Читать книгу Start & Run a Bed & Breakfast - Richard Taylor - Страница 32

It is time to take a “snapshot” of how you visualize your B&B. To do this, take a blank copy of a competitor survey you created and complete it as if you were looking at your own B&B. This preliminary survey is not cast in concrete, of course, because you will be making further decisions in later chapters of this book. It is useful, however, to establish a preliminary list of facilities and services that you would like to offer to your chosen customers.

Your preliminary survey will help point you in the right direction. Fill in each entry carefully and pay particular attention to the following points:

(a) Think about a name for your new business. In the next chapter we discuss the pros and cons of legally registering your business name. For now, you should be thinking about some suitable names that could be used for your establishment. B&Bs often use the same name as the host family. For example, our imaginary couple, Carol and Bob Morris, have decided to name their B&B Morris House. Others make use of local features such as Willow Beach Lodge or River Glen House. Historic homes are often named after the original owners, such as The Carnochan House.

To get more ideas on typical B&B names, refer to any one of the free brochures listed in Appendix 1.

(b) Refer to the list of facilities and services your customers will need. What facilities and services were needed during your trial visit? Also note the facilities and services offered by your direct competition and by local commercial establishments.

(c) What bedroom arrangements would you probably use? Consider your chosen customer types and your existing home layout. What bathroom facilities could be provided for your guests?

(d) What style of breakfast will best suit your chosen customers? Where will they eat breakfast, and what other food services do you propose? What extra refreshments would you have preferred during your trial visit?

(e) Decide when your operating season will probably be based on the availability of your chosen customers. Also think about any customer restrictions you might apply.

(f) Check your market research summary information, and determine a realistic rate for your B&B. Make some preliminary decisions on any special rates you might offer.

These preliminary parameters will prove to be a useful first step in your total planning process. As you continue to study each of the remaining chapters, you will adjust these parameters to develop your final start-up plan.