Glamping Business startup

[AC1986]

Hi,
I'm interested in starting my own luxury camping business but am finding it very difficult to raise enough capital to buy some land so that I can get the business off the ground. Can anyone help with some advice?
Thanks

 

[CathStew]

Why don't you set-up the business (by tents, etc) and aska local farmer if you can pitch on their land for a few days. Someone did that near us.

 

[AC1986]

Hi,
I have thought about this, but have found it hard to get in contact with local farmers who are willing to do this. It would also provide problems not having permanent washing and toilet facilities on site.
It would also mean storing the tents somewhere when there not in use.

 

[CathStew]

For info the one near us was PapaKata (search in Google) - the site near us was only up over Christmas. Must have used portable toilets (you can hire luxury ones!).

They must have made a fortune as there was a Christmas party there very night!

 

[businessfunding]

As has been posted, you really need to look at ways of getting this off the ground without investing in land and borrowing money.

Your chances of getting a commercial mortgage (or loan) are virtually ero (assuming you have no significant security to offer), plus - why do you want to be saddled with debt if the business doesn't take off?

Why not sub-let a portion of an existing site?

 

[AC1986]

Another worry I have with the business is providing an income in the winter/bad weathered months. Any ideas?

 

[Deleted member 61074]

Another worry I have with the business is providing an income in the winter/bad weathered months. Any ideas?

The most realistic answer to this is to take enough in season to cover for the off season.

And of course extend the season as much as you can.

 

[businessfunding]

Another worry I have with the business is providing an income in the winter/bad weathered months. Any ideas?

Another reason why it is a little back-to-front looking for land and loans before you have your basic cashflow sorted.

As has been suggested, in a highly seasonal business, step one is to ensure tht your revenues in your -up' season at least cover your whole year costs.

step 2 is to look at out of season uses for facilities (or to rent land in high season only).

 

[AC1986]

Good advice.
I think I'm going to start by renting out a few Bell tents and see how it goes.
Maybe start off with 3 or 4 bell tents and 1 larger events tent.
Can anyone help with the company name?
I've been thinking:

The Cotwold Glamping Company
The Cotswold Camping Company
5 valleys Glamping
Funky Glamping
Best Bells
Cotswold Bells
Under the Stars
Under Canvas
Cotswold Canvas

Any Ideas/votes?

Thanks!

 

[AC1986]

rent a tent?

 

[CathStew]

Personally, I would avoid any reference to your local area. That way it might make it easier to roll out into other areas.

 

[GabbyGriffith]

Have you tried alternative ways of raising capital? Crowd sourcing has become a very popular way for entrepreneurs and start-ups to get the capital they need without going to the banks. Websites like Funding Circle and Crowdcube could work for you?

 

[businessfunding]

Have you tried alternative ways of raising capital? Crowd sourcing has become a very popular way for entrepreneurs and start-ups to get the capital they need without going to the banks. Websites like Funding Circle and Crowdcube could work for you?

It is worth pointing out that crowd funding is an interesting evolution in business funding but it is NOT easy money - Jo Public and his cash aren't easily parted.

You need at least 2 years trading to qualify for a crowd loan, and the bar to crowd equity is at least as high as most Angel networks.

Most of all, there is absolutely no point looking for funding until you are certain that you have a viable plan.

 

[Deleted member 61074]

If you use the word Cotswold make sure you dont get confused with Cotswold Outdoor, I'd also keep clear of using the word Belle as bell tents and women belles are 2 different things!