How Gyms Earn Money from the Multisport Card Program
How Gyms Earn Money from the Multisport Card Program
Blog Article
Have you ever wondered how much your gym earns when you scan your Multisport Card at the front desk? You're not alone. While users enjoy unlimited access to fitness centers, pools, and studios, few people understand how this arrangement actually impacts gym profits.
In this article, we’ll explore how the Multisport program operates behind the scenes—and reveal how much gyms truly earn from each visit. Whether you're a gym owner, fitness enthusiast, or curious about the business side of wellness, this guide will give you valuable insights.
What Is the Multisport Card?
The Multisport Card is a popular employee benefit in Poland and several other European countries. Provided by companies like Benefit Systems, it grants users free or discounted access to thousands of fitness facilities. With just a quick card swipe, users can enter a gym, pool, or yoga studio—without additional fees or individual memberships.
How the Multisport Program Works for Users
From the user’s point of view, the Multisport Card is a dream come true. For a modest monthly fee—often paid by their employer—they can visit a variety of fitness centers. One day at the gym, the next at a yoga class, and perhaps swimming on the weekend. It offers convenience, flexibility, and variety without the need to commit to a single location.
Why Gyms Participate in the Program
So, why would a gym allow members in “for free”? The answer is exposure and foot traffic. Partnering with Multisport puts a gym on the map—literally. It becomes discoverable to thousands of users searching for facilities nearby, helping attract new visitors who may not have found the gym otherwise.
How Gyms Get Paid
Per-Visit Compensation
Gyms are paid based on the number of Multisport visits they receive. Every time a user checks in with their card, the gym earns a small fee.
Who Sets the Rates?
Benefit Systems negotiates contracts individually with each gym. Payment rates depend on multiple factors like gym size, location, and popularity. However, small gyms often have less negotiating power, resulting in lower payouts.
Actual Earnings per Visit
On average, a gym earns between 5 and 10 PLN per Multisport check-in. In contrast, a regular one-time visit might cost 20–30 PLN.
Now, consider a Multisport member who visits every day for a month. The gym could earn only 150–300 PLN from that user—whereas a direct monthly membership might bring in significantly more.
To see a full financial breakdown, check this detailed article on karta multisport ile zarabia siłownia.
Expenses Gyms Incur from Multisport Users
Operational Costs
Each visit costs the gym in terms of electricity, water, cleaning, staffing, and general upkeep. A consistently busy gym leads to faster wear and higher monthly bills.
Equipment Wear and Maintenance
The more foot traffic a gym experiences, the faster its equipment wears out. Treadmills, weights, and machines all need more frequent servicing, leading to increased maintenance costs.
Case Study: Monthly Revenue at a Medium-Sized Gym
Let’s take a gym that hosts 1,000 Multisport visits a month. At 7 PLN per visit, that’s 7,000 PLN in total revenue. However, when you subtract operational expenses, staff wages, maintenance, and rent, the actual profit margin narrows quickly.
Compare that to 100 regular members paying 100 PLN each monthly—10,000 PLN in stable revenue with fewer costs and lower equipment strain.
Profit Margins: Multisport vs Regular Memberships
Multisport users tend to visit during peak hours, causing congestion and limiting upselling opportunities. Since their membership is already all-inclusive, gyms can’t easily sell them additional services like personal training or premium classes.
On the other hand, regular paying members can be more valuable—they’re open to buying supplements, merchandise, or booking private sessions.
Hidden Advantages of the Multisport Program
High Foot Traffic
Even if the payout per visit is low, a full gym creates a lively, social atmosphere. This boosts visibility and word-of-mouth marketing, which can attract new long-term clients.
Potential for Upselling
Some gyms find success by offering services not covered by Multisport—such as workshops, one-on-one coaching, or exclusive classes—for an extra fee.
Challenges for Gym Owners
Low Revenue Per User
Many gym owners feel that the small fee per visit doesn’t fairly compensate for the wear and operational costs they incur.
Overcrowding and Service Quality
Too many Multisport users during peak hours can lead to overcrowding, poor member experiences, and frustration among regular paying clients.
Can Gyms Opt Out or Renegotiate?
Gyms can choose to leave the Multisport network, but doing so means losing access to a large pool of potential visitors. Negotiating better terms is possible, but smaller or less-known gyms may lack the leverage needed for improved rates.
For informed decisions, many gym owners turn to resources like karta multisport ile zarabia siłownia.
Alternatives to Multisport
Some gyms develop their own loyalty or referral programs. Others focus on niche services, such as high-end personal training or wellness packages, to attract clients who are willing to pay more for exclusivity and quality.
Balancing User Experience with Profitability
It’s a delicate balance. Multisport provides value and convenience to users, but it can strain gym operations. Successful gyms use it strategically—as a funnel to attract new users, not as the core of their business model.
Conclusion
The Multisport Card is a fantastic tool for users, but it presents unique challenges for gyms. It increases exposure and visitor volume but comes with thin margins and operational strain.
For gyms, the key is to understand the economics of the partnership, manage resources wisely, and seek creative ways to convert Multisport users into loyal, high-value clients. With the right strategy, the Multisport model can be a valuable component of a diversified fitness business.
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