ClubReady versus MindBody

[Andrew Bolliger]

This is a great thread everybody... we are looking to start this automatic billing because our affiliate has grown quickly and collecting money is not something I want to do any longer! MBO still seems to be the best option but I waited so long (50-ish members) because I am too cheap to pay monthly fee's

One question: Who actually has success using the online class registration features of MBO, I think most of my clients would not go online and register for each class.

Thanks!

Andy
Crossfit Salem, OR

[Kris Murphy]

Andy, I think you're going to get a lot of mixed answers on that question. We don't use it, but we can definitely see how it would be a benefit when member numbers get higher (100+). It's probably smart to start it now that way people are used to it when it's necessary to have.

[Terry Dickman]

Hey Kris,
So does the $80 include your monthly fee? or just the interest in and transaction charges together?
Thx

Also wondering if anyone has an experience using just a merchant service for on line payments like UMS's Internet Payment Solution on this link, its WFS. http://www.umsbanking.com/retail_int...solutions.html

[Jonathan Kinnick]

Originally Posted by Andrew Bolliger

One question: Who actually has success using the online class registration features of MBO, I think most of my clients would not go online and register for each class.

We use MBO and require everyone to sign up online at least 4 hours before the class starts. If you don't sign up, you can't work out. We do let people call last minute and add if something comes up, but this doesn't happen too often. We have ~100 members.

There was a little bit of grumbling when we transitioned to this, but people appreciate that the classes aren't overcrowded, and we appreciate knowing who is coming beforehand. We've found it makes people's attendance much more consistent when they know they have to schedule beforehand.

In general, we've noticed that our clients will do anything we make them do. If we make it optional, people tend to end up not doing it. We have progressively asked more and more from our clients as we've grown, and we keep getting better results, better retention, and faster growth. If a new policy really is going to make your gym better, you owe it to your clients to implement it. They'll thank you afterwards.

[Kris Murphy]

Originally Posted by Terry Dickman

Hey Kris,
So does the $80 include your monthly fee? or just the interest in and transaction charges together?
Thx

Also wondering if anyone has an experience using just a merchant service for on line payments like UMS's Internet Payment Solution on this link, its WFS. http://www.umsbanking.com/retail_int...solutions.html

No, the monthly fee is $65, and that's separate from the merchant account charges. My point of view on cc charges may be a bit skewed. I used to own a retail store and my credit card fees were hundreds of dollars every month, so $80 doesn't feel like a lot to me. lol