Thursday, July 23, 2009

Bed And Breakfasts: Important Facts To Consider

By Pamella Neely

The idea of owning a bed and breakfast has been an enticement to many people for years. The number of bed and breakfasts has doubled in the past several years. So, what exactly does it take to start up one of your own?

You need to ask yourself some tough questions, and give some honest answers to decide if such an undertaking would bring you joy or headaches. Do you enjoy getting up early and preparing meals? Do not forget the cleaning up afterwards! The breakfast part of bed and breakfast is a key component for guests.

Do you find yourself chatting with strangers everywhere you go? Socializing with guests is mandatory to get them to come back for another visit. Are you ready for guests to leave, and look forward to a quiet house? A successful bed and breakfast will have some guests most of the time. If you would rather be alone, running a bed and breakfast is not for you.

Are you self-motivated, or do you need someone to get you started? Nobody will tell you what to do, and what needs to be washed, prepared, repaired, or cleaned. You will be your own boss.

Are you a neat person, or is your house always in a state of disorder? Keep in mind that your home will be available to guests all the time. These people will not appreciate seeing mess or clutter around the house.

Do you have a knack for numbers? Running a bed and breakfast is a business. Having a business plan and good bookkeeping skills are necessary for tax purposes, as well as maintaining records for a successful business.

Can you work extensive hours with numerous interruptions? Guests may get up early and go to bed late. You will have to complete tasks before guests wake up, and continue working long after they go to bed.

Can you pay your bills if you have no guests booked? Reservations can be random. If you need the income to live on, a bed and breakfast may not be a practical option. Things will be much better for you if you have an emergency reserve of cash for times when your business is slow.

You need to be able to answer these questions honestly, as the answers will provide you with some good guidance in regards to whether a bed and breakfast is a good business move for you. The truth is that owning a bed and breakfast is a lot of work, and it is not easy. If you can enjoy the work, however, then you may have a future bed and breakfast to start.

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