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[ Updated Bed and Breakfast Business Information ]
A bed and breakfast is a small establishment that has between four and ten guest rooms, and it is fast gaining popularity as a lodging alternative.
A bed and breakfast can provide a customer with the luxuries offered by a hotel while at the same time giving a feeling of "home."
And due to the increasing need for such an alternative in lodging, more and more are cashing in on this type of business.
You too can start a bed and breakfast right in your own home without needing that much capital. You can start with spare rooms in your house, such as the rooms of your kids who have already gone to college.
By offering good service, you are bound to have repeat customers who will be seeking familiar surroundings and the services that they enjoy every time.
Guidelines on Starting a Bed and Breakfast
Although a bed and breakfast won't necessarily require a large amount of capital, you'll still need to spend some money on renovations and on guest room supplies. You'll definitely need to buy new bedding, pillows, mattresses, towels and others. The local law may also require you to install new kitchen fixtures or equipment, add fire safety fixtures or upgrade the pool (if you have any) to public standards.
How and where you spend your money should depend on the type of market you want to attract. Some of the categories of potential customers are tourists, business travelers, college or university students, locals who need extra bedrooms, and those seeking a romantic getaway.
Of course, this also depends on your current location. For instance, if your house is near a university, a more 'dorm-like' bed and breakfast would be more suited and as such, you would most likely need to provide for a study desk and chair in every room (at the very least).
Even if you are using your 'home', you need get a business license to operate your bed and breakfast. Check out the zoning and parking ordinances in your locale too and make sure your bed and breakfast abides by these rules. After ironing out all the legalities with your local government, you have to determine how much you'll be charging.
This is based on a number of factors namely the amenities that you offer, your location, and the going rates in your region.
Finally, you have to determine the kind and the amount of help you'll need. You can't expect yourself to work round the clock; you'll soon burnt yourself out! Besides, you need to have the energy to entertain your guests and perform tasks that only you can perform such as managing the business overall
[ Updated Bed and Breakfast Business Information ]
Be Sure to visit our Business Start Up Guide for information on starting your business
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