MOVING TO FRANCE
Feb 8th 2018, 10:36 am
#16
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Apr 2008
Location: Hérault (34)
Posts: 8,896
Re: MOVING TO FRANCE
As in TP's comment in #7, the OP would have to find out why a gîte business is for sale. The existing owners would probably keep the real reasons for selling, to themselves.... If she's interested in an already-existing gîte, she'd have to make sure, from official sources, that it conforms to all the rules and regulations, and find out what her obligations are, before signing on the dotted line.
Feb 8th 2018, 10:39 am
#17
Account Closed
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 0
Re: MOVING TO FRANCE
'How about trying to find a little gite business that is for sale? One which is already set-up and running. The existing owners would guide you through the transition.'
Good idea, but I would like to offer a word of caution. Friends of ours bought an up and running gite business on the Lot, which they thought could also be improved on. What the owner didn't tell them was that he was setting up a new business in the next town and tried with some success to take some of the good will and business with him.
The good news is they have made a successful business anyway through a piece of luck that is worth bearing in mind as a business plan. A group of sub-aqua potholers turned up at the end of the season with piles of gear to explore the surrounding caves. Our friends had no idea of how popular that is. The visitors then asked if there was any spare room for them to leave their mountains of gear to save them lugging it backwards and forwards. Our friends were delighted to offer them a secure shed for free in exchange for repeat business. Word got about and now they have a good business at the end of the season when everyone else is going quiet to add to their normal yearly lettings.
The point is it seems a good idea to think carefully about the area you are planning on setting up in and see if there is a niche market to add to the obvious holiday one. I know some people have tried artist, yoga and writing retreats and these could well work if you have the relevant knowledge, but involve more of your time on top of a busy work schedule. The beauty of the local caves is that our friends don't have to do anything other than advertise their existence.
Good idea, but I would like to offer a word of caution. Friends of ours bought an up and running gite business on the Lot, which they thought could also be improved on. What the owner didn't tell them was that he was setting up a new business in the next town and tried with some success to take some of the good will and business with him.
The good news is they have made a successful business anyway through a piece of luck that is worth bearing in mind as a business plan. A group of sub-aqua potholers turned up at the end of the season with piles of gear to explore the surrounding caves. Our friends had no idea of how popular that is. The visitors then asked if there was any spare room for them to leave their mountains of gear to save them lugging it backwards and forwards. Our friends were delighted to offer them a secure shed for free in exchange for repeat business. Word got about and now they have a good business at the end of the season when everyone else is going quiet to add to their normal yearly lettings.
The point is it seems a good idea to think carefully about the area you are planning on setting up in and see if there is a niche market to add to the obvious holiday one. I know some people have tried artist, yoga and writing retreats and these could well work if you have the relevant knowledge, but involve more of your time on top of a busy work schedule. The beauty of the local caves is that our friends don't have to do anything other than advertise their existence.
Feb 21st 2018, 7:03 pm
#18
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 38,626
Re: MOVING TO FRANCE
For anyone wondering where the subsequent posts to PG went , you will find the conversation HERE
