Guide to Opening a Commercial Premises
There are a number of ways to do this: become a part of an organized group or company or be a complete independent and go it alone. There are plenty of machines to choose from now and with an unbiased review site like this you can now make a good choice with some degree of confidence. The outwardly most logical conclusion would be to say - I have basically what I need - so why be involved with anybody else?
The easy answer to that is: TRAINING and SUPPORT
The programs and other advice given on this site may give you a good indication of what to do and not what to do, but it may only graze the surface of what you need to know. When a customer comes in with a problem, you can’t say “come back later” or “wait and I might have an answer for you”.
We certainly won’t answer loads of technical questions on here as this site is here for the consumer. If we full it up with questions or conversations about complicated medical issues we lose our readers very quickly. And I hope no-one ever tries to abuse our help for commercial gain.
The manufacturer may help - but as this is not seen as their job at present - any help will be limited and nowhere near enough to run a business on.
An Example of Running a Studio
I have witnessed the result of no basic training combined with no support. A perfect example of this was a studio here in NZ. This was run by licensed physiotherapists who also run a successful Pilates company. They had plenty of knowledge between them and did not lack experience. They had VibroGym Pro units, so the machines were as good as you could buy at the time so no problem there. The exact reason for it not working was given on this forum by the owner himself:
“lack of support, no training and no-one to ring. “
Think about this…
Once you decide to start earning money off a machine, it stops just being a machine and becomes a “durable product that produces an income”. It might be seen as the center of your business but that is not the case - you are the center of your business. Without you the machine is worth less than nothing. Everything you are about to spend relies solely on how you will handle every situation and how confidently you can project yourself to the consumer.
Basic Costs of Starting a Studio
Lets look at the basic outlay of a studio in the order of price…
(1) Cost of machines.
(2) Fitting out of premises.
(3) Payment systems and/or computer system for client information, even a manual system will cost in set up.
(4) Marketing material, flyers, booklets, signage.
(5) Phone, internet.
Then you have the ongoing lease/rental and maybe wages if you are not doing all hours yourself. If you sit down and actually work out how much goes into setting up and running a commercial operation you will find there is no cheap way of doing it: it’s going to cost you a fair chunk no matter how its done.
Getting basic training will give you the confidence to open your doors to the public and hit the ground running. The ongoing support will give you the confidence to know when you get up in the morning that no matter who comes in today you can give them an answer. This of course is no guarantee of success but the mere fact you are reading this site means you really do understand the power of information anyway.
What is ongoing support going to do for me?
Think about this , you are about to charge for your instruction and the use of your product. Not like at a gym where the machine might sit in the corner and the customer is expected to go through the program themselves, with no extra fee attached. But in a studio they expect an expert to come with their cash. Now I know you wouldn’t say out loud you are an expert -but
trust me they think you are. If you can’t be an expert then at least have one behind you, right?
I hope all companies involved in the commercial sector see the value in protecting their customers and start offering initial training and support
It may cost a little more than just buying a machine off the shelf but at least the smaller independent studio has the option then of some form of backup. In the mean time if the company you decide to deal with does not even offer this service, ask why. Sometimes a little pressure from you while you are still just a consumer is enough to get them moving in the right direction.
26 Comments
- John Weatherly
July 1st, 2008That’s fine advice. Who runs studios with support in the US? And what about health clubs/gyms - many of whom (since there is no licensure to be a personal trainer etc.) have very unqualified people working for them purchasing vibration platforms for their facilities. I don’t think this would work! The studio concept with on-going training and support would seem the only way to go to me.
Another example of why its so important to deal with PEOPLE who act ,not just a faceless company.
Matt Moncrieff of Vibro-Gym Australia has just managed to create goodwill from a bad situation by managing to “persuade ” Vibro-Gym Int. to send over free parts to fix some units that went on the blink a while ago and have been in storage.
They were going to charge me $7000(N.Z.)
Why ? Because even though Matt and VibroGym Australia was not responsable for the past problems he sees the bigger picture of an industry linked together through events , people and ethics.
If companies like VibroGym want to be global industry leaders they not only needed to upgrade the machines from time to time , but also the standard of people representing them.
You must understand this is a massive step up in attitude from the N.Z. distributor we had to deal with before.
Two thumbs up from me.
- Teressa B
July 12th, 2008Lloyd, at the moment I am suffering Information Overload. haha. I have been reading all afternoon and evening about everything on your website and forums. May I just add one to the cost of setting up a business?
Here in Aust. and I would imagine over in N.Z. you would have Public Liability Insurance also wouldn’t you. It can be quite costly for some businesses depending on where they are and what they do.
Hope I didn’t speak out of turn.
Kind Regards,
Teressa.(Mum from Aus.) Hi Teressa,
We have 2 studios and six machines and pay $95 a month for all our insurances which includes 1 million dollars public liability.
