Strategies for Handling Bed & Breakfast Owner Pain Points.

How to overcome them and stand out in a crowded market.

Owning and running a bed and breakfast can be one of the most rewarding yet challenging endeavours one can undertake. There are several major bed & breakfast owner pain points to overcome to keep business flowing and achieve success.

This episode is aimed at discussing the 7 principal pain points and presenting realistic, easy-to-implement solutions for them. The information provided is taken from the course “Inn-side Track: Mastering Your B&B Business”. The course is full of beneficial tips and techniques for current and potential B&B owners.

.

.

1. Making the Guest Experience Personal

A very important aspect of success for a B&B is the guest experience. One of the priorities is to outline the way to deliver excellent service, but at the same time, this offers certain challenges.

.

The problem:

Making guest experiences personal can be challenging, as everyone has unique tastes and expectations, which makes it very difficult to satisfy every person the same way.

.

Solution:

Utilize booking information to make observations on the preferences of the guest, such as dietary requirements, preferred room set-ups, or special occasion details. For smaller touches, even a personalized welcome note will do.

.

Example: You get a guest who says it’s their birthday during their stay with you. That calls for a little celebration, or at least leaving a birthday card and a small cake in their room.

.

.

2. Problematic Customers

It becomes very stressful when you are dealing with demanding customers.

.

The problem:

Negative interaction brings down your mood and affects the vibe in your B&B.

.

Solution:

Communication skills are always great, therefore, try to stay calm and always act professionally. Always have a good understanding of the guest’s concern and try to rectify any problem as quickly as possible. .

A complimentary amenity goes a long way.

.

.

3. Regular maintenance and repairs

The problem:

Keeping your property in great condition is paramount, to make your guests feel happy and safe. But, at times, can be a big headache.

.

The cost associated with repair and maintenance work that is impromptu, meaning without a plan, can be expensive and time-consuming.

.

Solution:

Set a routine for maintenance checks and stick to it.

.

Example: Have the plumbing and electrical systems scheduled for annual maintenance checks to avoid expensive breakdowns.

.

.

4. Balance Your Maintenance With Human Comfort

The problem:

If maintenance is not properly managed, it often gets messy and immediately causes disturbances to the guests.

.

Solution:

Always do maintenance during off-peak occupancy times. Tell the guests in advance if there is some preplanned maintenance so as not to unexpectedly disrupt a holiday. You can make amends with the rate or add additional amenities.

.

Example: If there is a need for repainting, schedule that in the off-season and reduce the rate an additional 20%.

5. Marketing and Promotions

In the competitive online marketplace, bed and breakfast owners need to stand out to attract guests.

.

The Problem:

Keeping up with reviews and maintaining an online presence can be very stressful.

.

The Solution:

Build a strong online reputation with a user-friendly website and active social media engagement. Encourage happy guests to leave positive reviews and promptly address any negative comments.

.

Example: Regularly post photos of your property and local attractions on your social media pages to keep your audience engaged.

.

.

6. Budgeting and Forecasting

The Problem:

With the fluctuation of the hospitality market, the business of finance management and forecasting can be a task.

.

Solution:

Track income and expenses through bookkeeping software. Develop a budget and make adjustments that are dependent on the occupancy and seasonal variances.

.

Example: Reserve part of your peak-season cash inflow to take care of the off-season expenses.

.

.

7. Coping in Unplanned

The Problem:

Unexpected expenses like all that repairs and cancellations can strain your budget.

.

Solution:

Develop contingency reserves for unexpected expenses. Have an elastic booking policy to avoid cancellations.

.

Example: Develop a cancellation policy that permits guests to reschedule their reservation instead of forfeiting their deposit.

Tired of the dizzying array of analytics and planning required to enhance your B&B? We’re here to help! Our ‘Crafting the Perfect Stay – 25 Essential Insights for Bed and Breakfast Owners’ is your free ticket to simplicity and success. It’s as invigorating as your first cup of coffee, loaded with the knowledge you need. Download it now and start creating unforgettable experiences at your B&B!

As a bed and breakfast owner, which of these 7 common challenges have you found the most difficult to manage, and what solutions have worked best for you?

Share your experiences below.

In Conclusion

If running a bed and breakfast business were easy, everyone would do it, right? The good news is that with the right strategies, these bed & breakfast owner pain points can be effectively managed. Having personalized interaction with the guests, caring for your property, going online, and proper finance handling will make your endeavour successful and most satisfying.

.

For more details, you can enrol in the “Inn-side Track: Mastering Your B&B Business” course. A very useful resource for any B&B owner looking to further their business.

.

In the next episode, I’ll be talking about How to Boost Your B&B Occupancy Rates.