Setting up a B&B

woman

Hi
does anybody know what it involves to set up a B&B in your house? I tried google but there doesn't seem to be any website that would give any advice on setting up your own B&B. The only one is Failte Ireland, but I'm sure you don't have to be approved by them, so what are the basic regulations and what do you have to do before you take on your first official paying guest? Any advice appreciated

Dabko

Good after noon woman,

In realation to your query, i grew up in a guest house / B&B. My mother still operates one.

I would say the first thing you should look into is public liability insurance. God forbid, but there are plenty of horrible people looking for an excuse to screw someone for cash.

Basic regulations like fire safety must also be looked at. There are consulting companies out there who specialise in telling you what you would need. However, be wairy as there are plenty of them who will tell you to fork out thousands, when you dont need. Consultant = Bags of cash!

For hygiene standards, I think general cop on does well. Keep you personal life away (pets, laundry, etc) from food prep/service areas. Keep a good clean, hygenic kitchen and you should be dishing out plenty of them full irish's!

Next thing is advertising.
Get into the golden pages (standard entry should be fine),
Get a simple website together ( my company can look after you there! http://www.dabko.com).
Get business cards printed.


Also, have a look at the local facilities in your area like golf clubs, adventure centers, tourist attractions. Get in with them so you can become a local business they recommend for accomodation.

Oh, suppliers for food and catering equipment. Dont be running out to local shop every morning buying denny's rashers and galltee sausages or you will never make a euro.
Source good wholesale meat suppliers.And a good cash and carry.

And for things like catering delph and cutelry, as well as cleaning supplies, set up a trade account with the likes of nisbets ( http://www.nisbets.ie )

Sit down, take out a pen and paper, and write everyting down. Planning is key.

Best of luck with it all.

antoinolachtnai

There can be planning issues if you have more than a certain number of rooms. If you are small, fire regs are not too complicated an issue.

Plan carefully though if you are thinking about a small operation. Figure out if it is really worth your while.

I think you should only go into the business now if you think you have something special to add. It's really hard to compete with the hotel chains on price (and getting harder).