Читать книгу Start & Run a Bed & Breakfast - Richard Taylor - Страница 37

In the previous chapter we talked briefly about naming your B&B. You should give a lot of thought to the name as you will be using it in your advertising to attract customers. You want to think of a name that is easy for your customers to remember, but unique to your business as well. You certainly don’t want to copy the name of a business close by as that could cause misunderstandings and confusion.

Most jurisdictions require that your business name be registered. This is done by filing a fictitious name statement with county or provincial authorities. The only exception is when you use your own name, for example, “Carol Morris Bed and Breakfast.” Even in this circumstance, you can choose to register the name if you wish.

When you register a fictitious name, it will be checked against those previously filed to ensure the name has not been taken by another business. This is for your protection, too. Once your name is on file, it cannot be used by anyone else.

It is a good idea to have two or even three names ready before you register. That way, if your first choice is rejected, you have another name ready, and you won’t have to start all over again. In Canada, you can have a name search done through Industry Canada. Visit www.nuans.com for more information. This will also tell you if the name is registered out of province. This process takes about a week and there is a small fee, generally under $200. In the United States, your city or county clerk will tell you if the name you have chosen is available for use.

We recommend that you register the name of your B&B because this will define it as a legal entity, and will establish a recognized start date for your business. It can be a costly mistake to not register your name. You may operate for a few months or longer, all the while spending time and money to get the name of your B&B recognized and respected, then one day you receive a registered letter telling you to stop using it. Too late, you find out that the name is already used and protected by someone else. You may even be liable for damages.