Starting a bed and breakfast isn't as easy as most people think.
The B&B industry is a competitive one, especially these days with so many inns around.
B&Bs are becoming more popular these days because it offers an affordable solution for travelers.
Economic times are not so great today and most people want a cheaper alternative to hotels.
You will need a lot of information about running an inn to make it a successful business venture.
A great way if starting a bed and breakfast is by writing down some notes about areas of the business you will need to attend to.
This list will help you get things done one thing at a time until you become as knowledgeable in the B&B business as a veteran innkeeper.
You'll need the info you can get to make a business work.
Find a location if you still don't have an ideal place to open a bed and breakfast.
Try to look for a place near a tourist spot or someplace close to a business district.
If you have theme parks or nature parks in the area, any place within a 2 mile radius will be OK.
The closer you are to the attraction, the higher you can charge.
Make a note of furnishings and equipment you will need for your B&B such as beds, table lamps, bath and bedroom linens, and other furniture.
You may need tables and chairs for your dining room, kitchen appliances and utensils.
If you will have a lounge for guests, you could place a television and reading materials there too.
You have to hire workers if you plan to run a large B&B.
Do a background check on all applicants to make sure they are trustworthy.
You will want to avoid incidents of theft from your customers rooms at all costs.
Make sure your staff are well-trained, knowledgeable and pleasing.
Aggressive advertising will get customers through your doors.
Without the proper type of promotions, no one will know about your inn.
You will have to start promoting your inn even before you launch.
That's to make sure that you get lots of travelers know that you are starting a bed and breakfast in the area.
Let business establishments know that they can house their visiting clients or colleagues at your B&B.
Place some advertisements in the local newspaper or community newsletter.
Subscribe to reservation services that can book clients for you.
Boost your online presence by registering at an online directory for hotels and inns.
Offer discounts to business establishments who will agree to book all their business associates at your bed and breakfast business.
If you are near a tourist area, leave your brochures and fliers at the local tourist center.
If you want your B&B to become lucrative, you will have to learn all areas of the business including managing your budget and earnings, preparing a breakfast menu, and how to deal with permits and paper work.
It may seem like a lot for a newcomer in the B&B business but you can get help to avoid the common pitfalls of starting a bed and breakfast from someone who has already been there.