A fitness franchise sounds like a hot opportunity but investing in one may leave your bank account out of shape. Learn why a franchise with a lower price tag may be a better option.

Consumer attention to health and wellness and the ongoing impact of the obesity epidemic is sparking a high demand for fitness franchises. At least half of the U.S. adult population is expected to be obese by 2030.

The new normal of remote offices and hybrid schedules is giving people time to devote to self-care, particularly fitness. Cutting back on commutes enabled people to add exercise to their daily schedule. Innovations in technology are helping people make fitness a priority as wearable fitness devices to track movement become the norm. People are cutting back on screen time to achieve their daily step count. 

The fitness industry is forecast to reach $36.6 billion in the U.S. by the end of 2022, up from $35 billion last year. At least 18 fitness franchises landed a coveted spot on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2022 Franchise 500 ranking of top franchises.

Fitness Franchises Set High Bar
Franchises run the gamut by offering numerous options, including Pilates, yoga, boot camp, personal training, and traditional weight-lifting gyms. While virtual and outdoor options are available, most fitness franchises require a costly brick-and-mortar storefront in a high-traffic location. Small-footprint fitness studios that focus on a specialized service have an average initial investment of approximately $195,000, and big-box franchises with all the bells and whistles can require an investment of up to $4.6 million.

On top of a high initial investment, owning a fitness center franchise is no longer as simple as finding a location and investing in top-of-the-line equipment. The definition of fitness is changing as Americans focus on an approach that combines physical fitness, mental health, and spirituality. Fitness centers are not simply a place people go to burn calories and lose weight.

Today, the top two reasons people exercise regularly are to reduce stress and improve their mental health. At least 77% of Americans reported being physically active helps their mental health, according to a study conducted by Mindbody business, a wellness technology provider. Fitness centers of the future need to take a holistic approach to customer service by offering a wide variety of workouts and unique alternatives, such as workshops on nutrition or meditation classes.

The pandemic outbreak also led many people to change their fitness routines. People invested in home gyms, on-demand classes, and outdoor exercise to stay safe. Although many people are putting the pandemic behind them, the reverberations from these trends continue, according to a report from the American College of Sports Medicine.

Window Tinting Franchise Sculpts an Alternative
If current wellness trends and the high cost of a fitness franchise are causing you to put on the brakes, it may be time to consider a new opportunity targeting a similar customer demographic.

Turbo Tint is an emerging brand launched by Moran Family of Brands, a leader in the aftermarket auto and window tinting industry. The window tinting franchise offers a convenient, stylish, high-end automotive and architectural film business. Turbo Tint provides a valuable service to car owners in an upscale atmosphere.

The global window tinting market is on track to reach $1.68 million by 2027. Soaring temperatures and improved warranties are helping propel the industry forward. High new car prices are also encouraging people to take steps to protect their vehicles from unnecessary wear and tear on the road.

Below are just a few reasons why a window tinting franchise may be a better franchise choice than a future in fitness.

• Multiple Profit Centers. Turbo Tint sets itself apart from the competition by offering three profit centers under one roof with automotive tint, paint protection, and architectural tinting. Turbo Tint customers can purchase a tint package and schedule an appointment online. When they arrive for service, customers select their desired shade of window film, and the entire installation process is completed in one hour or less.
  
  Next to buying a home, purchasing a vehicle is one of the biggest expenditures people make. Paint protection keeps cars looking fresh and ensures resale value by protecting them from the elements for the long haul. Paint protection helps prevent damage from rocks, salt, sand, and road debris. It can also prevent chipping and fading.
  
  To provide franchise owners with additional revenue streams, Turbo Tint offers architectural tinting to help commercial businesses and residences reduce room temperatures, reduce glare, and offer UV protection. Architectural tinting can reduce energy costs and provide added privacy.
   
• Upscale Atmosphere. Turbo Tint prides itself on offering a high-quality customer service experience. In addition to guaranteed one-hour service, customers can get comfortable in the concept’s upscale waiting room. Turbo Tint’s bright and spacious waiting rooms feature comfortable leather seating in front of a roaring fire. While they are relaxing or catching up on work, customers can take advantage of free Wi-Fi and complimentary premium coffee, beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks. 

“By combining happy hour and car repair, Turbo Tint is an outstanding franchise opportunity for people who want to target an upscale customer demographic with a brand backed by a leading franchisor in the aftermarket auto industry,” said Pete Baldine, president of Moran Family of Brands.

• Training. It’s not necessary to have experience in the automotive industry to succeed as a Turbo Tint franchise owner. Moran provides extensive training and ongoing support to the franchise owners in its system. They offer online, classroom, and field training, as well as ongoing marketing guidance and technical support. Moran helps its franchise owners find a location, hire staff, and secure permits.
   

• Solid Reputation. Moran has more than 32 years of experience in the aftermarket auto industry as the franchisor of six brands, including Turbo Tint, Mr. Transmission, and Milex Complete Auto Care.
  
  Greg Goodman, a longtime franchisee of Moran’s Alta Mere brand, developed the Turbo Tint concept with his son, Chandler, to focus on window tinting services. Goodman tested the online scheduling system when he was forced to close his Alta Mere location following the pandemic outbreak. Relying on Turbo Tint’s online scheduling system, Goodman sold 250 window tint orders and increased sales by more than $10,000 over the previous April, despite being closed for nearly the entire month.

Turbo Tint Investment Focuses on Growth
Turbo Tint requires an initial investment starting at $234,010, which includes operating costs for the first six months and a franchise fee of $45,000. Helping our franchisees scale their investment is a priority for Moran, and multi-unit options are available with a reduced franchise fee. The franchise fee for three locations is $99,000, and a deal for five units is $165,000. There are currently four Turbo Tint locations in Oklahoma and Florida, six locations are on track to open by year-end, and 35 additional units are in the pipeline.

Learn More About Moran
If the window tinting industry sounds like a better alternative for reaching a valuable customer demographic, partnering with Moran can help you achieve your career goals. To learn more about the company, request Information or touch base with one of Moran’s franchise business consultants today.