If you’re serious about setting up a glamping business you need to start thinking about the type of service you are going to offer. If it’s one that will use tents as a source of income then there are some very important questions you should be asking your tent supplier or you could make some very costly mistakes.
Firstly, “What are the best tents to use for my glamping business?” Then, “How much do they cost and what’s the return on investment?” Finally, “How long will they last and are they safe for my customers?”
Actually, there are more questions to ask, including: Do I need planning permission to put one up? Do I have to take it down and store it over the winter? Do I need to waterproof it at any point against the elements? How do I fit a wood burning stove in it? How do I keep it clean and get it ready for the new camping season; and finally and most importantly; How much am I likely to earn per year from my tent?
In this piece I will answer all of those questions using the example of a safari tent. The reasons for this are simple. A safari tent is large enough to comfortably fit beds for a family of up to 6 people, and still include space for luxury seating, a kitchen area, wood burner and open doors to an outer area. It is also the cheapest option, has the best longevity / cost ratio, earns the most for a new business and therefore has the best return on investment, but I cover that in more detail with figures below.
Although in our experience Airstreams in general have the highest occupancy rates, the safari tent model has the best financial returns and makes the most sense to new businesses wanting to set up and start earning as quickly as possible.
When looking for your new tent you will need to do your homework. There are some very poor quality tents on the market. Premium tents from a top supplier will come with canvas that has the longevity of around 20 years and the choice of steel or wooden frames that will last for at least 10 years.
Look for tents with premium canvas that is tough and fire retardant to stringent British Standards (essential if you are going to fit a wood burner) so they will keep your guests safe, weather proof and warm.
Do I need planning permission for this type of tent?
This is an interesting question. The tents are classified as temporary structures, so it is arguable that you do not need planning permission, especially if you decide to take them down over the winter period. However, every planning department is different and you may need consent for a change of use for the land or the base flooring the tent is placed on, so you must check this with your local planning office or ask a planning consultant to do this on your behalf.
Do I need to take it down and store it over the winter?
While this is possible, and may help with planning restrictions, there are some considerations for packing away the tent over the winter. Firstly, you will need a dry space to store the equipment. This has to be rodent-free and the tent has to be packed down properly to avoid any rips or tears. However, if you feel this is too much work or don’t have a storage area, some suppliers offer a winter kit – an outer tent that sits as a protective layer over the top of the safari tent when it’s not in use.
How do I fit a wood burning stove in it?
There are a number of wood burning stoves and fitting kits available. You can do this yourself, if you are happy you won’t wreck your new tent, however, there are fitting services available too.
How to I keep it clean and get it ready for the new camping season?
At the beginning of each season all you need to do is hose down the tent and rub any marks clean with a cloth. No chemicals are needed so this is perfect for environmentally sensitive areas or organic farmland.
How much do they cost, what will I earn and what will the return on investment be?
Based on one example of a Superior 6m x 7m Safari Tent at £3,696+vat* and allowing £2,000 for the base and internal decorations, you can recoup the costs in as little as 3 months. If you choose a tent with a lifespan of around 10 years that means your business can achieve over 9 years profit before needing to replace it.
About Sarah Riley
Sarah is a coach, trainer and advisor supporting and inspiring the glamping and camping industry through tailored programmes designed to nurture new businesses. If you want to know the best and most successful way to set up a glamping service and how quickly you can expect a return on your investment, visit the training site www.inspiredcourses.com/glamping or the inspiration portal www.ping.com.