- Teressa B
July 13th, 2008Mike,
Thank you for your reply, one other thing I thought of was if you required a Licence of any sort. For eg. Electricians need an Electrical Licence, Builders require a Builders Licence etc.. Would it be best to have had some sort of medical/alternative medicine training to even think of becoming a studio owner or is the training you receive with Vibra Train all you would require. I would imagine having a First Aid Certificate would be a must?
Reason I ask is, for a fleeting second, was thinking of a franchise.
Thank you again.
Lloyd can answer this one 4 you, but i will say a basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology would be helpful.
No qualification exists, yet.
Being willing and able to forget most of what you think you know , then learn and keep learning is the most important factor.
Understanding basic muscle placement etc… is needed but no one has yet asked me the latin name for my bum.
Companies selling you commercial equipment should give you on site training and a backup service. Or as you said join a company that specializes in that and its taken care of.
A Workplace First Aid certificate is beneficial wherever people are, that is, everywhere and personally I think there should be trained people on every shift of every business.
But it’s not essential to have one to run a vibration studio as I can’t imagine anyone, properly pre-screened, being hurt by vibration training. (Still, it’s a very inexpensive investment of time and money and could possibly save someone’s life)
- Teressa B
July 16th, 2008Thank you all soo much for your replies. And Lloyd dare I ask the question “What is the latin name for bum?” haha. No only joking but I understand what you mean. Am now thinking that I will start with a domestic for home and hopefully will get to learn and understand how it works on me first, I am confident that after reading all you have written I have the tools needed to make a good choice in the machine I purchase. A huge thank you.
Gluteus Maximus if you must know.
Good luck.
- Brad Barron
July 18th, 2008OK lets set the story straight right now.
I haven’t been on thisste for a lng time now. Just thought hey ill have a browse and see how everyone is going.
And then guess what? There is an article that involves my Old business that is completely misleading & untrue.
But what would you expect when it comes to Lloyd and other companies when he wants to make his look better he will make anything up.
*Quote Lloyd Shaw*
I have witnessed the result of no basic training combined with no support. A perfect example of this was a studio here in NZ. This was run by licensed physiotherapists who also run a successful Pilates company. They had plenty of knowledge between them and did not lack experience. They had VibroGym Pro units, so the machines were as good as you could buy at the time so no problem there. The exact reason for it not working was given on this forum by the owner himself:
“lack of support, no training and no-one to ring. “
Now for the truth.
It was owned by a man who is a Tennis Pro / Qualified Pilates Instructor. Just because he owns Auckland’s / NZ’s top pilates / Physio company does not mean Qualified Physio’s owned Peak Vibe. He never once had one of his physio’s work in Peak Vibe as they worked in the pilates studios which were completely different business’ in completely different premises.He hired ‘ME’ a Student 2/3rds of my way through my sport degree. I had done a lot of papers in coaching, fitness intruction, personal training and of course anatomy and physiology and hd worked part time in Gyms during Uni. I was also a Top distance runner atthe time and had represented NZ at a world U18 champs and had done a lot of coaching at high school level.
So im not sure how this was ever run by licensed physios llyod would you care to explain.
9 months after Peak Vibe opened I took over the company as the previous owners heart had only ever been in Pilates/Physio and expanding his very successful empire.
During the time i owned Peak Vibe i completed all the qualifications needed to be a regisered Personal Trainer to give myself a little more credibility when clients came to me for advice. Unfortunatly we were not making money and 2 years later we closed.
I came on to this site to offer 2 high quality VibroGYm machines to sell to home users for very cheap prices. I was then attacked aboutmy credibilty by Llyod (My business was closed so why wasnt your mouth)
I then read on this post that the only reason we shut was “Lack of support, No Training, No one to ring” ad that i had said this on this very site.
I found this wierd as this is not why we closed. So i have spent some time looking at the few posts I made and found that YES i was correct i have never said this on the forum.
So Lloyd please find my post that I said this or are you a lier?
Then the reast of your article ges n to sa how in a franchise with support you will do a lot better.
If this is so then where have you Wellington branches gone? Oh they have closed!
Why has your Tauranga Branch moved from an amazing location in the main shopping area to some scummy garage next to the Girls college school bus shelter?
Why is your ponsonby branch trying to sell when this is the nicest studio I have seen of yous that Ive been too?
Why has Botany moved downstairs to smaller location and chopped down there opening hours?
Obviously being in a big Franchise such as Vibra Train is a hell of alot easier an everyone is aking money merrily.
I would put the reason for the down turn in the Vibration Training industry in NZ down to a couple things.
1) The rediculous NZ economy over the last 2 years (everyone is feeling the pinch and not spending on themselves)
2) THe fact that Vibration Training is marketed as a Fat loss exercise when it is a resistance training exercise.
The line that 10min is equal to 1hr in the gym is completely misleading as every woman would relate that to a treadmill as thats where they spend there 1hr in the gym. When this statement is actually based on the research of strength gains when comparing WBV with weight training.
