For some boxes–drop in athletes are few and far between. If you’re not located in a vacation destination, maybe someone visiting Aunt Linda for Thanksgiving or Christmas will be all the drop in action you see all year. For boxes located in beach towns or near large corporate headquarters, frequent travelers can be a huge source of revenue.
No matter what your drop in activity–here’s a few things to think about so you don’t drop the ball when the visitors come to call.
ASK ABOUT EXPERIENCE
Often times, travelers will reach out via email prior to visiting. If they like to plan, they might check out a few websites to see what schedule and offerings work best for them. Hopefully, they will reach out via email and give you a head’s up that they are coming.
In addition to answering their questions, ask a few of your own. Where you you workout? How long have? Do you have any injuries or limitations that we can help you with? Simply asking about experience is not enough. Someone two weeks into their fitness career will need much more support than a two-year veteran. Ask them to come a few minutes early to get acclimated to the space and meet their coach. Give your staff advance warning so they can be prepared to welcome the visiting athlete to your community.
WAIVE FIRST
For some it goes without saying. For us at Affiliate Guard, it’s a constant reminder we will always give. Anyone that walks through your door for any reason should sign a waiver. It’s the only way you are protected should someone try to sue you for negligence.This is an important reminder for new coaches or those who don’t coach many classes per week. A visiting athlete might come in looking experienced, all jacked up and wearing the newest gear. It’s easy for a coach who is not familiar with every athlete in your box to mistake that stud for a member. It only takes one injury for this scenario to get very dangerous, very fast. This is where my friends at Wodify have you covered. Every drop in goes in the system and is auto-prompted to sign a waiver before they can complete the sign in process.
BUILD YOUR BRAND
Treating a visitor with like a beloved member is an easy way to enhance the reputation of your gym. Who knows? Maybe your hometown is theirs. Giving them a great experience might inspire them to share it on Facebook or by word of mouth. In turn, their friends and family could be inspired to join your community, and your circle grows.
The only thing you can count on about someone sharing their opinion is–they will surely do it if it’s a negative one. A coach who is annoyed by the few extra minutes it takes to welcome a guest and get them settled does not deserve a place on your roster. If that visitor is in town again or even decides to relocate to your area, you can bet they will give your competitor a first chance at their business instead of giving you a second.
FOLLOW UP
Go the extra mile and follow up with the drop in athlete after class. Ask them about their experience, and really listen to their feedback. They have no vested interest in your community, and might feel free to share honestly. Invite them back again. If they had a great time, ask them to share their love on a Facebook or Google review. When people feel loved and appreciated, they don’t mind reciprocating the love.