Have you ever dreamed of owning your own bed and breakfast? Many people share your dream, but most don’t take their idea anywhere. You can take this idea and turn it into a lucrative, home based business.
- Determine whether you’ll use your current home, or if you’ll purchase a new home to run your business. Many people have some extra rooms in their home, and you may be able to run a bed and breakfast from your current home by simply utilizing the space in your spare rooms. However, you’ll only be successful if you have a property in an area that has tourist attractions. If you live in an area that people don’t frequently travel to, you’ll need to buy a property in a more popular area. The fact that the property will also be your own home means that this startup can be relatively low cost, as you won’t be taking on more than a mortgage you’d already be paying.
- Aim your bed and breakfast at providing comfort to your guests. If you can, be sure that each guest has their own, private bathroom. Leave individual toiletries in the bathroom for each guest. If you only have one group staying at your bed and breakfast, you may even want to get their input for breakfast so that you can cater what you make towards their personal preferences. You may want to schedule activities, but be sure that your guests want to participate and don’t push the activities if no one is interested. Sample activities include hiking on trails near or adjacent to your property or crafts.
- Set room rates by researching rates in your area. Ideally, you’ll want to research what other bed and breakfasts are charging. If there are no bed and breakfasts in the area, research traditional hotel rates. You’ll likely be charging a premium for the experience of staying in a bed and breakfast.
- Advertise by listing your property on popular travel websites. You will pay a commission to do so, but you will gain exposure. You may also consider working with a discount website to offer a one-time discount to website users. This will increase awareness of your property, and, if you make guests comfortable and they enjoy their stay, you can gain repeat customers.
- Making your guests comfortable and making their stay better than they expected is the best way to stay profitable. Bed and breakfasts often have repeat customers, especially if couples are coming to stay for an anniversary and will consider visiting every year. It’s also helpful to remember your guests so that they feel welcome in the future. Encourage guests to sign a book and write a bit about their stay upon checking out, as it will help you put a name to a face and know more about what they liked and what they expect in the future.
Many people dream of owning a bed and breakfast. If you do, consider making that dream a reality! Running a bed and breakfast from your home can be a fun and rewarding way to earn money from the comfort of your own home.
