The (gîte) business side of things
Legal requirements and business insurance
We can inform you about the legal requirements of running a gîte, for example the number of guests you’re allowed, not having a dark pool liner, how often to get your chimneys swept, offering alcohol, the rules about fire extinguishers.
Business insurance is also of great importance, we can discuss what cover you should take out.
Terms, conditions, rates and cancellation
How do you set your rental rates, minimum nights and what is your cancellation policy, especially since COVID-19?
What are the other terms and conditions you set, such as payment deadlines and methods, arrival and departure times, etc. We can discuss the pros and cons of each with you.
Classification
Classifying your gîte can be beneficial for both marketing and for lowering your taxes. It’s a complicated process with 133 categories. We can run a simulation of the inspection so you know how to get the best star-rating, or we can talk you through it so that you are well prepared.
Charges
Hiring an accountant is invaluable to ensure you submit the correct information to the authorities.
Whilst we are not accountants, we can run through the 9 charges we pay so that you understand the range and costs.
Case studies
Domaine de la Banne had been operating as a gîte for a year when we met to advise them, and were able to go through all of the cogs that make up the machine of their business – cancellation policy, rental agreement, rates, minimum number of nights – and come up with a strong solution that helps protect their revenue and business.
“Had our final business MOT session yesterday – great advice and insights helping us to take our business to the next level.“
Neil and David
When Natasha and Tony bought their property, there were two houses completed, but the main house was a shell. Our first exercise was to look at the options for where they would live and what parts they would rent out. We look at the pros and cons for each option, and gave them researched calculations for the revenue for each option.
“Gîte Guru has propelled us to exceed our booking expectations for our first season..“
Natasha and Tony
En Gineste had renovated their gîte beautifully by the time we met, so our work focused more on the other aspects of the business, including ensuring that they were aware of the taxes they should be paying and what topics and questions to discuss with an accountant.
“Their enthusiasm and knowledge inspired us to make several changes which improved the quality of what we offer and our revenue has increased as a result.”
Peter and Tom
Annette is a natural when it comes to hospitality, and her guests feel that when they stay in her gîtes. What was important in improving her business was to look at all the different aspects of the terms and conditions, and also her rates. That way we made a robust plan which will help support her beautiful property become even more successful.
“Rupert did an audit of my business, which I found invaluable, and together we shaped our pricing strategy..“
Annette