Franchise Pick

159 opinions for Will the REAL Butterfly Life Franchise Please Wave Its Wings?

• Ouch
  Sep 12, 2007 at 9:58 am

  We watched one close their doors after three months. OUCH.

• Kim
  Sep 12, 2007 at 10:03 am

  Phil, Susan, Jamie and Cynthia are either in great denial or in the middle of no where and do not have any direct competition. Yeah they maybe breaking even but are they earning a living, supporting their families? Or are they having to support their businesses with their life savings or with other means like a second job, or a second mortgage on there house? Are they on the verge of banckruptcy? Hmmmmmm…….will the real truth ever come out?

• Will the REAL Butterfly Life Franchise Please Wave Its Wings? at PIGASYS
  Sep 12, 2007 at 10:36 am

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• sean
  Sep 12, 2007 at 10:50 am

  Ouch: Which location closed within 3 months?
  Kim: What is it about this opportunity that makes you sure it will fail? Is the concept unworkable (same as Curves, Contours, etc)? Or are the problems specific to to Butterfly Life, in your opinion?

  re: the real truth… It will come out as long as people keep participating on this and other Internet sites. This is a turning point in franchising… the first time there’s a public forum to discuss issues out in the open.

• Kim
  Sep 12, 2007 at 4:07 pm

  I am sure it is workable if you have enough money to sustain you for several years but even then you will never break even. You will have poured so much money into it that it will takes many many years, if that, before you ever get back what you put into it. Corporate leads to believe the for very little money you can make it work and that it is possible for you to break even in six months. Corporate also leaves everything up to the franchise owner as far as their own advertising. They do not do anything to help as far as getting the name branded so people know what BFL is. Everyone is so set in their ways and used to Curves that it is hard to get your foot in the door, so to speak, to even let people know who or what Butterfly Life is. Some people think we are a Christian Book Store or a health food store for women that carrys vitnamins etc. In the long run I don’t think a future franchisee should look at this as a way to earn a living. Make sure you have a good supplemental income before diving into the endevor. It would be a good hobby for someone where money is no object and perhaps needs a write off. Someone who has a spouse with a great income already.

• Linda
  Sep 12, 2007 at 10:24 pm

  Sean - contact the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers, http://www.aafd.org for the real story and ask for Bob Purvin the CEO. They are a national organization and very well known and reputable and have been around for 15 years helping franchisees make the right decisions. Ask them how many complaints they have received. They work directly with the Department of Corporations in California helping protect franchisees. Call them and then post your response about the “real” Butterfly Life!

• sean
  Sep 12, 2007 at 11:00 pm

  Linda:
  If you’re in touch with Bob, please invite him or other AAFD members to join the discussion. We’ll even put in a nice pitch for his book “Franchise Fraud.” AAFD does good work and provides a much-needed service. Atty Michael Webster also posts here and is on the AAFD advisory board.

  Kim: This business all comes down to getting and keeping a minimum number of members, doesn’t it? I mean, costs are pretty fixed and the membership structure is pretty simple. How many members do you need to maintain to breakeven in most clubs? Is there a consistent advertising cost per member number that’s pretty standard? Do they teach you the basic metrics of cost per lead, cost per trial, cost per conversion?
  I agree that the name is a marketing challenge. What is the story behind the Butterfly Life name?

  The cynics might point out that the average butterfly only lives for two weeks… about the same life cycle of a Butterfly Life fitness center. I wouldn’t say that, but the cynics might.

• BR
  Sep 13, 2007 at 10:37 pm

  I have been reading the back and forth for sometime. I have been around this system longer than any one posting save one. And yes Susan Phil Jamie and Cynthia you are in denial. The best question to ask of your fellow franchisees out there is “Does the model “work?”
  Find me a franchisee that is breakeven let alone profitable per the model. It is sad that after one, one and a half ,two years or more for those of us who are out there, we are celebrating breakeven. Why are we celebrating just breakeven? Breakeven does not pay a mortgage 1st or 2nd. Are the expenses you were “sold” with this model in line? I venture that those you find breakeven and remotely above, if their are any, have done it by operating outside the box(model). Ask why the corporate office is begging franchisees to put forth testiomonials (now!), ask why the corporate staff had a major reduction recently? Ask how many have closed this year and how long they were open, ask why a franchisee would “leave the system for other reasons” after 4-6 months . I guarantee it was not because they made their fortunes per the “model” timeline and are now on a yacht in the Caymans. Talk to your fellow franchisees and the AAFD. They know the truth. Call or e-mail the AAFD. http://www.aafd.org for the truth. I agree run, run, run.
  By the way to those who plunked a chunk of change down for a great many clubs and are holding the bag, I’m sorry. Wake up and smell the coffee!!

• BR
  Sep 14, 2007 at 12:03 pm

  Sean,
  I posted a comment tha twas on here this am, where did it go??BR

• linda
  Sep 14, 2007 at 1:26 pm

  Sean - the concept is good but the problem is with the management team directly. They made MANY VERBAL promises at their seminars and their “university” in order to induce many people to buy a BL. The problem is you can’t find their promises in the franchise agreement! When something goes wrong, they state that it’s not inwriting in the franchise agreement and therefore, they are protected. They know the law abides by the franchise agreement and the inexperienced franchisee has nothing to stand on. When certain franchisees failed to become profitable and were advised by BL that they didn’t know how to run a business (BL said verbally it would take 4-6 mos.to turn a profit, and they would get national branding, etc.) they decided to contact others to see if they were successful and were surprised to learn that no one was making a profit! BL has tried to divide and concur by keeping franchisees apart and forbade them to ta lk to those who were unhappy and disgruntled. I understand that they are now asking regional managers and franchisees to make positive testimonials on this blog. Mark Golob, the CEO has a way of intimidating people to get what he wants. He makes offers to different franchisees when they are closing regarding payoffs. Each person has a different release option and must sign a document stating they will not go public or he will not release them from their franchise agreement. These franchisees also have leases that they are bound to, costing them thousands of dollars. Sometimes BL keeps people hanging on by telling them that they have a buyer, further putting these people in debt. The AAFD tried to mediate between the franchisees and franchisor several times regarding the issues at hand and were advised by Mark Golob and Tom Gergley to basically… take a hike. Golob and Gergley advised
  many of us they are in the business of selling franchises…..not running them! The Dept. of Corporations must protect and impose laws to defend integrity in the corporate world, and have the manpower to follow through. Too many people have lost their life savings, their homes and their retirement money because of unethical practices! All this has been well documented!

• sean
  Sep 16, 2007 at 12:13 pm

  Linda, BR, Others: Thanks for your insights and comments. I’ve been away since Thursday with a family emergency, so I apologize for any delay in approving comments.
  BR: Is your comment still missing? It shouldn’t be. I haven’t been able to moderate since Wednesday but comments are never deleted. They can occasionally get caught in a Spam filter (I went through 265 Spam comments today) but that would be before they’d appear. Email me at info[at]ideafarm.net if you have any problem with comments appearing.
  Folks: Most franchisors are ethical and, in my experience, interested in succeeding by fostering successful franchisees. Others are in the business of selling franchises over and over, and use the tactics described by Linda quite effectively. I’m not saying which BL belongs to; I provide the forum, you decide for yourself. However, heed her advice about disregarding that which is not in the written agreement.
  In the words of Yogi Berra: “An oral contract isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.”

• BR
  Sep 17, 2007 at 5:31 am

  Sean,
  Yes my comment is here. Thanks for this site! It has opened the eyes of many of our franchisees who were previously in the dark about the truth. They have been told by Corporate that they were the only ones failing and hence suffered in silience and in debt. But when you make more money from a franchisee’s failure than their success by reselling locations why go for the success.
  In the past, a person’s word was their honor and reputation. I give you my word…. guess not here. So for not honoring their committment to their franchisees verbal or otherwise, they now have written word on the Internet for all to see… from us.

• sean
  Sep 17, 2007 at 3:43 pm

  BR said:Thanks for this site! It has opened the eyes of many of our franchisees who were previously in the dark about the truth.
  You’re welcome BR. Thanks all of you who contribute. You folks have the insight and info that helps others. I’m just providing the forum. Keep it coming.
  Graeme said: People are not signing up for the Curves program, because they are getting better deals and trainging at their local gym. The equipment allows you to cheat on your workouts and therefore you do not get the results you are looking for.
  Graeme: What do you mean about “cheating” on their workouts? Is it that the routine never gets any harder? I’m interested.
  Someone in the industry made the point that Curves & others similar did a great job getting couch potatoes off the couch, but they are too limited to retain members. Some will drop out because they’re not committed to health. those who are committed will graduate to a full gym. Do you agree?

• Brandi
  Sep 20, 2007 at 8:32 am

  I agree completely. I don’t know about Curves or Contours, but BFL has an in-depth plan when it comes to the first 100 members, but nothing after that. The type of member these clubs attract either lose their commitment and drop out or move on to a full-service gym.

