Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses

Want your gym to stand out in a crowded marketplace? Then get your team to Pick Up the Bloody Phone! The amount of mystery shops we have recently conducted whereas Clubs are just not answering the phone has been astounding.  We all know how frustrating it is when you call a company, and no one answers. You leave a voicemail, wait for hours, but still get no response. So, you try again—still no answer. What’s your next move? You move on and call someone else!

In a world where digital marketing, social media and AI-driven sales funnels are all the buzz, there’s one powerful tool that often gets overlooked – the phone.  Sounds basic…. But many sales teams forget about this key part of their customer strategy as they are leaning too much on automation.

The reality is that prospects want to feel connected, and a real conversation can make all the difference. So, let’s break down why you should “pick up the bloody phone”and what it can do for your gym’s bottom line.

Emails, texts and DM’s can be great for quick communication, but they can only do so much, and they miss that personal connection.

In sales, timing is everything. Your prospect might be sitting on the fence for reasons they’re hesitant to bring up. Whether it’s concerns about pricing, contract commitments, or doubts about whether your gym is the right fit for them, these are conversations that can be more easily addressed in real-time.

A phone call gives you the chance to handle objections right away. Maybe they’re unsure about membership costs, and a quick conversation lets you explain the value and ease their concerns.  On the phone, you can pivot quickly, highlight services that align with their goals, and even offer a trial workout – all before they’ve had a chance to talk themselves out of accepting your invite to tour your club.

The tone of your voice, the energy you convey and the enthusiasm you bring to a call can be a game-changer that will turn a lead into a tour and a new membership. In a conversation you have the opportunity to show genuine empathy and understanding. If a prospect shares their concerns regarding body image or health issues, you can offer support and encouragement. You can answer their questions, schedule a tour on the spot, and begin forming a relationship before they even step foot in your gym.

So next time the phone rings in your club do everything you can to have the call answered – It could be the key to turning those prospects into loyal members.