At a Glance: Key Differences
Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.
Investment & Fees
| Metric | Goldfish Swim School | F45 Training |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $1.5M | $300K |
| Max Investment | $3.4M | $700K |
| Franchise Fee | $50K | $50K |
| Royalty Rate | 6.0% | 7.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | 2.0% | 2.0% |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Goldfish Swim School | F45 Training |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $2.2M | $550K |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Goldfish Swim School | F45 Training |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 170 | 1,700 |
| Annual Growth | 18.0% | 3.0% |
| Failure Rate | 1.0% | 7.0% |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Goldfish Swim School | F45 Training |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 86/100 | 60/100 |
Track Record
| Metric | Goldfish Swim School | F45 Training |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 16 | 11 |
| Years Franchising | 13 | 8 |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Goldfish Swim School | F45 Training |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | $1.5M | $500K |
| Liquid Capital Required | $500K | $200K |
Operations
| Metric | Goldfish Swim School | F45 Training |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | 40 | 8 |
| Training Weeks | 6 | 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Goldfish Swim School or F45 Training a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Goldfish Swim School has 170 total units and a 86/100 franchisee satisfaction score. F45 Training has 1,700 total units and a 60/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.
How much does it cost to open a Goldfish Swim School franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Goldfish Swim School franchise requires an initial investment of $1.5M – $3.4M. The franchise fee is $50K, with ongoing royalties of 6.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
How much does it cost to open a F45 Training franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a F45 Training franchise requires an initial investment of $300K – $700K. The franchise fee is $50K, with ongoing royalties of 7.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
What is the royalty rate for Goldfish Swim School vs F45 Training?
Goldfish Swim School's royalty rate is 6.0%. F45 Training's royalty rate is 7.0%. That means Goldfish Swim School has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — Goldfish Swim School or F45 Training?
Goldfish Swim School has 170 total units. F45 Training has 1,700 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is Goldfish Swim School or F45 Training semi-absentee friendly?
Goldfish Swim School is typically run as a owner-operator model. F45 Training is typically run as a semi-absentee model. If passive income is your goal, semi-absentee models let you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations.
Related Comparisons
Data sourced from franchise disclosure documents and public records. Investment ranges, royalty rates, and unit counts change — always request current FDD before making investment decisions. Last updated March 2026.
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