Introduction
Whether you're a yoga studio, fitness center, or any similar gym facility, you want to offer your customers the best service there is. Amenities are a major factor in attracting and retaining patrons, with gym towel service being a very important one.
But what is towel service at a gym? How do gyms with towel service do better? More importantly, how can you incorporate it into your facility? Below, we answer all your questions.
What Is a Gym Towel Service?
Towels are must-haves in a gym. People need them after showers, during workouts to wipe off sweat, or when they finish their workout. A paper towel is of no use at a gym due to its disposability and high environmental impact.
A gym towel service is a convenient offering that provides fresh and clean towels to gym-goers during their workout session. These towels are usually handed out at the front desk or in designated towel stations within the facility. After use, these towels can then be returned to a designated drop-off location or laundry room for cleaning.
While it is up to gym management to decide if they want to make towel service included in the membership, this amenity is highly valued by members, reduces waste, and is a budget-friendly way to upscale the facility's service.
Benefits Of a Gym Towel Service
Hygiene and Cleanliness
Person after person is touching the same equipment, with sweat (and tears?) spreading all over it. This makes the gym a breeding ground for bacteria.
You can't have cleaning staff running around disinfecting equipment every time someone uses it – gym towels are a solution to this problem. Towels can be used to wipe down equipment after use, reducing the risk of germs spreading.
Better Customer Experience
60% of business executives believe customer service is key to customer retention. In simple words, the better your service, the more likely people are to come back.
Adding amenities like a locker room, a new shower, a spa, a juice bar, or even something as simple as a gym towel service can improve the overall customer experience.
It can be a bit costly to add new amenities to your gym. For example, creating a spa can strain your bank account. However, a towel service is much more affordable and quick to implement.
Sustainability
We've already talked about this one previously. Paper towels or one-time-use tissues are wasteful – they just add to landfills, creating more pollution.
Towels present an eco-friendly alternative as they are reusable and reduce waste. Some gyms have taken a greener step forward and started using organic cotton towels to reduce their carbon footprint.
Personalization
Providing each member with their own gym towel is a simple yet effective way to personalize their experience at your gym.
Who doesn't love feeling special? Having a personal touch can make them feel more connected to your gym and keep them coming back.
You can also offer different types of towels, like sweat towels, shower towels, or even larger bath towels for each patron. How far you choose to go will depend on your budget.
Additional Revenue Stream
The more services you add to the membership, the more expensive it gets. A towel service can be added to the existing membership at no additional cost or you can raise general membership dues. Alternatively, you can offer a towel rental optional add-on for a small fee. Either way, it is an opportunity to make more money.
Another option is to make it a tier-based system. Basic membership includes a sweat towel and a hand towel. Premium membership can include three or more towels, including a bath towel.
Whichever tier customers choose, you have an opportunity to increase your revenue and profit.
4 Recommendations To Select The Right Gym Towel Service
Being a gym owner, it's your responsibility to find a reliable gym towel service. An in-house system to launder towels can be expensive as you have to factor in the upfront cost of a washer and a dryer. Beyond that, there are recurring costs like laundry detergent, bleach, and fabric softener. You'll also have to hire staff for washing and drying the towels.
The best way to avoid these expenses is to partner with a professional gym towel service provider. Here are a few things to look for during the selection process:
Consider the Cost
First things first, you need to consider the cost. Does it fall in your budget? Will you be able to make a profit after adding the service fee to the membership? Get quotes from different providers and compare them.
A heads up: the cheapest option is not always the best. You don't want to compromise on the quality of towels or cleaning just to save a few bucks initially and then lose members because of poor service.
Check the Company's Reputation
The last thing you need is a company delaying deliveries or providing subpar towels. Do some research on the company's reputation. Ask for reviews from other gym owners or patrons who have used their services.
Don't forget to check their Google Business reviews. Also, check Yelp and other third-party review sites for more insight.
Ask About Their Capacity
You must ensure that there is a towel for every member. Therefore, the provider you choose must be able to handle your membership volume. Here are some things to ask them:
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What is your average turnaround time?
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How many towels can you provide per day?
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Which type of towels do you offer?
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Do you have the capacity to increase the towel supply if my membership grows?
Most businesses have plans for scaling and expanding – let the provider know of this beforehand. It's best if they can meet your needs as you grow. Otherwise, you'll have to find another service or invest in an in-house towel system.
That's more work, money, and time – something you want to avoid.
Check for Added Perks
An additional perk never hurt anyone. It could be the customization of towels with your gym's logo or special discounts for long-term contracts.
If you're a sustainability-inclined gym, ask about their eco-friendly options. Do they use environment-friendly detergents and fabric softeners? If yes, you're golden!
Even better, the cleaning service could offer pick-up and drop-off services. That means you wouldn't have to worry about transporting the towels yourself.
Make the Most of Your Gym Experience with Rinse
It can be hard to find a company that fits the criteria we've highlighted. Rinse is one of the few that checks all the marks.
First, Rinse has been in business for quite some time. We have handled towels, activewear, delicates, and everything in between for years. Second, Rinse picks up the dirty towels and drops them off at your gym. You don't only save money but also time.
Third and most importantly, Rinse does it all. We don't only wash the towels but also dry and fold them for you. We even offer dry cleaning and hang dry services. By the time you get your towels, they are ready for your members.
Contact us at Rinse today to see our skill in action.
