times as much as you expected" is??? break it down for the parents that don't know...from your experiances of course...