Your thoughts please - initial market research

Originally Posted by Balky001

Ed, I think it's definately a plan, how much will it cost to buy the caravan/pitch costs/finance etc - how many weeks would you need to book it out to break even/covering costs and depreciation etc? I know you are at early stages in the planning but I guess profitability is the driver here

Yes, it is. I'm not interested in ripping people off. The caravan is not new but we would refurb the soft furnishings as they are rather tired. The asking price is £4,000 but I know that the seller will do a deal and is desperate to offload, so I wouldn't expect to pay that.

It's the pitch cost that hurts - any reasonable site charges about £20 - £25 a day in summer (they usually have a base cost and then add a few £ for each person so it tends to vary), rather less of course in spring/autumn. Might be able to negotiate a discount for an entire season.

Plus there's the cost of an awning (ebay), and the kit to go inside - as stated above the idea is that people wouldn't need to carry camping stuff, so I'd include sleeping bags, towels, all that sort of thing, insurance, winter storage, and maintenance. I haven't costed all that out yet.

I'm working on a 20 week letting season - who realistically wants to stay in a caravan in winter - and then on 75% occupancy rate.

Will do some more sums.

Originally Posted by Kinvig

I've never considered caravanning as a holiday destination. Is it one of those huge mobile homes that doesn't move or is it a caravan such as blocks the road every summer?

If it's a "mobile home", then I would consider it, but if it's a "caravan" then it's not for me - if I'm slumming it, then I'll use a tent otherwise I prefer better creature comforts i.e. something with a decent shower & kitchen.

hth!

Ed, in relation to the above, I can't remember accurate prices... I *think* they're about inline with the type of caravan you've been looking at (if you were to buy a brand new caravan).

Have a look at some of the Haven's etc (like Black Rock sands - Pwhelli). You can buy a static caravan (bigger than your normal caravan) and then rent it out as you please.

If you're not renting it out & no-one is staying in it, the complex themselves will try & rent it out for you at competitive ates - naturally they take a cut for doing this though, but they also clean the caravan etc afterwards.

My kids love Haven (I can't stand it personally & would rather spend a little extra to go overseas), so it would appeal to families, and there's no noise issues as Haven have never complained about my bike - including bouncing it off the rev limiter a fair amount.

Perhaps another avenue to look at?

Ed my folks had a 6berth static in llangynog and i loved it to bits! if i had the dosh i'd get one myself.

[fizzwheel]

I fricken hate camping, and I fricken hate carrying a sh*te load of luggage on my bike as well.

£130 split between four people over a weekend is worth it to me as I dont have to carry to much stuff and I get to sleep in a bed rather than on the floor !!!

[G]

I presume this is a static caravan rather than a mobile 4 berth, just being kept at a caravan site?

To give you an idea we stayed in a 6 berth static caravan in pitlochry in 2007. The site is rated 4 star with rediculous amount of facilities and the caravans were completely new with the very latest technology etc. This is a very very popular tourist destination with a purpose built site with pool facilities and other stuff. I.E Not a field behind a pub.

We paid £350 - £400 for a week in peak season.

Originally Posted by G

I presume this is a static caravan rather than a mobile 4 berth, just being kept at a caravan site?

To give you an idea we stayed in a 6 berth static caravan in pitlochry in 2007. The site is rated 4 star with rediculous amount of facilities and the caravans were completely new with the very latest technology etc. This is a very very popular tourist destination with a purpose built site with pool facilities and other stuff. I.E Not a field behind a pub.

We paid £350 - £400 for a week in peak season.

Touring 4 berth

Horses for courses matey. Would that sort of site wwant bikers? Would bikers want that sort of site? This is a proper campsite with facilities that you would expect. You can also buy a day's fishing permit on the Severn for £5. It's not just a field, it's a proper site -- AR06 attendees will remember it. Plus it's Shrewsbury, not Pitlochry.

[ogden]

Originally Posted by Ed

Horses for courses matey. Would that sort of site wwant bikers?

Eh? Is it the late 70s or something? I thought blind prejudice against anyone on two wheels went out with the ark.

[timwilky]

caravans are for pikeys. I need a nice warm bed, hot bath and room service. a restaurant serving full English etc.

Sorry Ed, the prospect of a caravan has nothing to appeal except as one half of the pre requites for caravan conkers. (well a third as you need a bloody big crane and a second caravan)

Sounds too expensive to me tbh. Good idea though.

Originally Posted by ogden

Eh? Is it the late 70s or something? I thought blind prejudice against anyone on two wheels went out with the ark.

You'd be supprised.

One of the rides I was organising, maybe last year sometime, maybe the year before, I approached a couple of campsites for costs etc. I went to each one on the bike. At least 3 sites said they wouldn't be interested in accepting our group as we would be on "very loud bikes" and would upset/annoy the other guests.

They also assumed we'd be drinking beer & being generally loud all night.

So I thanked them for their time, with a smile, and left. Slipping the clutch a little as I did.