  Speaking of dropping out, that was one of the big problems with BFL. They will give you all of the tools you need to spend money getting members, but no help in getting owed dues when a member doesn’t honor their agreement. Franchisees could benefit from a collection agency they can all use to collect money from members instead of struggling to do it on their own. Again, its another one of those benefits franchisees should have since we do pay royalty fees every month.

• Anti Butterfly
  Sep 20, 2007 at 8:40 am

  Sean, why are the comments in two different
  groupings? My first comment shows up in the second grouping but this grouping seems to be more recent. Is there a way to put them all together?

  No one has mentioned the fact that Corporate
  says they will help you find a buyer - but you need to pay all the expenses to stay open till they do and then when they find a buyer, you
  walk away and they keep all the money from the sale. What a deal! Then, someone else
  has your problem and they are just the new
  sucker left holding the bag - that was me the
  second sucker and I just couln’t in good consciencepass that on to the 3rd sucker. After 32 months “total time open” didn’t get the club even close to break even.

  Yes the job was fun but the stress and “panic
  attacks” that woke me with my heart pounding in a hot sweat practically every night foir 1 1/2 years isn’t even close to being worth it.

• Diane
  Sep 22, 2007 at 8:07 am

  I would say the “model” that Butterfly Life has is good and I think the whole concept of this club is good. I was very excited to be involved in this and open one. That being said I am now on constant panic on the verge of filing BK and all the lies that corporate has handed down. Bottom line is corporate needs to step up to the plate and start doing national advertising just as Curves is and Butterfly Life needs to get this name plastered across the airwaves everywhere. This is only going to help every franchise out there struggling. Each and EVERY ONE of the Butterfly Life franchises out there are struggling and having financial difficulty. They are ALL on the verge of closing if they haven’t already. If corporate thinks they have a good product and want this to succeed and take the business away from Curves they better get their act together real quick!

• Mike
  Sep 24, 2007 at 4:38 am

  I posted this comment on the related article and thought I would share on here…

  As a former club owner who recently closed, I felt compelled to add my two cents.

  Butterfly LIFE as a corporation didn’t fail with the product they put on the table, but rather in the BRANDING of that product and the dishonest approach they employed to sucker you into purchasing a franchise.

  I have been in fitness for over 17 years and have worked in every conceivable fashion in the industry. I have done everything from personal training, to customer service, to membership sales, to running a club, to being the VP of Sales & Marketing for 9 clubs. My wife and I decided to look into Butterfly LIFE for our future.

  We were impressed with the seminar and even more impressed when we visited a couple of clubs and saw how the whole thing works. It IS the best overall wellness formula on the market for women. I mean you cannot beat a progressive weight stack on the circuit, classes without the hassle of hiring staff to teach the classes and nutrition included.

  The product is not the problem. I have read through some of the “pro” comments, and yes, we too had members with amazing results. We had members lose over 50 lbs as well and saw some of our initially apprehensive members catch on and become some of our most dedicated members. Hell, we signed up over 300 members in around 8 months and forced 1 Curves location to go under because we took around half their members away!

  The biggest branding problem is their National Marketing approach. We heard about all of these wonderful national TV commercials that were supposed to make our phones “ring off the hook” and this 5 minute TV show that was supposed to “change lives”. First of all, this 5 minute was garbage and a total waste of time and money. It was on at like 8:25AM on TLC. Nobody ever saw it! My wife and I even tried to TIVO it and only found it 1 time even though it was supposed to air 6 or 7 times!

  And as far as the commercials went, we MAYBE signed up 3 members from ANYTHING corporate did because the commercials were…
  #1 at a time when nobody sees them
  #2 squashed at the end of the time slot and most importantly
  #3 did NOTHING for branding!

  Butterfly LIFE tried to tell the story of people changing their lives BEFORE they ever told the people WHAT Butterfly LIFE was or HOW it could change their life too!! That’s like taking a person off the street and training them as hard as they can to be the best football player they could possibly be and sticking them on a football field and NEVER teaching them how to BLOCK OR TACKLE an opponent! Butterfly LIFE tried tell a story before they told the people WHAT WE DID or HOW IT COULD HELP them! The commercial they made to create an interest in selling their franchises was more impactful!

  Also, if you had the best product on the market, wouldn’t you shout it from the rooftops? If that’s the case and having already established that Butterfly LIFE has a better product than Curves, then why is it that…
  #1 everyone knows what Curves does
  #2 you can find a Curves commercial during Survivor, the Amazing Race, Big Brother etc etc
  #3 Curves is on a cereal box?
  Answer: BRANDING!

  The other area Butterfly LIFE falls short is their absolutely horrific way they sell the franchises. In the seminar we attended, Mark Golob stood up and told the group that you could open a Butterfly LIFE franchise for “about the cost of an SUV”. The inital estimates for opening a club ranged from 50-70K. I immediately asked Mark at the seminar, what does that estimate include, because it surely cannot include everything. He said that we would get “the doors open” for 50-70K.

  So, after researching as much as we could and budgeting 100K for start-up because I thought Mark was insane with that projection, we decided to purchase and open a franchise. News flash, we spent over $160K BEFORE the doors were open and the overage ate around 75% of the money we had budgeted for operating capital. Soon after we opened, we found out that MOST of the new club owners were in the same boat we were. So we fought and clawed and did EVERYTHING we could to stay open…even surviving a Workout World franchise that opened a month after we did and sold their charter memberships for $9 a month! But we were doomed from the start because we were out of money BECAUSE of those initial projections. Yes, we were at our break even point by the 4th month, but we had gone so far in debt to keep the line moving, closing was inevitable. Hell, even over a year later, we still closed with over 250 active members even though we had 0 money to advertise for the last 4 months we were open.

  I am not here to boo-hoo about our failure. I am here to let anyone who is seriously considering purchasing a BFL franchise what to expect. To quote my wife, BFL does not stand for Butterfly LIFE…it stand for Big F_ _ _ _ _ _ Liars….I’ll let you fill in the blanks.

• Brandi
  Sep 24, 2007 at 1:56 pm

  Potential Franchisees,

  Please base your decision on the facts. Don’t ask clubs about break-even number of members, blah blah blah. Ask them if they are making a profit yet. Then make a decision. If BFL clubs start making money, then jump on the opportunity. Don’t believe the hype. There are plenty of opportunities to buy clubs and they’ve been saying they’re increasing the franchise fee for at least 2 years now and haven’t.

  Corporate promotes themselves as experienced franchisees. They say they are the same folks who operated the Linda Evans centers for umpteen years. They know exactly what they are doing. They have gone through the learning curve. They are saying and doing everything intentionally because they think that is how to sell the clubs. Say anything that will get these suckers to sign on the dotted line and give us that money!

  Before I bought into it, I spoke with some of the same people on this blog who warned me not to do it. But, I let Corporate fool me into thinking it was their fault (bad business people, poor locations, etc.). I know Corporate is probably telling a new batch of suckers the same lies about me now that my club is gone. I don’t take it personally though. Like Mark told me himself when I needed help and my club was in trouble, “Sorry, it’s business.”

• Fitness » Will the REAL Butterfly Life Franchise Please Wave Its Wings?
  Sep 25, 2007 at 7:45 am

  […] Body thinker wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptPhil says: The best fitness franchise for Women’s Fitness is Butterfly Life… a winning formula for members’ success and ours. Susan & Jamie say: …we are very grateful to corporate for all the support you have shown. … […]

• Girl with a Mission
  Sep 26, 2007 at 2:57 pm

  I’ll keep it simple for those of you looking to buy one of these franchises.
  I followed the plan that was laid out for me and during presale I signed 58 members. We went to women’s clubs, the Chamber of Commerce, a hospital, several doctor’s offices, and 5 schools talking to the women and leaving brochures, dvds, and 3 day passes. Following that, we had another surge, and during the 1st month I signed another 47 members. By the end of the 3rd month, I had 258 members and I was putting money in the bank. I do monthly parties (which have been good for a couple of new members each time) and my members love to come. I feel extremely confident that I will have a large number of members renew after their current 1 & 2 year memberships.
  When I went into this venture, I went in saying I would do everything the company recommended. After all, that’s why I went with a franchise! Another thing I do that some of the failing clubs didn’t do, I am there 7 - 1 and 3:30 - 8. ME, not someone that is just there for a $10 an hour paycheck.

  Now, I’m not saying that everyone can do this in such a short amount of time. I didn’t think I could do it that fast. I went into this figuring it would take a year to break even. I guess I was just lucky, right? NOT!!! I worked hard and followed the plan, and I love every minute of it.

  So, if you’re looking for a business with the potential to make money, and you have a passion for helping women, and you’re not afraid to work, this business could be for you!!

