Frequently Asked Questions about the At Home Fitness franchise

frequently asked questions

I am interested in finding out more. What should I do?

Are there any hidden costs?

It sounds too easy, what’s the catch?

How long am I committed for?

Do I need any qualifications to apply?

Can you guarantee I will have a successful business?

I can't afford the Franchise Fee. What can I do?

How do you get customers?

Where are you looking for Personal Trainers?

Why should I pay for a franchise? I can set up my own business for less.

I am interested in finding out more. What should I do?
Fill out the contact form here. We will be in touch to have an informal chat, send you out a brochure or arrange a meeting, depending on what you want.

Are there any hidden costs?
We supply everything you need to start and keep running your business. The only major things not covered are your car and the cost of running it, and running your 'business office'. For most people their office is a space in their home with a computer & internet connection, printer and a secure place such as filing cabinet or a desk with a lockable drawer for client records. You are also responsible for your own equipment so when it wears out you will need to replace it.

It sounds too easy, what’s the catch?
You need to be prepared to work really hard. We give you the skills and tools to run your business, but only you can put the work in to make it succeed. You will need to keep yourself fit because our franchises are physically as well as mentally demanding. You also need to listen to us and take our advice. We want to help you succeed, because we only succeed if you do. We do not put unnecessary rules and restrictions on you; the guidance we give is proven to make a successful business.

How long am I committed for?
We want people who are serious about a career in the fitness industry and want to build a great business. However we recognise that circumstances can change and you may need to move house or injury may prevent you doing what is a physically demanding job. The initial franchise contract is for five years and renewable every five years after that. If circumstances meant you needed to sell the franchise within a five year period we would help you do this as quickly as was reasonably possible.

Do I need any qualifications to become a franchisee?
No. All our franchisees have an industry-standard, level three Personal Trainer qualification. If you do not hold one we can help you get one. You must also consent to a CRB (criminal record) check. Other than that, no formal qualifications are needed, just the basic fitness to cope with the rigours of the job. There is a selection process, because we want to make sure that people interested in our franchises know what they are taking on and are the sort of person who will enjoy and excel as a Personal Trainer with At Home Fitness.

Can you guarantee I will have a successful business?
No franchise or business can guarantee success. However franchises have proven to be successful time and time again, with 90% or more franchises trading profitably in all different types of businesses. When you take a franchise you are buying the experience and proven results of a company who know their chosen industry. Most people who start a new business by themselves have a lot more to learn and make many mistakes, some of which prove critical. That is why the failure rate of new businesses is substantially higher than it is for franchises. The main reason Personal Trainers leave the fitness industry is because they can’t make the money they want. We offer you a far greater chance to make the living you want in an industry you love.

I can't afford the Franchise Fee. What can I do?
The At Home Fitness Franchise is recognised by HSBC as a successful model. Although you don't have to, most of our franchisees have their business account with HSBC which makes it easier to get set up quickly. HSBC will also look at applications for finance more favourably because they trust At Home Fitness to deliver a successful business.

How do you get customers?
We have had a lot of successes and our share of failures over the years when it comes to advertising for customers. We have also attended lots of courses and read lots of books on marketing and talked to many people and other businesses to share ideas and learn as much as possible. We have taken the things that worked and improved them until we have a reliable set of marketing strategies that bring in customers. We have invested in a quality website (www.athomefitness.co.uk) which is designed by the Graphic Design company we use to produce a wide range of high-quality marketing materials. We also have a wide range of other strategies and are always working to produce more so we can give our franchises all the customers they need.

Where are you looking for Personal Trainers?
Our next growth area is in the East Midlands. If you are a Personal Trainer looking for a job in Leicester, Nottingham or Derby we have a great opportunity for you. If you live in Leicester, Nottingham or Derby and have considered a career in the fitness industry but don't have a Personal Trainer qualification, we could help you get one and start a franchise.

Why should I take a franchise? Isn’t it cheaper to set up my own business?
We have learned a lot from our mistakes along the way, so what we do will work. We market effectively so we bring in customers. We use equipment that is reliable and long-lasting and we can also buy items at discount because we buy in bulk. We have a professional website and marketing materials produced by our graphic design team that reflect our high standards. We have a strong reputation and customers tend to stay with us for the long-term because our methods work. These are all things we have learned along the way and the mistakes we made in the early days cost us money, something you probably couldn't afford to do if you had an independent business. You might be able to save money on cheaper equipment and a simple website and marketing, but it will probably mean you make less money in the long term and may even waste money on the mistakes we have already made and know how to avoid. They say you can’t buy experience, but you can with our franchise! You are buying the benefits of our years in the industry to help you succeed.

How to Start a Personal Training business the At Home Fitness way. Buy our Personal Trainer franchise and we will find customers for you and make you a success anywhere in the UK. At Home Fitness is an inspiring and honest company that turns good trainers into brilliant ones. Britain's leading Personal Trainer franchise.