TOO MANY GYMS AND NOT ENOUGH CHEERLEADERS!!!

madiemaybe · Newbie

TOO MANY GYMS AND NOT ENOUGH CHEERLEADERS!!!

CaliCheerWatcher · GURU

OMG! Not another gym furious

I just saw something about another new gym called energy all stars or something like that opening next year. I think we already have way way to many gyms. With the economy as bad as it is what on earth would tempt someone to open up a new gym? Its just crazy. Are there any othey new gyms that anyone has heard about opening up for next season?

Dstewie · Member

LOL... This sounds just crazy. Why would someone consider starting a gym now. We already have way too many choices. I am sure this will be a failed attempt. My money is on this gym never even getting off the ground. In addition to this industry being a tough one to break into it is not always about the money. I would rather pay ten times more than go somewhere that has NO NAME or history. Now is not the time to start any new business let alone a cheerleading company. What are people thinking. HELLO. People have enough problems with just getting by day to day. I guess because this is America and anyone can have a gym. But a good GYM is hard to find and takes years to establish. Good luck you will need a ton of it. I hate to say it but, I promise you in 3 months we will be saying this gym never made it off the ground.

MyOpinionOnly · Veteran Member

Here is my personal advice for what it's worth.

If it's too good to be true, it's probably not a good thing!

Listen to what your parents, grand parents, and great grandparents have always told you. trust your instincts with this one and any other pop-up gyms. It's not always a good thing to join up with a bunch of volunteers. You can't succeed if you don't invest in your staff. You need knowledge, people that know what they are doing and you need to pay them well. USE YOUR BEST JUDGEMENT ON THIS ONE!

-- Edited by MyOpinionOnly at 07:20, 2009-02-04

beofgoodcheer · Veteran Member

Well, I hate to play the devil's advocate, BUT . . .

This is America and starting and running a business is a huge part of the American Dream. If someone has the talent and energy to start a new cheer gym even in this economy, more power to them. If they fail, they fail. Businesses have flourished in the worst of times, and businesses have failed in the best of times. I know established gyms hate to see more competition, especially in this economy, but you can't grow your business by discouraging and limiting your competition. I think when a new gym starts, it doesn't take cheerleaders from their own gyms away unless they were unhappy there in the first place. Many times a new gym will bring in new kids joining the sport, which is a good thing for everyone.

MyOpinionOnly · Veteran Member

i absolutely agree with you saying that anyone can open a business. it's what the marketing pitch in which the first poster wrote that has me troubled. unless the claim that these coaches are from a youth program is not true and these coaches are certified at every level coach then maybe this might work. it takes years to establish yourselves in the all-star arena these days. do these coaches have enough $$$ and time to wade it out through the first 3-5 years? if they do then more power to them.

I personally can't see any current all-star athlete moving over to try to establish something new and waiting for the team to become something. time isn't on the side of athletes that are 9 grade and up. If they are serious about cheer, they will choose the established gym.

Nelson · Senior Member

Perhaps I'm in the minority, but I don't see anything wrong with the marketing pitch. Maybe if the numbers were incorrect then I could see the problem, but the idea behind it I don't think is a bad one.

Think about how many commercials directly compare themselves to their competitors. You're going to tell me that the Altel commercials didn't compare themselves? What about Progressive?

In today's economy of course someone wants to show that they are cheaper then their competitors. Does that make them better? Nope. A Toyota is cheaper then a Lexus, but for a lot of people, a Toyota is good enough for them.

AirborneOwner · GURU

Nelson wrote:

Perhaps I'm in the minority, but I don't see anything wrong with the marketing pitch. Maybe if the numbers were incorrect then I could see the problem, but the idea behind it I don't think is a bad one.

Think about how many commercials directly compare themselves to their competitors. You're going to tell me that the Altel commercials didn't compare themselves? What about Progressive?

In today's economy of course someone wants to show that they are cheaper then their competitors. Does that make them better? Nope. A Toyota is cheaper then a Lexus, but for a lot of people, a Toyota is good enough for them.

Nelson, I totally agree with you. I did not see this flyer but I know that if my parents ask about prices of other programs its in my best interest to know so I can sell my product the way I need to.