• Winning attitude
  Sep 26, 2007 at 3:48 pm

  I have to say that blogs like this can be deceiving. As with any business, you may have a handful of business failures. Unfortunately, these are the people that tend to look for blogs to vent their frustration. As with most situations, it’s usually those who are negative that shout the loudest. Those who are succesful are busy tending to their business and not looking for blog sites to brag. Most realize that the disgruntled always go on the attack instead of being able to carry on a peaceful dialogue. As for lawsuits, we all know that there are “ambulance chasers” in every field. There are many successful Butterfly Life clubs. Don’t let a little negativity dissuade you from realizing your own dream! Do your own research and know that any new business you choose will require you to work hard and will never be successful if you sit back waiting for someone else to do the job for you! Have a winning attitude!

• Kathy
  Sep 26, 2007 at 4:04 pm

  Huh! excuse me Miss Girl on a mission…….I worked just as damn hard as you did. I did not leave someone in my club to work for $10 an hour paycheck. I way there every day of the week from 8 - 1 and 4 - 8. And when I wasn’t there I was out reach marketing. going to schools, Doctors offices, Soccer and Football fields, Walking park lots, Setting up booths at every chance I got…….I am still filing bankruptcy. So just because we are failing doesn’t me mean we didn’t die trying. Your club must be in the middle of nowhwereville with no competition. You almost sound like an Area Rep …….Are you?

• MJ
  Sep 26, 2007 at 4:11 pm

  Amen to Girl with a Mission. Butterfly Life is the best women’s fitness franchise there is. Our members love the club and continue to bring in their friends. Anyone who can not make it in this business probably could not make it in any business.

• Curious
  Sep 26, 2007 at 5:12 pm

  Just curious why everyone who posts a positive comment is attacked and accused of being an area representative. Phil Gerst is NOT an area representative, just a positive club owner. I know several successful club owners who are NOT area representatives!

• sean
  Sep 26, 2007 at 5:22 pm

  MJ said: Anyone who can not make it in this business probably could not make it in any business.
  MJ: You’re saying that Butterfly Life would sell a franchise to someone who couldn’t make it in ANY business? Criticizing your own franchisees - especially those who failed - is a double-edged sword. Good franchisors “award” franchises to those they deem have a high likelihood of success. They only approve locations that they believe have a high likelihood of success. And they put in place quality control measures to make sure franchisees are doing the things necessary for success. A franchise failure is always a shared failure.

• sean
  Sep 26, 2007 at 5:41 pm

  Curious said: Just curious why everyone who posts a positive comment is attacked and accused of being an area representative.
  Keep in mind: Just because you had a bad experience or failed doesn’t mean that no one else could have honestly had a positive experience or have been successful. And just because you’ve had a positive experience or are successful doesn’t mean that those who failed or are struggling didn’t work as hard or as intelligently as you. Markets, competition, timing and other factors vary greatly.
  What are the facts? How many Butterfly Life locations have closed since the chain launched? What specific store locations have closed? That might shed some light on the strength of the concept.

• Hotel California
  Sep 26, 2007 at 8:47 pm

  I would challenge anyone to post every successful Butterfly Life franchisee in the country. Go tho their website and go state by state and of all the open clubs list those that are banking money and earning an income that they expected. Ask if their start up costs matched what they were told. Look at those with the 258 members and state that the amount you are banking is exactly what you got into this businees to achieve, you sound like you are ready to retire.
  And Girl with a Misson it sounds as though you have received all the franchise counseling you require in these first months to carry you to the bank. We all work many hours a day and expected to do so. So why are you still paying your $1000 a month. Seems as if you could call the gym Mission Girl’s Gym and it would survive. What are you getting from being a Butterfly Life, what is the brand contribution? You have 10 years on that agreement do you feel that there is sufficient marketing and advertising talent in the Home office to give value added to your brand name. Or truly is it all your efforts. Maybe they should be paying your $1000 for working for them.

• ER
  Sep 27, 2007 at 5:30 am

  It’s interesting to read all of these responses and criticism of both people and the company. I am an Area Rep and I do run a club and I do believe in the concept ! I’ve run my own business’s for over 25 years and I can tell that it all boils down to you and managing your expectations. That includes your expectations of what ANY company promises. I’ve read and conclude that a number of the people on this board act as if they were sold this franchise against their will, people don’t buy what they don’t believe in. At some point I have to believe that prior to your purchase you did the due diligence to make you feel good enough about your purchase to make it. As Sean said there are many fact tors that go into the success and failure of a business.

  Having said that I am not saying that everything that BFL has done is right and that they haven’t experienced problems and issues along the way. The question you have to ask any new company who is growing is “what are you doing about it”.

  If they do nothing that’s a realistic and legitamate concern on prospective and current franchisee’s.

  If you look at the history of any company you see that they all have had peaks and valleys, successes and failure, praise and complaints.

  I spent a few hours on this board and others and you know what? There are a lot of other companies in business’s similar and different that have similar comments as to the ones here. So what’s the answer stay home and do nothing or find a job and work for a fixed salary? If you choose to go into business you also accept the risk that goes with it. If it were easy and a guarantee of success everyone would do it.

  I would be more than happy to speak to ANYONE who wants to talk about BFL both positive or negative. I did’nt drink the “Company Kool Aid” I just believe in my purchase. My #[phone # withheld*] I just ask that you are courteous and respect of my opinion. And by the way my club is doing really well and is right on track with the business plan that “I” prepared prior to my purchase.

  * We don’t publish personal contact information unless we have a chance to confirm it. Email me the editor at info[at]ideafarm.net if you want to get in touch with ER. Or call 717-656-2107 x 24. Sean

• sean
  Sep 27, 2007 at 7:53 am

  ER saidHaving said that I am not saying that everything that BFL has done is right and that they haven’t experienced problems and issues along the way. The question you have to ask any new company who is growing is “what are you doing about it”…. If they do nothing that’s a realistic and legitamate concern on prospective and current franchisee’s.”
  ER makes several excellent points here. My first concern would be to ask: what are the threats to those struggling, what are the possible solutions, and how can franchisor and franchisee work together to make these clubs successful. The FR sold the franchise, but the franchisee bought it. If the franchisor does nothing but sell more franchises, then more drastic steps might be called for. But know that no one wins in these lawsuits but maybe the lawyers.
  Those who have already closed are more concerned - perhaps legitimately - with who’s to blame. Those who have opened can’t afford to stop there.

• Dave Heun
  Sep 27, 2007 at 2:07 pm

  I am an area rep and nobody put a gun to my head to buy into this. Would I like some changes made Yes. If everybody put the same energy into their clubs as they do complaining about what someone else isn’t doing we’d have a better company. It’s always easier to say it was the other persons fault. Get back to basic’s pick up the phone, knock on a door , and make it happen don’t wait for someone else to do it for you. I have been self employed for 32 years and have had to change the way I do business several times because what works on Tuesday may not work on Saturday.

• sean
  Sep 27, 2007 at 2:15 pm

  Get back to basic’s pick up the phone, knock on a door , and make it happen… Good advice, Dave. What do you provide to franchisees in the way of membership marketing tools? Is there systemwide advertising, or are franchisees on their own?

• Dave Heun
  Sep 27, 2007 at 2:29 pm

  Franchisees are expected to pay for the vehicle use to get the word out corp has done the tv spots, radio spots , post cards , newspaper adds and more to help. As the clubs grow in one area they will be able to share costs in advertising.Bottom line this is your business and your are the key and that is what I tell people I speak too.

• Sooooo Disappointed
  Sep 27, 2007 at 4:17 pm

  Dave, I’m glad your business is doing so well. What most of us who have had to close or turn back over to corporate are trying to say is that corporate had the responsibility to represent the correct facts and figures of the business model, so in turn you would be able to make a good business decision before purchasing. The facts were not correct and very misleading. I did take into account for needing extra startup money but was not enough…. kept borrowing to keep it afloat. Corporate would conference call everyone and let them know the big “National” branding was on its way and to hang in there. Never happened and went further into debt.
  As far as signing members I did not sit back and wait for the corporate branding or for customers to just drop in. I did what corporate wanted for advertising and then some along with outreach, shows, mailers, and giveaways. But everything I tried was not enough for the club to be successful or to breakeven. You’re buying a franchise for the Name Branding. If branding was not so important to a businesses success or to a new item the business wants to promote, then why do businesses spend billions on advertising every year. It’s to Brand their business name and what they are selling. We were told before purchasing what they were planning to do to Brand the Butterfly Life name. Most of it did not happen or it was very exaggerated. You can read my experience on the 2nd area of comments. I wish you the best and please give the correct information to all your potential franchisees. Thank you.