So Llyod start explaining how you know my business and how you came to the decision to use it as an example to why people should go with you and join a franchise.
To everyone else Sorry about the novel but it had to be said.
Brad….
For a start I did not name your business.
And it was your studios own words I used , when it opened they told customers very clearly they were better equiped to do Vibration Training because they were Pilate instructors and Physios.
On top of that you said ” I had personal trainers and physios to help me at anytime”
Are you saying now none of this was true ?
And I am sorry all the sporting background in the world does not make you any more able to teach Vibration Training than someone off the street , and telling people otherwise is misleading. I have seen plenty of personal trainers not know what to do around these machines , so they just get people to do normal exercise moves on them. Thats what I heard you did , am I correct ?
You stated Kyle and Dan lied to you and left you in the lurch, and your comment…
” They would probably still be around if they were with you because they were able to ring you anytime and get help with how to work with certain clients. When Kyle lost VibroGym NZ they didnt have anyone to call anymore”
Was a simple way of disguising your own problem.
But if I got it all wrong , come into my studio , I will quiz you on certain aspects and contra-indications very specific to vibration training , bring a witness or that help you were talking about if you want, shit bring everyone you know.
If you get the questions right I will post an apology. Fair ?
Regarding you comment on Vibra-Train studios , they move around all the time in their licensed zone, some as they put in more machines , others for better parking , some for cheaper rent. We allow this.
And we have learnt being in the middle of town is not always the best idea.
You are right about the economy though , N.Z. is a tough market anyway without a recession.
- Philippa
July 19th, 2008I am about to open a studio here in the UK with Hypergravity machines. I am currently working on a flyer and am unsure about whether or not to slate Power Plate in it. Whilst I don’t really like the idea of doing this, here in the UK Power Plate is perceived as being the best machine you can get. Id someone were looking for Vibration Training (and very few people are aware of it here) they would look for a Power Plate studio. Any comments or past experiences would be useful.
How about this….
A “Good Caution” notice….
These machines are steel high quality vibration devices and should not be confused with low quality plastic therapy models you may have seen coming out of China, yes they are just good looking , well presented FAKES.
We are the real , steel , deal.
Or….
If you have ever tried a plastic therapy model , you need to try the real thing to compare. First session is free so come in for an eye opening experience.
Or…
We promise not to deceive you about where our machine is made , give you fake celebrity endorsements or any of the other things (Power Plate) our competition find acceptable. In 1 min without the marketing hype you will understand what REAL Vibration Training is.
Or a mixture of everything. Actually mentioning Power Plate is really dependent on you laws , we can only mention our competitions name here in N.Z. as of last year.
My advice would be to remain slightly ambiguous on the names for now and let the imagination do the work.
- Philippa
July 20th, 2008Thanks Lloyd.
- Harvey
July 21st, 2008Where are you looking to open Philippa?
- Philippa
July 21st, 2008In the UK - close to Bedford - about 40 miles north of London.
- johanna
August 18th, 2008hello,
i am a physiotherapist .i never worked with vibration machine, but i wold like to buy one and to start treating with it.
how can i be trained ?
how can i learne witch exercises to adapte to pathologies Johanna…
It would be helpfull to know where you are in the world.
- johanna
August 18th, 2008Hello,
I live in Israel, in Raanana.
I work in a hospital in Tel Aviv and I will soon open a small clinic in my town.
In Israel there is no vibration machine culture.
You can fine some in gym but without trainer
I am originally from France where my friends use these machines.
I would like to treat and to train people with it Physio Lineal systems….
The most serious Physio units on the market are from Wavexercise in the U.S.
I would alse recommend the Fit-Vibe Excel series.
Pivotal…
Top choice….Galileo
Best hard-core Gym unit…
Hypergravity.
You will need to fully understand and commit to what kind of service you wish to offer before you purchase units for a clinic.
Hello Johanna,
Lloyd, Leon of Physiofit in U.K. who joined discussion here before, myself and other contributors will be very willing to assist you to set up your clinic with vibration training program.
As a qualified physiotherapist, I don’t think you need to take any special training course for practicing vibration training. What you need is guidance to begin; and more and more practice by yourself once you have installed the vibration training machine.
Keep posting here or email Lloyd or me at timothy@vti.hk.
TC
- johanna
August 21st, 2008Hello,
Thank you for your kind answers.
I would like to treat with it osteoporosis , but also to use it for proprioception exercises in shoulder and knee rehabilitation
Can I help my post polio patients with it , is it not too hard for them?
It is reassuring to have someone to turn to thank you again. We have plenty of people that come to my studios with various disabilities including Polio. They simply do what poses they can do, that is also safe.
Brands for you..
Lineal…Considering were you are located , go for a FitVibe or Globus.
Pivotal…. Galileo
Get both systems is possible.
July 1st, 2008
Excellent article Lloyd, I know only too well first hand that the lack of support and training at the beginning nearly sent us bankrupt. Thankfully we crossed paths.
Mike