The ‘glamping’ trend is exploding across the country. Capitalizing on the growing popularity of providing unique outdoor experiences is an easy way for any CanvasCamp owner to earn some extra cash. Whether you are looking to offset your mortgage payment, start your own glamping business, or just fill up the tank for your next adventure, we’ve got some tips to help get you started.
...or just some expert advice on how to start your own glamping business
Glamping - mash up of “glamour” and “camping” - is a form of camping involving accommodation and facilities more luxurious than those associated with traditional camping. Glamping is a buzzword that can be applied to range accommodation styles, from Airstreams to tree houses...but real glamping is IN TENTS!
Providing an authentic experience creates an intimate relationship between travelers and locations, customs, and culture. Tents bring you closer - physically and emotionally. Tents are also temporary structures that do not require building permits! You can move them, store them, sell them, and rent them off site! Prove your model with a flexible product.
Compare sizes and styles to choose the best tent to bring your vision to life. Buy tents that perform well in your specific environment. As a business owner you will want a product that is durable, easy to use, and repairable. Customers look for comfort, style, and features that make it easy to crack a window in the summer or light up a tent stove in the fall. Get your hands on the product and test it yourself!
Experiential tourism is in demand. People create meaning through direct experience, and that meaning is becoming more important than amenities. Yes, cable TV and hair dryer is convenient, but it's far from memorable. If you've got slice of outdoor heaven, there is a market for outsiders like you looking to share it. To scale up to five stars you have to get started first.
Don’t get hung up on the concept of fancy if that’s not your wheelhouse. Glamps are diverse with varying levels of elegance and modernity. However, “Glamping” doesn’t speak to everyone. Tents are rugged, technical, and can be marketed toward a broad range of people that are looking for a more primitive experience. You do not need red carpets and white gloves to be successful. However, if 5 star is your niche, get after it!
Take stock of your location and what would draw a person to visit. You don’t have to be everything to everyone. If you’re decorating with rustic woodwork, antler, and deer skin rugs, don’t describe it as a whimsical garden retreat for vegans. Be consistent, genuine, and transparent. All parties involved will be happier for it.
Research what the going rate is for overnight glamping in your area. Airbnb, Glamping.com, and GlampingHub are great places to start. Choose a price point that fits the level of finish, service, and location for the season. Start low and work your way up as you get the hang of catering to guests and improving your experience. Set your customers expectation properly and you'll always be able to exceed it. Earn your stars, don't over promise them.
Empower your guests to make the most out of their visit by recommending local activities, restaurants, or points of interest. Local knowledge and personal recommendations go the extra mile to make your guests stay special. Collect brochures from local businesses that visitors may be interested in. Leave a map to your favorite neighborhood bakery for breakfast in the morning. Suggest a hike that hasn’t made it to the guidebooks yet. Make sure you introduce yourself to the business operators and leave a card to promote your business.
The value of the experience for the individual guest should be reflective of the nights they occupy. If it’s a holiday weekend in a tourist hot-spot you can raise the price point. If it’s a random Wednesday in rainy season, be the bargain. Too many businesses miss the mark between profitability and customer satisfaction simply because they lack dynamic pricing.
All other factors held equal, furnishing and amenities can make the difference between commanding $60 per night and $600. It is also the most variable expense. Invest in comfort first: 1.) The Tent 2.) The Mattress 3.) The Lights. Don't skimp on the basics - do discount decorate. Shipping platforms make great bed frames! Kitschy, mismatched, vintage furniture and rugs could be your niche! Interior design is an art not science. Get creative!
Collaborative consumption, The economic model of providing access to a good or service without sole ownership through renting or sharing, is changing the game for individuals and entrepreneurs alike. Camping without the hassle and commitment of purchasing, transporting, setting up, taking down, and storing your own gear is opening up the outdoors to people who would not otherwise consider it. There is a platform for renting just about anything you can think of; luxury canvas tents included! Airbnb, Glamping.com, and Glampinghub.com are excellent ways to market and rent your tents.
Budgeting and forecasting is not just for business folk, it’s simple math and good conservative estimates. Costs less revenue tells you how much you can expect to make over time. Know before you start how many nights you need to book at your minimum price to break even on your investment.
Making a profit on your CanvasCamp makes those adventures you’ve been putting off more accessible. If you’re a CanvasCamp owner, or considering becoming one, you already know the investment and gains involved aren’t just about the dollars. It’s the quality of life, the connection with others, and the enjoyment of the outdoors that holds the real value in the equation. So get inspired! Be the catalyst! Get Outside!
Glamping Events are are largely under served market. There is more demand than vendors offering custom tailored glamping experiences. The flexibility to move tents around on your site to cater to groups, retreats, and weddings is a great way to win new business. Pack up and hit the road to provide glamping options at other venues , festivals, or events! Leveraging your mobility to disersify your revenue stream will keep you busy and keep your investment earning.
Reach out to companies and individuals that have experience in the glamping busiess. Although the industry is growing - it's still in the early stages and most major players are receptive to talking with like-minded glamping entrepenures. Conferences like the Global Glamping Summit are a great place to network, learn, and get inspired. CanvasCamp as worked with hundreds of new and expanding glamping businesses and offers free consultation services.
Inspired?! Talk with the Experts on How To Start A Glamping Business