• sean
  Sep 28, 2007 at 4:45 am

  By the way, I apologize if anyone had trouble accessing the Contours Express franchise lawsuit document or the Contours Express franchise disclosure documents yesterday. There was a problem but they should work fine now. Download them at the FranBest document library:
  http://www.franbest.com/?page_id=323

• sean
  Sep 28, 2007 at 5:51 am

  The Butterfly Life franchise agreement, franchise offering circular, area development agreement, area representative agreement, and list of franchisees are posted as free downloads at the FranBest.Com Franchise Document Library:

  http://www.franbest.com/?page_id=323

• Franchise Dreams Becoming Nightmares for Many Fitness Club Owners at PIGASYS
  Sep 28, 2007 at 7:44 am

  […] Is Curves for Women a Good Franchise Investment? IS BUTTERFLY LIFE A GREAT FITNESS FRANCHISE? Will the REAL Butterfly Life Franchise Please Wave Its Wings? The Contours Express Second Amended Complaint for Damages document, Uniform Franchise Offering […]

• TRY THIS ONE
  Sep 30, 2007 at 10:27 pm

  Sean - you appear to be on a mission against BFL— strange enough, actually, why really? I am neither a girl on a mission or a girl with a cause. I just deliver what I know to be true. If you would like to hear the facts, here they are. . . . There are a number of franchise owners in the BFL network that believe in the product and are working their butts off to make it succeed. Who in their right mind believes they can make a new business profitable in 6 months, 1 year. etc….? Come on! Get in the real world! Any strong business owner knows that it can take a number of years to become profitable. There are claims that there was no support and no advertising with this franchise. I personally believe that millions of dollars was spent in advertising and I believe that individuals were in all the clubs assisting them in succeeding. The fact that the owners weren’t successful . . .. . comes down to the owner. WOW, isn’t that hard to believe.. . . . Really it boils down to an accountability issue and it seems that no one in this blog is prepared to take any level of accountability. Funny, how it all works out, really when you are personally to blame for your own failure. Do bare in mind that when you point the finger, three other fingers are pointing back at you. So really, who is to blame. … ….???? People make choices and I would hope that they would read the contract that they signed, because it is very clear so the claims that they didn’t know what they were spending or they didn’t know what it was going to take is BULLSHIT. You sign an agreement, much like any other binding agreement, I would think you would read it in it’s entirety and understand what your obligations are. INSTEAD, it is interesting that you find a number of people, apparently, including yourself, that somehow believe that the world functions under your own reality. The blatant truth is. . . . ..it doesn’t!!

• sean
  Oct 1, 2007 at 4:51 am

  Try This One said Sean - you appear to be on a mission against BFL
  TTO: Appearances can be deceiving. If you look back at the evolution of the discussion, you’ll see that I started with positive post and the question: “Is Butterfly Life a Great Franchise Opportunity?”
  http://www.franchisepick.com/is-butterfly-life-a-great-fitness-franchise/
  Some very negative comments from franchisees and ex-franchisees appeared and some troubling issues came to light that had already been in the works.
  I’m a professional franchise and consumer marketer whose soapbox, for twenty years, has been for franchisees to take responsibility for their own success, and for franchisors to give them the strategies and tools to succeed (not do it for them). I also urge franchisors to be highly selective in awarding franchisees only to those they believe have a high likelihood of success.
  TTO, I assume you’re either a franchisee, an AR or a corporate employee. I agree with you that the “blame game” doesn’t help franchisees who are struggling to achieve profitability and aren’t getting the member marketing tools they need to be successful. But neither is pretending it’s all their fault, ignoring the problem and selling more franchises. The ARs have the most to gain by pushing for solutions at the unit level.
  Franchising is the art and science of creating a genuine win-win situation. If that’s not the shared goal, it’s either a scam or a house of cards. Sometimes you’ve got to stop, suspend franchise sales, focus on improving unit level economics, and all get on the same page before proceeding.

• sean
  Oct 1, 2007 at 5:05 am

  TTO: Negative blog and Internet discussions can actually be turned into positive PR for the company if handled correctly. Harvard did an excellent report listing numerous case studies and recommendations. It’s a free download here:
  http://franbest.tradepub.com/free/w_cymf03

• Sunshine
  Oct 1, 2007 at 5:07 pm

  Sean,
  THANK YOU VERY MUCH!! YOU TELL THEM AND THEM BEING THE PEOPLE FROM CORP. THAT ARE MONITORING THIS SITE. THAT IS A FACT, NOT AN OPINION NOR A GUESS~~UNLESS THEY ARE LYING~~
  SEAN YOUR ADVICE AND KNOWLEDGE ON THESE MATTERS HAVE BEEN MOST USEFUL TO SOME OF THE PEOPLE POSTING/READING HERE. EYES AND EARS THAT ONCE WERE CLOSED~~ARE NOW OPEN! WE CAN HOPE FOR PROGRESS WHERE THERE WAS NO HOPE BEFORE.

• sean
  Oct 2, 2007 at 9:40 am

  Sunshine: Glad you found the discussion and FranchisePick.Com helpful.
  Remember, everyone, if all else fails, there’s always the Green Prosperity Prayer Hankie:
  http://www.franchisepick.com/the-green-prosperity-hankie-will-make-you-rich/
  You never know!

• Hotel California
  Oct 3, 2007 at 10:41 pm

  Butterfly Life Franchise Closures
  City/Open/Closed-Changed

  Glendale, AZ. 04/04-04/05 sold
  Glendale, AZ 04/05-08/06 2nd owner
  Mesa, AZ 04/06-08/06
  Walnut Creek, CA. 07/04-06/05 sold
  Walnut Creek, CA. 06/05-07/06 2nd owner
  Woodland Hills, CA. 10/04-04/05
  Hunnington Beach, CA. 11/04-06/05
  Glendora, CA. 12/04-02/05 sold
  Brentwood, CA. late 04-03/05
  Clovis, CA . 08/06-03/07
  Fremont, CA. Spring/05-Summer/07
  (resold/Corporate)
  San Mateo, CA. Fall2006/selling/Corp.
  Woodland, CA. Spring 2004/sold 12/05(corp sale)
  Cameron Park, CA. 11/04- now debranded
  Woodland, CA. 12/05-09/07 2nd owner
  Pacifica, CA. Spring 05-Spring 07 (indep. sale)
  Sausilito, CA. 10/05-05/07
  San Leandro,CA. Summer 04-06/06
  Fairfield, CA. 06/04-Spring 05
  Vacaville,CA. 06/04-01/06
  San Francisco, CA. 12/05-03/06
  Lincoln, CA. 02/07-08/07, sold/Corp resale
  Jackson, CA. late 06-05/07
  Hayward, CA. selling
  Antioch,CA. never opened
  Martinez, CA. never opened
  San Jose, CA. pd $50K never opened
  San Jose, CA. pd $30k never opened
  Boulder, CO. 06/06-08/06
  Groton, CT. Spring 05-selling
  Norwich,CT. Early 06-09/07
  Southington, CT. closing
  Atlanta/Roswell/Alpharetta, Ga. Spring 04-11/05
  3 clubs
  Roswell, GA. 04 Pd. $10k never opened
  Lithonia, Ga. 05 pd. $10k never opened or rec’vd UFOC
  Atlanta, Ga. Fall/05-05/07 sold Corp resale
  Atlanta, Ga. Fall/05-Early 06
  Meridan, ID Fall 05-07/07
  Meridan, ID Pd never opened
  Nampa, ID. Pd. never opened
  Bosie, ID. Pd. never opened
  Cary,NC. Pd $30k never opened
  Raleigh, NC. Pd. $10K never opened
  Cary, NC. 12/06-sold 09/07
  Howell, NJ Pd. $10K never opened
  Medford, OR. 04/06-03/07
  Irving, TX. Spring 06-Summer06
  Keller, TX 04/07-09/07 Corp.resale because of lease
  Arlington, TX. selling
  Ashbun, VA. 11/06-02/07

  I can guarantee any closures are not due to unprecedented profitibility, nor are the second ownerships Corporate resales usually mean the person apys to walkaway or of late gets something back, certainly not their investment or what they were “sold”. The corporate deals changes with the wind.
  You can say early on, new company but at one time in 04/05 12/16 were closing. This is who we know of, we surmise ther are many more who have paid the $10K, $30k and walked away upon finding the truth. Does the model sold match reality? nobody went into this thinking I won’t CYA beyond their estimates and YET 2x-3x estimates is not enough. Some of these locations wer ebut a profitable blip to corporate money in the bag. Some of these locations owner are bankrupt.
  Where’s Waldo is only part of the question, Where’s MARTHA, Where’s the TV show(not a 5 min. Infomercial to sell franchises, Where’s the Beef?

• Smoking Gun
  Oct 4, 2007 at 9:48 am

  In response to TRY THIS ONE ON…

  Wow… aren’t you holier than thou?

  What most of these franchisees (including myself) are upset about was the lack of delivery on the support that was promised and the downright lie of what the start up costs were.

