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Bed And Breakfasts: A Good Business Move?

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 a self-motivated person, or do you need someone to get you started? There will not be anyone to tell you what to do, or what needs to be prepared, washed, repaired, or cleaned. In owning a bed and breakfast, you will be your own boss.

Are you naturally neat, or is your house always in a state of disorder? Your home will be available to guests ALL THE TIME. Guests will not appreciate dirty socks and piles of laundry lying around when they arrive.

Are you good at bookkeeping? A bed and breakfast is a business. A business plan and excellent bookkeeping skills are necessary for maintaining records in any successful endeavor.

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 support yourself if you have no guests booked? Reservations can be sporadic and seasonal. If you need the income to survive, a bed and breakfast may not be a realistic career option for you. You will be much better off if you have an emergency reserve of cash for times when your business is slow.

If you can answer these questions honestly, the answers will provide you with some good guidance and understanding as to whether opening a bed and breakfast would be something you would enjoy doing. It is easy to get wrapped up in the romance of such an endeavor when you are enjoying a stay away from home. The truth behind the romance is that it is a lot of work! If you can enjoy the work and maintain the romance, then you have a future bed and breakfast to start!

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