When asked some people would rather be the driver of a Toyota then a passenger of a Mercedes.

Danny · Senior Member

When asked some people would rather be the driver of a Toyota then a passenger of a Mercedes.

I love this analogy Nicole. If I could just expand on it...Whether your gym is a Toyota or a Mercedes, all gym owners get Car Jacked at one point or another right?

LOL

MyOpinionOnly · Veteran Member

ya'll can make light of this topic but if the shoe was on the other foot I would bet ya'll would be just as irritated.

What would nelson, nicole, and danny do if a gym moved in and started soliciting your cheerleaders, under cut your pricing, etc? I really do not think you would be comparing yourselves to a toyota or a Mercedes.

I do feel for the Elk Grove existing gyms. They have worked really hard to find their niche in the all-star world and now they are faced with two pop up gyms. all within a 3 mile radius.

beofgoodcheer · Veteran Member

There is another gym in our area that just opened, but it's definitely entry level, very little tumbling, one team, and yes, they are a lot less expensive. For a beginner, it's probably a good value. Someone more serious though would definitely come to our gym. Yes, it's a little more money, but gym owners need to have enough business saavy to know their target market and be able to attract and retain accordingly. If lowering prices brings in a higher volume, that might be necessary. Businesses need to adapt to current market conditions and current competitive markets. Another thread was dealing with large gyms merging. This is one tactic. In lean times, you will see businesses consolidate and merge, and when the economy is better you will see gyms split and spread. Cheer isn't too different from most other businesses. If other gyms in the area are offering a better value and taking business away, then some gyms may need to evaluate their own pricing structure or make sure they are offering an experience and value that the other gyms can't.

Dstewie · Member

MyOpinionOnly wrote:

ya'll can make light of this topic but if the shoe was on the other foot I would bet ya'll would be just as irritated.

What would nelson, nicole, and danny do if a gym moved in and started soliciting your cheerleaders, under cut your pricing, etc? I really do not think you would be comparing yourselves to a toyota or a Mercedes.

I do feel for the Elk Grove existing gyms. They have worked really hard to find their niche end up suffering in the long run. I dont believe the new gym will thrive JMO. I dont understand why they are tryiin the all-star world and now they are faced with two pop up gyms. all within a 3 mile radius.

Good point. Think of it this way a toyota and mercedes both serve the same purpose. The issue is when the toyota is not really functioning and breaks down all the time it is not of benefit to the cheerleaders. I will pay the lower price but I need to know the basics are covered. I think people who undercut are really making promises they cant keep then the cheerleaders suffer. Parents are smart enough to make the best decision just ask the best questions and know your stuff. Not all promises are actually followed through. Get everything in writing and ask questions dont commit until you know. Dont pay until you know they will have the team for your child. Why rush is registering now? Wait and see what it looks like then weigh all the programs and make the best decision. This is a costly sport take your time and dont rush and join only to find they only have 20 kids and half are level 2, 25% are level 1 and rest are level 3. All ages from 8 to 18. Then you are stuck.

MyOpinionOnly · Veteran Member

Dstewie wrote:

MyOpinionOnly wrote:

ya'll can make light of this topic but if the shoe was on the other foot I would bet ya'll would be just as irritated.

What would nelson, nicole, and danny do if a gym moved in and started soliciting your cheerleaders, under cut your pricing, etc? I really do not think you would be comparing yourselves to a toyota or a Mercedes.

I do feel for the Elk Grove existing gyms. They have worked really hard to find their niche end up suffering in the long run. I dont believe the new gym will thrive JMO. I dont understand why they are tryiin the all-star world and now they are faced with two pop up gyms. all within a 3 mile radius.