  Question for you… if Butterfly LIFE has done such a great job branding…since you apparently know how much they spent for advertising…which either makes you a corporate employee or an area rep…then why has NOBODY heard of it? Yes, I agree that corporate has spent some money for advertising but can you tell me when or where you’ve seen it? I’ll answer that for you…nowhere because it wasn’t broadcast during a time when ANYONE was watching. How do I know this? Because we had to hunt to find it! It was on morning television…after the credits of the Ellen DeGeneres Show when nobody is watching!

  Curves has an inferior product but yet you see SEVERAL commercials in prime time! I’m not disagreeing that BFL actually spent money for advertising BUT BFL could have spent their advertising dollars a little more wisely if they were so hot on making BFL a household name. Hell, most of the fitness franchises (24 Hr Fitness, WOW, Planet Fitness et al) barely know what BFL is or what the mission is!

  And to tackle the issue of it coming down to the owner for the failure…. maybe so in some cases but the majority of the people I have heard from all point to the biggest reasons for their failure… absurdly low initial start-up projections and empty promises of support from corporate. We were told that initial costs were 50-70K & we spent over $160K which represented around 85% of all the money we had…and it was an uphill battle the whole way. We amazingly made it over a year but had to keep robbing Peter to pay Paul to do so…

  And as far as corporate support… we didn’t even have a member of corporate at our facility until we had been operating for 3 MONTHS! Nobody was even present at our grand opening! They were all too busy selling new franchises.

  Now corporate did schedule a few conference calls for “training” where either Denny, Janet or another nit-wit read from the operations manual that WE ALL HAD IN FRONT OF US! How does that help? All it did was waste our time! We can read from a book, too.

  Oh and by the way…since you can’t pre-sell memberships in our state…we had our 100 charter members in 4 weeks…200 members in 8 and actually had over 300 active members when we closed our doors last month. So as far as the operation of the business, we did just fine…in fact we were considered one of the more succesful clubs in the corporation. However, if all you ever do is swim upstream, don’t you eventually drown?

• Hotel California
  Oct 4, 2007 at 11:07 pm

  Correction:
  Woodland, CA. closed 08/30/07
  Jackson, CA. resold after sitting fully equipped for 2-3 months unopen. 1st owners responsible for all. Corporate requested they(franchisees) pack up and send back all. New owner summer 07.
  Good Luck to All.

• FYI
  Oct 5, 2007 at 9:24 am

  Grandury, Tx - selling

• West Coast
  Oct 16, 2007 at 10:44 pm

  I can not believe all the negative comments about Butterfly Life franchise. I bought my Butterfly Life club from 1st owner who was struggling with low membership and ready to close the door. Guess what! I totally turned around the club within 7 months with over 280 happy members and still going strong. I am totally devoted to my Butterfly Life club, not like some of you only spends part time at the club due to another business you own and leaving your Butterfly Life club in many different teenagers hand. When you purchase the business, you need to do active community marketing, follow up with existing members to bring referrals, but mostly I followed Butterfly Life District managers advice and my common sense. It is very easy to blame others when you fail like my club 1st owner. I am the proof of success story of Butterfly Life franchise.

• FYI
  Oct 17, 2007 at 7:53 am

  Excuse me West Coast….but you have obviously not read our blogs……most all of us worked our tails off trying to keep our clubs running. I myself worked 14 hours a day and I did it all by myself. I didn’t have teenagers running my club. When I wasn’t at the club I was out marketing during my off hours. I would leave the house at 6:30 in the morning and wouldn’t get home until 9:00 a night. My family never saw me. I would bet the a majority of the rest did the same. So just don’t assume it was because we had other businesses and let some teenager run the club. Kiss my Ass!

• Diane
  Oct 17, 2007 at 2:08 pm

  West Coast please, please, please contact me directly. I really want to talk with you regarding you buying an existing club. I am having to sell mine because having family problems and cannot devote the time that is needed to the club. I would love some input from you on how you did it. I mean buy it that is.

• Sunshine
  Oct 17, 2007 at 2:20 pm

  FYI…….some of us know all too well just how you feel.Some have walked in that same pair of shoes and wish today they could afford a new pair…but lets keep this clean. Instead, lets ask this
  West Coast……if you can not believe all the negative remarks you are reading here, then tell the rest of us what brought you to this site? You had to learn about it somewhere. Also, if you will re-read all the post written here and on the other blog you would know that no one is downing their own BFL Club with negative remarks. What has been expressed here are true horror stories of men/women just like yourself who have tried and lost..no matter what. And since you alone all by yourself stepped into yet another failing club and turned it around…why not admit who you are and where your club is. Share your success story….just maybe what is working for you in your club could help an East Coast ( or any where for that matter) club. Instead of adding more negativity to this blog, try adding something positive while patting yourself on the back for a job well done.

• FALL FRENZY
  Oct 17, 2007 at 2:37 pm

  I AM NEW TO THIS BLOG BUT I WILL TELL YOU I BOUGHT A FRANCHISE AND TOTALLY EXPECTED TO BE SUCCESSFUL. I FOLLOWED THE BL COPORATE ADVICE, SPENT MONEY ON ADVERTISING AND WORKED VERY HARD TO MAKE A SUCCESSFULT FRANCHISE. GUESS WHAT? IT DID NOT WORK AND I HAD TO GET OUT. WE LOST A MINIMUM OF 200,000. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A GREAT HOBBY - I LOVED THE PRODUCT AND MY CUSTOMERS BUT IT WAS NOT A MONEY MAKER AND I WOULD HAVE LOST MORE IF I HAD STAYED OPEN. THE FRANCHISEE DID NOT HOLD UP THEIR PART OF THE BARGAIN. THEY SHOULD GET OUT OF THE BUSINESS AND FIND SOMEONE TO RUN A NEW FRANCHISE WITH COMPETENT MANAGEMENT, AND A GOOD PRODUCT.

• Butterfly Believer
  Oct 17, 2007 at 7:18 pm

  I hope you realize that putting negetive information about Butterfly Life on the internet only serves to harm your fellow franchisees who are still trying to be successful. You probably think you are doing a service to those out there who may be thinking about purchasing a franchise, but in reality you are not. In order for our businesses to grow we need more branding. The kind of branding that can only come from more clubs opening. This is a process that takes time, and I am sorry that some of you were not able to stick with it for one reason or another. I don’t mean that in a negetive way, I understand that some of you have simply run out of time and money.

  Do you have any idea how many Curves franchises opened and closed in the early years of that business? I can tell you it is a large number. I have a close relationship to some very successful Curves owners. They are successful because of hard work and persistence, but we can’t deny that they are also successful because of timing. Curves has been around long enough to be well known. We will get there too, but it takes TIME.

  I still believe in the concept of Butterfly Life. The business model IS a good one. If you have had to close your doors, I am sorry. It’s not my place to judge whether you worked hard or not. Perhaps you worked your butt off but had a lousy location. Only a business analyst could judge that. I do know that if I end up closing my doors, it will be nobody’s fault but my own, and I won’t try to lay blame on others.

  So, please don’t take the rest of us down with you. Move on with your life, find some peace, and let the rest of us take care of ourselves.

• Butt. Ugly
  Oct 17, 2007 at 9:06 pm

  Butt. Belieiver you say: “putting negetive information about Butterfly Life on the internet only serves to harm your fellow franchisees… for our businesses to grow we need the kind of branding that can only come from more clubs opening.”
  Do you hear what your saying? You’re saying we should withhold information to get others to put their life savings at risk so we might someday profit. I bet your a righteous christian, go to church on sunday, judge others but justify the unethical practices such as you propose.
  Did it occur to you that more franchises will be sold if corp. and the ARs stopped to fix the branding and membership marketing problems before selling more franchises like nothing’s wrong?
  You say “Do you have any idea how many Curves franchises opened and closed in the early years of that business? I can tell you it is a large number.” Do YOU know how many closed in the past year? More closed than opened, at least in the US. Do a search on Curves for sale and see the hundreds of clubs for sale at a loss. the markets overcrowded and not just BL is going to suffer.
  If you think BL will ever get to thousands, even hundreds, of clubs without the leadership to work with franchisees and fix the problems you are seriously delusional. Cuts didn’t fix their problem and disappeared
  http://www.franchisepick.com/mysterious-disappearance-of-hot-new-franchise-cuts-fitness-for-men-part-2/
  Contours didn’t fix their problem and the lawsuits are just beginning
  http://www.franchisepick.com/franchise-dreams-becoming-nightmares-for-many-fitness-club-owners/
  Somebody said We must all hang together or we’ll all hang alone. We should work together to fix the problem,not hide it as Butt. Beleiver suggests.

