I know it’s not a sexy topic, but club management software can make or break your club in terms of “ease of usage” for both your members and employees. When your software is easy to operate, employees may be more effective, and members can make payments and purchases much easier.
Have you ever had to battle it out with a company to make a payment? Regardless if it’s a bank, a credit card or simply an online bill payment, when it’s difficult it builds stress. You’ll begin to feel the anxiety building in your stomach as you continue to jump through hoop after hoop.
By the time you are actually able to make your payment, you’ve become so unhappy that you no longer want to do business with the company. If you have the option to not do business any longer, you are more likely to quit.
The vast majority of health clubs use automatic withdraws (EFT) for payment from members. However, do you make it easy for members to gain membership to your club?
If you’re not an exclusive fitness club, is there a reason for an interview process or detailed sales process? If you follow up with personal training consultation following the enrollment, why would you require a member to physically enter a location to speak with a representative?
A lot of consumers enjoy the opportunity to purchase items and experiences online. Whether you are going kayaking or joining a fitness club, it’s easier when you can simply log on, put in a card number, throw on your gym clothes and head to the club.
Once the member completes his or her registration and submits their payment information, you can have their contact information forwarded to a personal trainer for follow up. Additionally, when you allow members to easily sign up online, you can ask them what they might be looking for in terms of their membership. For example, provide check boxes with Personal Training, Group Fitness, Nutrition Counseling, Senior Classes, Yoga, Pilates, etc.
You’ll be able to quickly find out information about your new clients without making them jump through hoops. And, once they are happily enrolled members, they will be more than willing to take a few seconds, once scheduled, to speak about different aspects of your club.
Tyler Montgomery is the editor of Club Solutions Magazine. Contact him at tyler@clubsolutionsmagazine.com.
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
