Think about the list of things you spend money on for your gym. Operational costs, equipment replacement, even donations to local charities. As gym owners ourselves, the PushPress team understands that the expenses list can seem never-ending.
So, in our constant quest to create solutions that help you run your gym better, we’re excited to announce the launch of Flex Fees.
Flex Fees allows you the flexibility to apply customizable transaction fees. What does that mean for your gym? We recently sat down with PushPress Product Manager Adam Rubemeyer for all the details.
How do PushPress Flex Fees Work?
As you know, any time you currently process a credit card or ACH transaction, there’s a fee that comes along with it. The standard processing fee for credit cards is three percent, and less for ACH. This means if a member makes a $100 purchase using a card, the processing fee is $3. Your gym then receives the remaining $97.
Flex Fees gives you the option to pass the fee on to your members, charging $103 in this example. Though the fee may seem insignificant on either end, with 100 or more members, it can really add up for your business.
Further, this three percent is just an example. Flex Fees actually allows you to choose your own amount, up to ten percent. Note that it’s important to be mindful of the legalities in your state or country, as some have limits on if - or how much - of a payment processing fee can be passed on to purchasers.
Why Should I Implement Flex Fees?
In short, the PushPress team wanted to find a way for gym owners to recoup some, or all, of your processing fees. We know it can go a long way toward anything from keeping your doors open to offsetting some of your operating expenses.
“It was also very important for us that we didn’t force processing fees on all clients,” said Rubemeyer. “But instead, let them choose if and how they want fees to be passed on.”
What Can I Use the Money For?
Rubemeyer explained that ultimately, you’re in complete control as to how your Flex Fees money is used. Some ideas from other PushPress gym owners include:
- Buying new gym equipment.
- Upgrading your building (e.g. painting).
- Covering a membership for a gym community member in need.
- Adding recovery options, like a sauna or cold plunge.
- Offering a youth scholarship to your gym.
- Donating to a local charity selected by your gym community.
One thing to keep in mind is that Flex Fees may be looked at from your clients as a goodwill gesture. So passing the money on to something that benefits them directly, or to a cause, is a good idea. No matter what though, the choice is yours.
“For some gym owners, maybe it lets them keep the doors open when they were considering closing,” said Rubemeyer. “For many though, I expect they will be investing back in their gym. New equipment, increasing pay for coaches, having extra funds to celebrate the members of committed clubs, or member anniversaries or big accomplishments from members.”
Presenting the Flex Fees Idea to Members.
It’s no secret that gym owners are generally adverse to asking members for more money. Whether it’s increasing membership prices or charging more for other services, the PushPress team understands that there’s some hesitancy. But as Rubemeyer explained, most members are happy to contribute if it’s for a good reason.
“If gym owners are transparent about it and give notice, yes, members seem to be accepting,” he said.
Implementing any fees or price increases without notice or explanation can lead to frustration. So the key is to be upfront and honest about it with your gym community.
Rubemeyer added, “There's also a regional and local element to it. Some cities, states and countries have more widely-accepted transaction fees. And in other places, it is far less common. Knowing what the norm is for your area is a key element in making a successful decision on this topic.”
The PushPress Difference.
PushPress is not the only gym management software offering the option to pass fees on to the client. However, the difference is that our competition is taking a cut of the fees. At PushPress, you choose the fee amount and receive 100 percent of it.
Further, we strive to make the experience as user-friendly and transparent as possible, for you and your members. The Flex Fees feature allows you to input information to let clients know what you plan to do with the new fee they’re paying. The end goals are transparency and trust through clear communication.
Pro Tip: Want to learn how PushPress solutions can help you run a better gym? Book a demo with our team today!
In Summary: Flex Fees are Small Fee with a Big Payoff.
The expenses associated with running a gym can sometimes be a challenge. And let’s face it, paying fees for simply processing payments is frustrating. That’s why PushPress created Flex Fees, giving you the flexibility to apply customizable transaction fees.
It can go a long way toward anything from keeping your doors open to offsetting the cost of running a gym. The key is to be upfront and honest about Flex Fees as you present it to your community.
Whether you spend the extra money on equipment, building upgrades or charitable donations, we hope the additional gym revenue will help you grow.