• Hotel California
  Oct 17, 2007 at 10:32 pm

  To Butterfly Believer
  Do you know that all of us “negative ” Zee’s
  are Butterfly Believers too. We have never stopped saying that the concept is great that is why we bought the franchise. Again you buy a franchise for a reason so that you do not have to do it all yourself. I hear my 14 year old in your comments. The old ones don’t know what they are talking about and the new ones know all. I understand you enthusiasm. And I have a close friend who owns 4 Curves in Fla. Has been in the system along time. Her corporate has a significantly different mind set , attitude and direction. They wanted their franchisees to succeed.
  To belittle those before you who believe me have the desire to tell their story so others do not walk the same path . To say they are wrong when nothing has changed at the top levels is weak and unprofessional and blind.
  In the end the basic tenents of marketing will stand true as will the basic tenents of business. All of us experienced ones are trying to help, not hurt. Unfortunately I believe we will have to be like parents and watch the next generation fall to be heard and believed. And, Ms/Mr. Believer, I hope I get to tell you when you are very deep in debt, mortgaged and your bank accounts gone, to just “move on”, forget about the fraud and get over it. You will be there. It is a shame mistakes have to be repeated. By the way two more will be gone by Dec. 1st.

• Passin' Tru
  Oct 17, 2007 at 11:31 pm

  I’ve got some past exp. in franchise health clubs, but have no involvement with Butterfly Life. I found this discussion pretty interesting, as I hadn’t heard of BL. I just read thru the BL website bio section and wondered: What were you franchisees thinking relying on this “team”? No one seems to have direct experience building a successful chain.
  The claim to fame of CEO Mark Golob’s, Chairman Gergely, Marketing Dir. Zager, Exec Director Marsico, & Ops Director Galli is running Linda Evans Fitness into the ground, or building 18 unit chain Women’s workout and weight loss centers? In fact, it appears Golob abandoned the linda Evans chain and the CA atty general had to force him to refund prepaid fees to members. stand up guy? Oh, Zager has exp. at Women’s Workout World, another flat tire on the road to success.
  Then there’s VP Taylor Golob and Director of Corporate Marketing Carly Golob whose claims to fame include coincidentally sharing the CEOs last name, and having careers unsoiled by the slightest hint of health club experience. Director Hoke remains untouched by previous franchise OR health club experience.
  I don’t mean to be insensitive, but this team seems to have provided just what their bios indicated they would: a mediocre chain going nowhere. Just like they did in the past.

• Butterfly Believer
  Oct 18, 2007 at 8:02 am

  Ahh, you are mistaken in your judgement of me. I have owned my club for a long, time and I am not a newbie. I have debt, and we are still struggling. I simply wanted to point out the detrimental effect you may have on those of us that refuse to give up.

  I have not had the negative experiences with corporate that you have. I have asked for help and received it every time. Perhaps your attitude here on this blog is the same one you had when speaking to corporate and is the reason you did not get the response you wanted. No doubt you’ve heard the saying about honey and vinegar?

  I don’t believe I was sold my franchise under false pretenses. I do believe the business model is good. I also believe the business as a whole has a lot of growing to do and improvements can be made. I know there are successful Butterfly Life clubs out there, most of them aren’t responding because they are busy running their clubs. I am sorry you had a sour situation, but not everyone thinks the way you do, and religion aside, (since you think you know everything) I hope you can recognize your hand in your own failure and move on.

• Shawna
  Oct 18, 2007 at 11:08 am

  So Butt. Believer, since a franchisee wasn’t nice in asking corporate for help-they didn’t get any? Wow!

• sunshine
  Oct 18, 2007 at 11:40 am

  Passin’ Tru
  Nice of you to stop by and post your opinion, especially since the rest of us here know FOR A FACT that BFL Corp. monitors this site on a regular basis. I wonder how some of them feel knowing an “outsider” see’s them as do a lot of their franchisee’s. As for the bio’s, when I first checked into BFL~those where not there, nor was all the hip hop about selling franchises. It told a good story about a great concept for women’s fitness. Now everywhere you look on the web for BFL….it is all about buying a franchise.Or becoming an AR and making all that money on royalities. It would be nice to know the exact number of clubs that are open (this week) and how many active/paying members those clubs have. But would one consider that info positive or negative? And the story continues………..

• Butterfly Believer
  Oct 18, 2007 at 12:41 pm

  Do you have any children? Do they get what they want when they stand there and scream their demands? How effective are temper tantrums? At my house they get the opposite result of what the child wants.

  I am not saying we are children or that corporate should treat us that way. I am simply drawing the comparison to illustrate human nature. If you are a business person that gives others respect, you will have respect returned.

• Butterfly Believer
  Oct 18, 2007 at 12:44 pm

  To Hotel California,
  Shame on you for wishing failure on others. I am sorry your life is so pathetic that you have to stoop to that level.

• Shawna
  Oct 18, 2007 at 12:50 pm

  Human nature aside-this is business. Maybe the “children” are demanding because Corporate isn’t paying attention to them. After all, isn’t it the franchisees fault for not doing so well?

• Titanic
  Oct 18, 2007 at 11:43 pm

  Butterfluy Believer,
  I happen to know Hotel California and no
  one wants the existing franchisee’s to be
  successful more than she.

  In addition she has great sympathy for those franchisees who have not been successful and knows that without an enormous change there will be more that fail.

  I feel that I speak for all of us who have closed,
  we are extremely happy for those who have been
  able to break even - we wish we could have had
  the same experience because we all loved our
  position of club owner, coach and friend to our members. You get to spend your time with friends, everyone is getting healthier in the process and it is a great feeling when someone tells you they’ve lost 10 + pounds and they have gotten off their blood pressure meds or their diabetes is under control or fit into that special dress for the wedding, reunion or party. Greatest job I ever had.

  Sadly enough at the end of each month when I had to come out of pocket thousands upon thousands of dollars my emotion changed and I lost sleep and had panic attacks in the middle of the night.

  We just want to inform everyone who has not yet invested that they need to ask a lot of questions and get those promises in writing. I think a lot of women think they would love to do what we do. - - BUT we need to tell them before they get those stars in their eyes about
  how fun it will be to own their own club - make sure you have $200,000 or more and the energy it takes to work 14 hour days 6-7 days/wk. plus market the gym plus you need a supportive family that can do without you all those hours.

  I wish you all the success in the world and I hope you not only break even but can feed your family and even someday pay your mortgage.
  God Bless!

• Hotel California
  Oct 21, 2007 at 11:13 pm

  Need to update. from Oct 3, 2007
  Glendora,Ca. out of business sign up, closing.
  Claremont , Fla. Closing
  Foster City Ca. closing
  We hear that there are an unbelieveable number of profitable franchisees out there. Tell your story I’d love to have another list of profitable making back my investment franchisees contrary to the criticism here. Send your name and location We need an open date and current status and we will verify and post. We would love to hear your emotional story but this list is the financial facts. Profitable or not and did you just solely go by the model. We know of clubs that are breakeven but stepped way outside the box to get there. And we applaud their success. They had the smarts to take matters in their own hands to make their situation work regardless of the safe line.
  So Butt Believer give me your location open/re-purchase date and we will go from there.
  I wish we all could have succeeded because the product could have been a viable one. We believed and worked for something that was opposite our corporate objective.
  Let me hear from you sucessful franchisees.

• Fiscal Fitness Proving Elusive for 30 Minute Workout Franchise Owners at PIGASYS
  Oct 23, 2007 at 2:01 pm

  […] Related posts: Will the REAL Butterfly Life Franchise Please Wave Its Wings? […]

• linda
  Oct 26, 2007 at 7:59 am

  Hotel California - Odd there’s no comments about profitable clubs. Maybe it’s just that time of year……or maybe it’s just bad times! I for one, am looking forward to those posts, especially from Eliza.

• 2d
  Oct 31, 2007 at 1:57 pm

  I am so glad I found this information before moving forward with my club. I started having my doubts when I needed a lot more money than I was originally led to believe. I was told that Martha Stewart was going to feature BFL on her show once a week starting in Jan 2008 and that there was also a BFL nutirition book that would be out at the end of 07 beginning of 08. Sounds great doesn’t it? But then I attended the new & improved university training and not once was either thing ever mentioned. You would think during the marketing/advertising portion of the training they would mention something as big as that! Then after hearing from a number of disgruntled owners and now what I have been reading here, I have decided to stop everything at least for the time being.

• Shawna
  Oct 31, 2007 at 3:14 pm

  Smart move on your part!!!!

• sunshine
  Nov 1, 2007 at 3:39 pm

  2nd. Who gave you the figures for the amount of money you were lead to believe you needed? Who told you about Martha Stewart? Who told you about the nutrition book?( I wonder if it is the SAME book being written this time last year!) What state would your club be located in if you decide to go forward? Have you read both BFL post on this site? The caution lights are all blinking no matter where you are located.

• sunshine
  Nov 1, 2007 at 3:51 pm

  2d…sorry about the typo!
  Call almost any club that has been open for the last year. See what that club owner will have to say. EX: Monthly expenses 7,000. Monthly income 3,900.(If you are lucky to have and maintain 100 members) Multiply a loss of 3,100. times 12 months and that may be where you are this time next year. At a $48,000.00(additional) loss.

