How to find the best corporate fitness vendor

In a market that’s crowded with options, we know there’s a lot to consider when comparing corporate fitness vendors. If finding a new corporate fitness vendor has been added to your growing list of duties, you may feel unprepared to move forward. 

What are the most important things to consider? And how do you compare different vendors? The following is a step-by-step list of considerations and a starting list of questions. Combined, they'll help you identify what's most important to you as you choose the best corporate fitness partner.

1. Pricing
Understandably, pricing is likely top of mind and the most important factor in your decision. Is it clear what you’re getting for the price you’re paying? Do you feel the value of the benefits meets your needs?

Get the details:

• What is the ideal pricing model for your site or program?
• How can pricing evolve as scope and services grow?
• Is the pricing in line with the market price or value for your state and region?

2. Support for employees
Companies with benefits that demonstrate they care for their employees have higher retention rates. Lower turnover means less disruption to your programs. Does this company walk the walk and invest in their own employees?

Get the details:

• Are employees supported and cared for or just a number?
• What training and continuing education is available?
• What’s the turnover rate and satisfaction rating?

3. Implementation
You’re using this guide, so you’re great at vetting a vendor, but at the end of the day, you likely want to know how quickly things can get started and when you’re going to see an impact. Is the timeframe right for you and will the vendor shoulder the majority of the burden and make it easy for you?

Get the details:

• What does their formal, strategic implementation plan look like?
• Is there a one, two and three year strategy and plan?
• How is data privacy and compliance managed?

4. Engagement
You want a solution that engages your people, on-site, remote and hybrid, with approaches that are appropriately tailored for each audience. How is this done?

Get the details:

• What strategies are used to reach your entire population, helping you to offer equity in benefits?
• Do they offer something for everyone with diverse programming and personalization?
• How will your program be promoted, what marketing services are available?
• How is engagement measured and reported, is segmented reporting available?

5. Products, services and capabilities
While your main need is fitness, at some point you may want to expand services. Is that a possibility with the vendor you’re considering? If so, are there also options for different delivery modes, such as online and hybrid?

Get the details:

• Are the offerings configurable to your needs and goals?
• Can the solution be seamlessly integrated with other vendors?
• Is there diverse programming for all levels and interests and can they target specific populations?

6. Experience and stability
When you’re looking at a vendor’s experience, you’ll want to feel you’re in good company. Consider how long they’ve been in business and how many clients they have, but also whether they have clients in your industry with similar populations as yours.

Get the details:

• What’s their client retention rating?
• What is their client satisfaction rating?
• Are they financially stable with reliable funding?

Doing your homework leads to better decisions

When vetting a fitness provider, you want more than a check-the-box fitness solution. And the only way to get there is to do your homework.

Think through all of the critical behind-the-scenes components that contribute to a successful partnership. And, as these considerations will help you discover, the depth and substance of a vendor's offerings go far beyond how they manage the fitness center.

Learn more
Contact us for a no-obligation meeting to learn more about the vetting process and how we can help.