|
All Product is Not Created Equal
Gregg Maloley
As many of you know, my industry background includes years of service within the health club and fitness equipment sales industries. In the health club business we sell memberships by highlighting facility “features and benefits”. In the commercial fitness equipment business we sell product by promoting the “features and benefits”. Come to think of it, in just about all sales- from cars to insurance to real estate- we sell and buy through “features and benefits”. Oddly enough, when it comes to floor covering products, no one ever wants to hear about “features and benefits”. What’s even stranger; proper flooring is more vital to most facilities than any other product. Consider this, when building a new facility, the club owner seeks flooring that offers a long life span, aesthetics, and is functional. Once the flooring is installed, the last thing the owner wants to do is replace the flooring in a few years. The costs for demolition, replacement, and facility down time significantly outweigh that of the purchase of treadmills, ellipticals, and strength equipment. In existing facilities, replacing the floor is a major undertaking as it may require extensive equipment moving, extended facility downtime and a major inconvenience to the member.
All products are not created equal! Before you buy, you must analyze your exact need and match that need with a floor covering that offers you functionality, reliability, longevity, and affordability. Request the product “features and benefits”. Once you decide on the product, negotiate your best price. Make sure that the product is being installed by a qualified company that guarantees its workmanship. By the way, when it comes to price, understand that all sales people are not created equal. Some start high hoping to consummate the deal somewhere in the middle. Some give you their best price upfront. That’s our policy!
Let’s discuss analyzing your specific needs. For example, let’s assume you want a floor covering that will be utilized only for dance and/or non-weight group exercise. With this scenerio, I would strongly suggest that you consider a wood product. Typically a floating floor with foam absorption built in. A product like this should cost in the $7.00-$9.00 per square foot price range. Installation is based upon volume of product installed and will range from $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot. Freight is also a factor. IT cost $.45 per square foot to $.75 per square foot depending upon product volume, origination, and destination. Total estimated price for this type of product would be $9.00 to $11.00 per square foot. If someone tells you that they can sell you a floating wood floor with resilient foam built in, delivered and installed for $5.00- $7.00 per square foot, ask for references and do your homework.. Remember you “get what you pay for”.
Let’s consider a weight room floor. There are many types of weight room floors. First you must analyze if this is a free weight room floor or a selectorized weight room floor or a combination of both. If it is strictly a free weight room and you want the highest quality product that is functional and aesthetically pleasing, then I suggest rubber tile that comes in either all black or percentages of color. This tile typically is 24” x 24” x 1” and offers extreme durability and sound proofing qualities. This type of product can be adhered to your sub floor by either utilizing adhesive or the floor can be more portable by utilizing dowels. Pricing of this product should cost $5.95- $7.95 per square foot depending upon percentage of color. Installation will be dependent upon product volume and will cost $.75- $1.50 per square foot. Adhesive or dowels at a cost of approximately $.40 per square foot will also be required. Total average cost, $7.55- $9.75 per square foot. If this type of product is not within your budge, there is interlocking rubber or rolled rubber. Remember, in a free weight room, I recommend that you always stay with at least 3/8” thickness. If you are considering a selectorized room a 5/16” thickness is adequate. However, with recycled rubber, all are not created equal. The polymers are what dictate the quality of the product. Even with recycled rubber, do your home work.
In closing remember price alone, while sacrificing quality, will cost you more in the long run. Analyze your exact needs and base your purchase on “features and benefits”, product references, fair and equitable price point, quality of installation company, and references. And, if the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Contact me by phone (781) 727-8250 or email me if I can be of any assistance.
In This Issue
Q & A: Recycled Riddle
What's the difference between Rubberflex recycled flooring and the other recycled floors being marketed to the fitness industry...more.
All Product is Not Created Equal
As many of you know, my industry background includes years of service within the health club and fitness equipment sales...more.
|
|
|