• Titanic
  Nov 1, 2007 at 10:19 pm

  2d . . .
  I only wish this blog had been around last year at this time because I would not be meeting
  with my attorney tomorrow to start my bankruptcy. If you feel a Knot in your gut - listen to it sweetie! - I wish I had - but I
  was told by my A.R. keep “you just need to keep calling those old leads - you are the only one having problems with membership.

• 2d
  Nov 2, 2007 at 8:27 am

  Our club would be located in NC and it was our AR who told us the info about Martha and the book. The danger signs are definately there!

• sunshine
  Nov 3, 2007 at 7:08 am

  2d
  That would be Terry, your area Rep. Yes she has sold/opened several clubs in North Carolina. But there are NC clubs for sale, some that are about to go under, some that have already shut their doors and some that have been on board a year and still not opened. No matter what the state is the track record is not good. Unless you have 250,000. to open, operate and lose in the next year…….stop here! Revisit this site mid November. It could be an explosive experience for everyone involved or about to be involved with Butterfly Life. Better yet, read the new UFCO that BFL will have to produce in Jan.08

• Fitness123
  Nov 3, 2007 at 12:20 pm

  2d,

  Smart move on your part. As I am learning from these blogs and from Sean, once someone signs the UFOC and slaps their money down, it becomes very difficult to reverse any part of the process. I am still just horrified at all of thes stories I have read between the two blog sites about Butterfly Life. I am astounded that these guys are stil continuing to sell these franchises!I have seen Hotel CA’s list of franchises that have closed, been sold or never opened. There just has to be a way to make this all stop. Does anyone really know what the AAFD and the Department of Corporations can do to make BL stop selling franchises? Exactly how many locations have closed their doors in the last 4 years? Does anyone know how many are scheduled to close their doors in the next three months? My wheels are turning…let’s think about working together to get this stop!

• Pooka
  Nov 7, 2007 at 9:37 am

  Add to closing/sold list -

  Audubon, NJ opened 11/05 – closing or closed 07
  Cherry Hill, NJ 7/06 - closed 5/07
  Palmerton, PA 5/06 – closed 4/07
  West Hazelton, PA 11/05, sold 9/07 (for a song)
  Groton, CT 04-05? - closing or closed 07

• Stay Tuned
  Nov 26, 2007 at 8:57 am

  After the Mountain and Mohamed meeting we have learned ALOT! Oh my all of you BFL franchisees out there, if you are not succcessful it is because you are all bad business managers. There is nothing wrong with the model!! Given that the updated list of closures etc. is coming. There are alot of bad business managers out there!! Or could it be no qualifying , if your check clears your in ,but Corporate forgot to mention on your own.
  We still challenge BFL Corporate. Where are the successful clubs who followed the model per financial, marketing and advertising? What percentage of your 90?? open clubs falls into that category?
  To any and all who bought , opened and failed, opened and struggling, bought never opened(we know there are many), about to those looking/thinking of buying. Contact the Butterfly Life Chapter of the AAFD for the latest update. http://www.aafd.org
  If you believe the MO of this company has changed think again. Same con that has been running since Woman’s Workout World and Weight Loss Centers. We have inside knowledge and facts.
  Coming soon the latest on the California Dept. of Corporations complaint filing!

• still posted
  Nov 27, 2007 at 3:17 pm

  What has become clear over and over again in actions and words, the problem with ButterflyLife Corporate is their inability to focus on the most critical issues…. the success of franchisees. And when the franchisee fails as have so many, the blame is squarely placed on the shoulders of the franchisee and their inability to run a business. The words can vary, but inevitably they include phrases such as … you are the only franchisee having these types of problems. Are these new behaviours for the BFL. No, as can be verified by the following.

  “Golob and Gergley denied the corporation is culpable for any of the franchise failures and say they have a great business model for the right kind of owner. “Franchising is not for everybody,” Golob said. “When franchisees don’t make it, they always blame the franchiser.” The fitness business is highly competitive, Gergley said. (later telling me that not all owners are ready to commit the time and energy required). ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, June 16, 2005, by Frank Mickadeit

  And yet, two months earlier.

  “For the franchise owner, Golob believes that Butterfly Life’s most attractive features are its affordablility, the fact that no building permit is required because it’s all built out of fixtures, and the ease in which it can be run.

  The franchise fee starts at $29,500 plus buildout costs, which usually run between $15,000 to $20,000.

  “Our experts help the franchise owners in every aspect of the business so they literally wouldn’t even need a high school education to run it,” Golob said. “They could own a franchise for a price less than it costs to buy a Ford Blazer.” SAN MATEO COUNTY TIMES, Saturday April 30, 2005 by David Morrill, Business Writer.

  And the beat goes on. Who gets hurt? Franchisees and area reps get hammered. But not corporate…the guys who with more than “100 years of proven success in the fitness industry”, and who came up with this wonderful business model that has proven so very successful.

• Stay Tuned
  Nov 28, 2007 at 11:18 pm

  The Department of Corporations complaint is allive and moving forward. Responses to the DOC’s questions are in process as of this posting . They are very interested in the history of this franchise system

  These closures are as we are aware 11/28/2007,
  We know ther are more coming.

  Butterfly Life Franchise Closures
  City/Open/Closed/Change Info.
  ARIZONA
  Glendale, AZ. 04/04-04/05 Corporate resale
  Glendale, AZ Mesa, AZ 04/06-08/06 2nd owner
  Mesa, AZ 04/06-08

  CALIFORNIA
  Antioch,CA. never opened (pd $30K)
  Brentwood, CA. 2/04 - 03/05
  Clayton, CA. pd. $10k never opened, Corporate resold territoryy
  Cameron Park, CA. 11/04- now debranded
  Clovis, CA . 08/06-03/07 (3purchased 2 never opened)
  Clovis, CA .(North) (3purchased 2 never opened)
  Cupertino, CA (Pd $10K - never opened)
  Fairfield, CA 6/04 - 12/05
  Foster City Ca. Open 2005? Closing 11/30/07 (3purchased 2 never opened)
  Fremont, CA. Spring/05-Summer/07 Corporate resale
  Fresno, CA (3purchased 2 never opened)
  Glendora, CA.12/04-02/05(1ST Owner pd corporate $50K) sold- 2nd owner out of business sign up, closing.
  Hemet , CA - 4/07 never opened
  Hunnington Beach, CA. 11/04-06/05
  Jackson, CA. late 06-05/07,club sat unmaned for 2-3mos, supposed corp. buyer
  Lincoln, CA. 02/07-08/07, Corporate resale, due to massive financial losses of 1st owner
  Martinez, CA. (pd corporate $10K) never opened
  Murrieta, CA- 4/07 -never opened
  Pacifica, CA. Spring 05-Spring 07 (indep. sale)
  Roseville, CA - Opened 7/04 closed 9/04
  9 (NINE!) Sacramento, CA - never opened 2004 (pd $125K)
  San Francisco, CA (Marina District) 1/06-03/06
  San francisco, CA. (Downtown) still open but corporate removed from website
  San Jose, CA. pd $50K never opened
  San Leandro,CA. Summer 04 - 4/06
  San Mateo, CA. Fall2006/closing
  Sausilito, CA. 10/05-05/07
  San Jose, CA. pd $30k never opened
  Temecula - April 07 - never opened
  Vacaville,CA. 06/04-01/06
  Walnut Creek, CA (Treat Blvd) (purchased from Linda Evans) 3/05 - debranded 9/07
  Walnut Creek, CA (Ygnacio Valley Rd) , sold never break even
  Walnut Creek, CA. 07/04-06/05 sold 06/05-07/06 2nd owner
  Woodland, CA. Spring 2004/sold 12/05(corporate resale) 12/05-08/07 2nd owner
  Woodland Hills, CA. 10/04-04/05

  COLORADO
  Boulder, CO. 06/06-08/06

  CONNETICUT
  Groton, CT. Spring 05-selling Groton, CT closed 10/07, corporate star of the program
  Norwich,CT. Early 06 - 09/07
  Southington, CT. closed 09/07

  FLORIDA
  Claremont, FL Closing

  GEORGIA
  Atlanta, Ga. Fall/05-Early 06
  Atlanta, GA - Pd $10K never opened
  Atlanta, Ga. Fall/05-05/07 Corporate resale
  Atlanta/Roswell/Alpharetta, Ga. 2/ 04 - 11/05 (3 clubs)
  Buford, Ga. whose club closed 10/07
  Lithonia, Ga. 05 pd. $10k never opened or rec’vd UFOC
  Roswell, GA. 04 Pd. $10k never opened

  IDAHO
  Bosie, ID. Pd. never opened
  Meridan, ID Fall 05-07/07
  Meridan, ID Pd never opened
  Meridan, ID Pd never opened

