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Now you need to collect information on existing B&Bs, small inns, and those commercial establishments in your immediate area that will compete with you.

Do your own competitor surveys

To simplify the survey procedure, you should follow these guidelines:

(a) Confine your surveys to establishments in your local area.

(b) Limit your research to about ten surveys.

(c) Survey no more than two commercial establishments.

(d) Survey no more than three small inns.

(e) Survey at least five B&Bs.

If there are more than five B&Bs in your area, classify them into similar groups: for example, all historic homes or all homes with swimming pools, etc. Then survey the best example from each group.

Following are some notes on completing your surveys:

(a) Establishment and Host/Manager: Name the establishment and indicate what type it is. It is also helpful to include the name, address, and phone number of the hosts or managers. “Style” indicates the general character: historic, quaint, modern, motel, hotel, etc.

(b) Facilities and services: Check off those services offered by the competitor.

(c) Bedrooms and Bathrooms: Note the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the location of those rooms, the type of beds available, and convenience factors such as number of stairs.

(d) Breakfast: Indicate the variety of menu offered, the food services provided, and the location where the breakfast is served.

(e) Other foods available: Note any other foods and refreshments made available.

(f) Operating rules: Describe the operating rules and restrictions of the establishment.

(g) Room tariffs: List the room rates and the methods of payment accepted. Everybody accepts cash, so this method of payment is not shown. Room rates are quoted in dollars per day and they imply that the cost of breakfast is included. Single occupancy means one person per room. Double occupancy means two people in one room. Extra person means the charge for accommodating a third person in a room. Discount rates are listed under Group, Weekly, or Off Season.

Keep all completed survey worksheets for future reference.

Once you have looked closely at your competitors, you probably have some additional ideas on the facilities and services needed by your customers. You should look again at your customer surveys (Worksheet D) and update them with any new ideas.