Hi folks - anybody own a small, staffless gym (where members access the gym through swipe card)?
Curious if it’s easy enough to operate, security concerns, etc.
I’m interested in the business model - any help is appreciated - thanks!
Use lots of cameras and warnings on common areas. They don’t have to be truly staffless as long as you have cameras. My gym in my small town has key access and is open 24 hours and it’s a success.
I once went to one of these to sign up. There was a desk there, and a guy sitting behind the desk. He introduced himself as “Sail Boat”, apparently his name, and he said he was just released from prison and he was friends with the owner. He was nice enough. He showed me around the nastiest gym, puddles of sweat (or worse) everywhere I’ve ever seen. I’m sure the gym was very profitable but Sail Boat did not get my credit card and my sign up.
I just have to say that’s the best name ever
You know, I’ve never owned a gym like that, but I’ve been wondering about the same parameters! One thing I always keep in mind though, customer service is vital, and with a staffless gym, maintaining that could be a challenge. You’d really need a solid system in place for regular maintenance, cleaning, and equipment monitoring. Plus, there’s that headline risk, you know? What if a customer gets injured and there’s no one there to respond immediately? This is a fascinating business model though, and I’d love to hear perspectives from some gym owners on it.
Thanks - yes, the injury part is what worries me for sure.
https://www.goldcrushclimbing.com/ Climbing gym. Grass Valley, Ca, USA (To use alone must go through a class and enter with one other member)
Really interesting thanks
People don’t even re rack their weights. Place would be a shit hole within 5 hours of open lol.
I live in Japan, and there is a staff less gym chains called Chocozap. Pretty successful imo
Do you know if this chain hires staff to clean the gym? Maybe “staffless” means no one is there to help or interact with gym members. I used to go to an Anytime Fitness. While there were staff there, I didn’t need any staff there and cameras are everywhere. With the right liability disclaimers, this could be a great idea.
Anytime fitness only has staff during working hours. Not after hours.
But a big problem for staffless gyms is the issue of tail gating. Eg one member letting in multiple unpaid members in. Or members sharing gym keycard with others in their household
Expected in Japan due to respect levels for others and the establishments. Unsure how we it would work other areas.