  IOWA
  Johnston, IA 1-07 - 10/ 07

  NORTH CAROLINA
  Cary,NC. Pd $30k never opened
  Cary, NC. 12/06-sold 09/07
  Raleigh, NC. Pd. $10K never opened

  NEW JERSEY
  Audubon, NJ opened 11/05 – closed 07
  Cherry Hill, NJ 7/06 - closed 5/07
  Howell, NJ Pd. $10K never opened

  OREGON
  Medford, OR. 04/06-03/07

  PENNSYLVANIA
  Palmerton, PA 5/06 – closed 4/07
  West Hazelton, PA 11/05, sold 9/07 (for a song)

  RHODE ISLAND
  Westerley, Rhode Island 09/07

  TEXAS
  Arlington, TX. selling
  Irving, TX. Spring 06-Summer06
  Keller, TX 04/07-09/07 Corporate resale -( because of lease)

  VIRGINIA
  Ashbun, VA. 11/06-02/07

  WASHINGTON
  LONGVIEW, WA - Opened Dec 06 - Closing soon

• ret
  Nov 29, 2007 at 9:33 am

  A few more:
  Blackwood, NJ - Opened Aug 06 - Closing soon
  Cherry Hill, NJ - Pd. $10K never opened
  Glendora/Blackwood - Pd. $10K never opened

• ret
  Nov 29, 2007 at 9:36 am

  Glendora/Blackwood, NJ - Pd. $10K never opened

• Hate to be Lisa Bellini Gergly
  Nov 29, 2007 at 10:30 pm

  Mark G., the spineless hunchback, jumped ship leaving his pee on apprentice, lil’ Tommy boy, in charge. Wouldn’t you hate to be Tommy’s wife, Lisa? Imagine Lisa’s public embarrassment when all this implodes on them from the inside out. She will have to leave their $2-3 million dollar home in the foothills of San Ramon.

  Perhaps, that’s what they call Bad Karma? An eye for an eye as they say in the Bible. Get packing Lisa….the government is coming for you! Hope you look good in an orange jumpsuit.

• Sunshine
  Dec 1, 2007 at 9:55 pm

  OMG………where are all the dedicated and loyal club owners that were here just a couple of weeks ago raising hell with the “few disgruntal franchisees that are now being referred to as “bad business managers”. Have ya’ll nothing to add to this blog? Can the 1(one) profitable club owner please come forward? My mistake, Corp. never could produce that 1 (one) club. Could some of those dedicated franchisee’s have changed their attitude, could they be amoung the 30+ additional calls the AAFD has received since the mediation( not a total waste of time!) with Corp. Let me see……does this mean some people have FINALLY opened their eyes and ears?
  Maybe they called their accountant and got their P/L’s……..maybe they have nothing more to say here because they are all busy trying to find an attorney. The best as already been retained….don’t miss the boat again…call the AAFD today because tomorrow or next week could be too late. Get on board before all the “life” vest are gone. And if you still need more proof………..WELL CHECK BACK IN DAILY AS THE LIST OF CLOSING/DEBRANDING CLUBS GROWS. THAT LIST IS ALREADY LONGER THAN THE ONE FOR OPEN CLUBS!

• Feel free to add to the list....
  Dec 2, 2007 at 1:07 pm

  CALIFORNIA
  Foster City, CA–Opened 2005–NOW CLOSED
  San Francisco, CA–Opened 11/07–closing soon
  San Bruno, CA–paid–never opened
  San Mateo, CA–paid–never opened
  Burlingame, CA–paid–never opened
  Menlo Park, CA–paid–never opened
  San Jose, CA–paid–never opened
  Richmond, CA–paid–never opened

  As pressure continues to mount on the existing open clubs from bleeding every month, jumping ship and de branding may be your only hope. With this negative association with the name Butterfly, it would be wise to change your name.

  With the advent of the Area Rep “confidential” conference call on last Thursday, I am anticipating more “panic mode” throughout the BFL system to continue and worsen. An implosion is immanent as the “deep throats” keep coming forward and have communicated their willingness to testify against corporate.

  I would like to publicly thank all those that have come forward and identified themselves to the AAFD. Because of your integrity and ability to stand up, there will be countless other women that will be saved from the ruthless and greedy leadership that control BFL. Among the ARs that have come forward, joining the AAFD will probably be the only way to get back your or your investor’s $$.

  God bless the souls that remain loyal to BFL.

  Anonymous

• Vice Versa
  Dec 2, 2007 at 2:14 pm

  Thanks to all the franchisees, open and closed, the ex-employees and area reps who have supported and continue to support our efforts in protecting the innocent victims who have yet to purchase a BFL. We’re hoping that our efforts can also serve to protect those who are current franchisees and fear losing everything they have. We want you to know that all of your support is allowing us to make extremely good progress and we will keep you informed as we move forward. Please keep your information coming as it has been very helpful in making our case. Our continued unity is proving successful. There’s much more to come……………

• offended
  Dec 2, 2007 at 9:51 pm

  I support what owner’s and past owner’s are doing to make Butterfly Life accoutable but come on - the kind of talk that refers to Lisa Bellini and degrades Mark and Tom is totally out of place, inappropriate, demoralizing and cuts way below the belt. Please keep this kind of garbage off the site and raise your standards.

• Sherleylock Holmes
  Dec 2, 2007 at 10:13 pm

  Dear Miss Holmes,
  It appears that the dissembling Flies in the Butter corporate jackals (and their “in house” sycophants) are without redemption, so revealed during the recent attempt by the very well organized group of Anti-Flies in the Butter warriors who sought restitution for the damage caused to them by the Lords of the Flies and their ilk. So, it appears to be inevitable that “plaintiffs” and “defendants” are the roles to come because honest business practices have been transmogrified into swindles by the unscrupulous crooks and their toadies.
  Area Reps, heed! When the facts of the case are officially on record and published, not only is it going to be very difficult for you to sell any franchises (except on Mars, maybe!!), but you will no longer be able to ignore the 900 pound gorilla in the room … and that 900 pound gorilla is really loud & really angry!!! Flies in the Butt area reps are now nothing more than henchmen for a bunch of racketeers. The sales pitch you’ve memorized by rote can now be distilled for truth through the filter of documented facts. If you continue to lie, even one scintilla, about the merits of owning a Flies in the Butter franchise (I can’t think of one, can you?), you’ll be named, you’ll be liable. And you already know in your hearts and minds that if you tell the truth about owning an F in the Butt franchise, you couldn’t sell a single one, not even on Mars.
  And the admonition applies to those current owners who are desperate to sell their failing clubs and who resort to using the corporate mantra to put lipstick on the pig. Don’t forget Koko’s boyfriend!! He’s not going away, not ever!!
  So, which side of right and wrong do you want to be on?? We have a date with destiny.
  My friend, Miss Pedagogue, reminded me of something Atticus Finch said at the end of To Kill a Mockingbird:
  “Our courts have their faults… but in this country our courts are the great levelers …”

• Help!
  Dec 3, 2007 at 8:00 am

  ok I tried to contact the BFL chapter of the AAFD but my email was returned. How do I go about contacting them about the song & dance I was given? I want my 30k back!

• sean
  Dec 3, 2007 at 9:33 am

  offended said the kind of talk that refers to Lisa Bellini and degrades Mark and Tom is totally out of place, inappropriate, demoralizing and cuts way below the belt. Please keep this kind of garbage off the site and raise your standards.

  offended is right. Please refrain from personal attacks for your own sake (libel suits), as well as for the individuals and FranchisePick.com. It’s our policy not to edit or censor comments except in the most extreme cases (posting personal info, addresses, etc. or threats) even at the commenter’s request, so keep it professional. I’m not as worried about discussions about CEOs who, in my opinion, are public figures with more to gain from their actions.

• sean
  Dec 3, 2007 at 9:56 am

  Sherleylock Holmes said …area reps are now nothing more than henchmen for a bunch of racketeers.

  Kudos to Sherleylock for a record 3 literary references in a single comment! I knew my English degrees would come in handy eventually.

  However, isn’t the Area Reps’ situation more complicated than simply being henchmen for corporate? Didn’t they each pay $250K for the right to sell BL franchises? If they were to openly acknowledge the problems, their investments would be lost, correct?

  Have any of the ARs spoken to or joined the AAFD group? Have any of the ARs acknowledged the problems with the franchisees in their territories?

• Help!
  Dec 3, 2007 at 10:28 am

  I can tell you that my AR has not said a word to me about any problems - she’s still trying to convince me to open. When I asked her what she knew about some of the stuff I’ve heard, I was directed to corportate with my questions.

• Sherleylock Holmes
  Dec 3, 2007 at 11:00 am

  Dear Sean,
  “Kudos,” indeed! Credit the pedantic & overly educated Miss Pedagogue for her assistance & research.

  Regarding the plight of the ARs, it is a tangled web they’re weaving having found t