Good point. Think of it this way a toyota and mercedes both serve the same purpose. The issue is when the toyota is not really functioning and breaks down all the time it is not of benefit to the cheerleaders. I will pay the lower price but I need to know the basics are covered. I think people who undercut are really making promises they cant keep then the cheerleaders suffer. Parents are smart enough to make the best decision just ask the best questions and know your stuff. Not all promises are actually followed through. Get everything in writing and ask questions dont commit until you know. Dont pay until you know they will have the team for your child. Why rush is registering now? Wait and see what it looks like then weigh all the programs and make the best decision. This is a costly sport take your time and dont rush and join only to find they only have 20 kids and half are level 2, 25% are level 1 and rest are level 3. All ages from 8 to 18. Then you are stuck.

you bring up some excellent points up as well. The buyer definitely needs to evaluate every option before registering. The cost point is an interesting topic. these litttle pop up gyms are falling under the umbrella of non for profits. the gyms are managed and coached by volunteers this is were they are under cutting the pricing of the other gyms. this is were the buyers need to be careful. free coaching is not necessarily good coaching. It's just something that worries me greatly.

Danny · Senior Member

MyOpinionOnly wrote:

ya'll can make light of this topic but if the shoe was on the other foot I would bet ya'll would be just as irritated.

What would nelson, nicole, and danny do if a gym moved in and started soliciting your cheerleaders, under cut your pricing, etc? I really do not think you would be comparing yourselves to a toyota or a Mercedes.

I do feel for the Elk Grove existing gyms. They have worked really hard to find their niche in the all-star world and now they are faced with two pop up gyms. all within a 3 mile radius.

Unfortunatly I know exactly how I would feel. I've been working in the All Star Cheerleading business in Northern California since 1985. So I've pretty much experienced any problems that a 5-7 year gym might be going through.

If I've learned one thing from the problem of "Pop Up" gyms it's that you must embrace them. Welcome them to the business, wish them well and then go about being BETTER than them in every way. Better teams, better staff, better services, cleaner bathrooms. Whatever...just be better.

Pyramids in Concord has seen countless gyms come and go in their area and we have been the most expensive All Star program in Northern California for 13 years running. And worth it.

UCF Staff · Member

Danny you are so right. There was lots of talk in our gym this evening. Quite the buzz lately about this topic.

We would like wish the new gyms the best of luck!

If we can help out in any way just let us know.

Please stop by and talk to us about the NCAA opportunities for the
new season.

Good luck to you!

Cheers!
Jill and Nicole

-- Edited by UCF Staff at 22:30, 2009-02-04

-- Edited by UCF Staff at 22:32, 2009-02-04

AirborneOwner · GURU

Danny wrote:

MyOpinionOnly wrote:

ya'll can make light of this topic but if the shoe was on the other foot I would bet ya'll would be just as irritated.

What would nelson, nicole, and danny do if a gym moved in and started soliciting your cheerleaders, under cut your pricing, etc? I really do not think you would be comparing yourselves to a toyota or a Mercedes.

I do feel for the Elk Grove existing gyms. They have worked really hard to find their niche in the all-star world and now they are faced with two pop up gyms. all within a 3 mile radius.

Unfortunatly I know exactly how I would feel. I've been working in the All Star Cheerleading business in Northern California since 1985. So I've pretty much experienced any problems that a 5-7 year gym might be going through.

If I've learned one thing from the problem of "Pop Up" gyms it's that you must embrace them. Welcome them to the business, wish them well and then go about being BETTER than them in every way. Better teams, better staff, better services, cleaner bathrooms. Whatever...just be better.

Pyramids in Concord has seen countless gyms come and go in their area and we have been the most expensive All Star program in Northern California for 13 years running. And worth it.

I fully agree with Danny, we have also had other programs in our area. For an experienced all star customer it is easy to see the differences between the programs, but for newbies some might not see it so clearly. Every gym offers different types of teams, coaching styles and price points. If someone chooses gym A over Gym B it is for specific reasons. I can understand the frustration in the Elk Grove area. Yet I believe that the families that you want at your gym will stay and the ones that are looking for a deal or an easier route to a higher team will leave. To each their own. Hold your head high and offer your athletes the best of what you can!

MyOpinionOnly · Veteran Member

AirborneOwner wrote:

Danny wrote:

MyOpinionOnly wrote:

ya'll can make light of this topic but if the shoe was on the other foot I would bet ya'll would be just as irritated.

What would nelson, nicole, and danny do if a gym moved in and started soliciting your cheerleaders, under cut your pricing, etc? I really do not think you would be comparing yourselves to a toyota or a Mercedes.

