Seminar: A Successful B&B, from Dream to Reality
B&Bs are governed by more than a dozen laws, regulations and tax rules that can have costly
repercussions for anyone embarking in this field without fully taking them into account.
Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to gather information about every piece of
legislation affecting B&Bs because the various regulatory agencies have not pooled
that information in one location and an aspiring B&B host has no way of knowing
who to contact in order to meet all regulatory requirements. The seminar solves
that problem by providing you with all the information you need to be in compliance.
Also, the high number of B&Bs in operation means that travelers can be very demanding with respect
to the services offered by these establishments. Accordingly, in order to succeed, a B&B operator
must identify the types of travelers with whom he or she has the greatest affinity and put in the
efforts required to exceed their expectations. The seminar sheds light on the various types of
B&B guests, their expectations and the trends in the services provided to them.
Equally as important, aspiring hosts must define their goals in starting up a B&B and identify the means
to achieve them. Are you seeking to occupy your free time during retirement, to welcome travelers for
the pleasure of their company, to generate substantial profits so as to enjoy a better quality of life?
Depending on the goals you set, you will have to pursue a particular strategy. The seminar will
supply the tools that will enable you to wisely operate your B&B in keeping with the results you are seeking.
Next presentation of the seminar:
May 2 to 4, 2008 in Kingston, Ontario
The tuition fee is $245 per person or $395 per couple, plus GST. The fee includes participation in the seminar,
a detailed course manual and supporting documentation provided by various government agencies. The class starts
on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. and ends on Sunday afternoon at 4:30 p.m., for a total of 15 and a half hours
of training. The seminar will be presented in the meeting room of a hotel and, consequently, accommodations
will be available on the premises at a special rate.
Course overview
The seminar describes the different types of B&Bs on the market, municipal, provincial and federal regulations,
legal, accounting and tax-related aspects, insurance, qualifications of a good B&B host, repercussions on
family life, customer expectations, techniques of good hospitality, breakfast service, required improvements
to the property, advantages and disadvantages between converting a home into a B&B and buying an existing B&B, etc.
You will also learn about the various elements that make up a successful business plan: market survey, identification
of your target clientele, assessment of the competition, customer service trends, analysis of the strengths and
weaknesses of the B&Bs location, setting room rates, tips on extending the season, occupancy rate forecasting,
financing, marketing, advertising and promotion, press relations, B&B associations, customer loyalty programs,
statistical analysis, etc.
Enrolment procedure
Because of the high demand for the course, it would be preferable for you to reserve your place by telephone
and provide us with your coordinates including your Mastercard or VISA number (with expiry date). Note that these
are the only methods of payment that we accept. We will immediately send you an enrolment form for you to
sign and return to us by mail or by fax. It is only upon receipt of the signed form that you will be
considered as officially admitted to the course. We will subsequently mail you a confirmation of
admission to the seminar, the schedule and course plan for the weekend, the directions to the
classroom and an invoice acknowledging payment of your deposit.
The required amount of the deposit is 50% of the total value of the seminar. On the 10th day prior to
the beginning of the seminar, we will withdraw from your credit card the remaining amount payable and,
at the time of your arrival in class, we will give you a second invoice acknowledging payment of the
balance owed. In the event that you enroll within 10 days of the scheduled start date of the seminar,
you will be required to pay the full amount of the tuition fee.
Cancellation and reimbursement policy
If, on the 10th day preceding the seminar, the number of enrolments is less than the minimum required,
we will cancel it and send you a complete refund of your deposit. If, for any reason, you cancel your
enrolment in the seminar, we will reimburse 50% of your deposit provided you notify us no later than
10 days prior to its scheduled start date. It will not be possible for us to give any refund if you
cancel within the 10-day limit. To protect yourself from financial loss, we strongly recommend that
you obtain cancellation insurance from a travel agent as soon as you receive your enrolment confirmation.
Comments from past participants
I wanted to let you both know that your course was great, so informative and thorough.
After the last session on that Sunday, I spoke with Dominique, and told her about the B&B
I was looking at buying in Gananoque. Well, I did, I bought it, and take possession this
Friday. There is so much to do and buy and decorate, etc. a bit overwhelming, but I am so
ready for the task. I also wanted you both to know that you were inspiring...and your
course helped me make my decision about it. So, you can take comfort in knowing that
your course does work, and that you make an impression. S.E.
I would just like to say what an excellent job you did on the presentation. Usually I have
a real problem trying not to drift off, a habit which presents itself even if I am interested
in the topic, but last weekend I never had to cope with it. I feel I have so much information
now and most of it was in areas I hadn't even considered. It has also helped me to draw up
a plan of the process needed to get to where I want to be (hostest with the mostest smiling
graciously at the guests from the middle of my English flower garden - the heck with breakfast -
I'll order in!!!) D.B.
Carol and I enjoyed your seminar so much! We haven't stopped talking about it and all the
possibilities it opens up for us in the future. I must admit I was a bit apprehensive about
the whole idea but I am a firm believer in gathering information before making decisions and
this seminar was a wealth of useful information. Thank you so much for the fine training and
the warm hospitality last weekend. G.W.
Thank you thank you thank you! We have been very busy packing and getting ready for our big move
to the Eastern Townships. We are going ahead with our B&B plans thanks to you. You have a greatest
way of presenting your course. I must say we were hesitant about 3 days of seminar but it sped
by very quickly and you managed to keep everyone's interest up. Even with all the honesty you
poured out to us, you still didn't frighten us off. I look forward to the challenge of
decorating our rooms and testing out new breakfast menus. Once again, thank you very much.
It was money very well spent. B.B.
For additional information or to enroll:
Dominique Lavigueur and Robert Chiasson
Moka & Pyjama
645, ch. Des Bains, Saint-Irénée, Quebec G0T 1V0
Telephone and fax: (418) 452-1132
Email: info@moka-pyjama.com
Web: www.moka-pyjama.com
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