I do feel for the Elk Grove existing gyms. They have worked really hard to find their niche in the all-star world and now they are faced with two pop up gyms. all within a 3 mile radius.

Unfortunatly I know exactly how I would feel. I've been working in the All Star Cheerleading business in Northern California since 1985. So I've pretty much experienced any problems that a 5-7 year gym might be going through.

If I've learned one thing from the problem of "Pop Up" gyms it's that you must embrace them. Welcome them to the business, wish them well and then go about being BETTER than them in every way. Better teams, better staff, better services, cleaner bathrooms. Whatever...just be better.

Pyramids in Concord has seen countless gyms come and go in their area and we have been the most expensive All Star program in Northern California for 13 years running. And worth it.
I fully agree with Danny, we have also had other programs in our area. For an experienced all star customer it is easy to see the differences between the programs, but for newbies some might not see it so clearly. Every gym offers different types of teams, coaching styles and price points. If someone chooses gym A over Gym B it is for specific reasons. I can understand the frustration in the Elk Grove area. Yet I believe that the families that you want at your gym will stay and the ones that are looking for a deal or an easier route to a higher team will leave. To each their own. Hold your head high and offer your athletes the best of what you can!

good advice and I really hope that the established gyms can hold their heads high and continue to walk their straight line. To me it is tough when other Pop-Up gyms are looking to knock them off their path. It's also a bit puzzling why these new gyms haven't just walked into the existing gyms and just say "hey....I have a passion for cheer, can I help?" I'm sure the gyms would like them help. Or may even have some gym space available that they could coach their cluster of girls. I think these folks should all work together to make something stronger and stable for Elk Grove. There's so much cheer talent in Elk Grove that it's not even fun. But these efforts just dilute the talent. Good luck everyone...here's to a FANTASTIC National season.

Simply a cheermom · Veteran Member

First I want to say, ucf you are in a class of your own. Very honorable and nice to extend your best wishes and help to the new gym in your area. Second I agree that everyone has the free will to own or start a business in america. Does it create competition in the area? Yes! But your parents and cheerleaders in your program should feel confident enough in you and in your program to stay put. If they don't that is their choice. That's what makes america so great. The freedom to choose. I feel that the owners in the elk grove area should just not feed into the "drama". Show class and wish them well, as ucf has done. Let your program speak for itself. And if you as the owner and coaches are confident in your program. Your happy customers and cheerleaders will be too :) good luck to the new gym and the cheerleaders in the program. Its a tough competitive world out there in all star cheer. Stay strong current elk grove programs. Ucf you are a force to be reckoned with and I don't forsee anyone coming in and taking numbers away from you. As the say big things come in small packages. Ucf gym is small but their will is big

-- Edited by Simply a cheermom at 18:00, 2009-02-05

MyOpinionOnly · Veteran Member

Simply a cheermom wrote:

First I want to say, ucf you are in a class of your own. Very honorable and nice to extend your best wishes and help to the new gym in your area. Second I agree that everyone has the free will to own or start a business in america. Does it create competition in the area? Yes! But your parents and cheerleaders in your program should feel confident enough in you and in your program to stay put. If they don't that is their choice. That's what makes america so great. The freedom to choose. I feel that the owners in the elk grove area should just not feed into the "drama". Show class and wish them well, as ucf has done. Let your program speak for itself. And if you as the owner and coaches are confident in your program. Your happy customers and cheerleaders will be too :) good luck to the new gym and the cheerleaders in the program. Its a tougj competitive world out there in all star cheer. Stay strong cirrent elk grove programs. Ucf you are a force to be reckoned with and I don't forsee anyone coming in and taking numbers away from you. As the say big things come in small packages. Ucf gym is small but their will is big

I would like to say DITTO to everything this person just said about UCF. They have really established themselves in the All Star scene! Great Job UCF owners and staff. Your teams are hot this season.

Dstewie · Member

I dont think the focus was on not embracing this gym. I think the pont the original poster was that some are making promises to parents and cheerleaders that cannot be upheld. We can never control the number of starbucks on every corner. But if we saw .50 cent lattes at a local coffee shop then purchased one, then found it was really cheap coffee with powdered milk we have already wasted our money. Just be honest you will do great.