Ignorance is not bliss

From the moment they step through the door your bookings become guests, and their experiences determine whether they ever come back.
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Mouse
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Post by Mouse »

If you looked at this experience from a positive point of view - you could find an opportunity to 'niche market' your property and all the subsequent advantages that'd bring

Mouse
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Alan Knighting
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Post by Alan Knighting »

Mouse,

I think being in a niche market is a great idea but only so long as it doesn't impinge on being in the general market.

I suspect that the general market, at least in France, is a little swamped with properties these days. Perhaps supply is outstripping demand? If being in a niche market increases your business that’s very good. My feeling is that being in a niche market exclusively would mean you had hardly any business at all.

Who here has had as many as one enquiry from a fundamentally orthodox anything? Not me. I know nothing of the religious beliefs of any of my guests nor do I want to know.

There’s no discrimination here, positive or negative – just bloody good holidays.

Fluffy
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Mouse
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Post by Mouse »

ah good old niche marketing!.....any business I recommended to do this always thought the same Alan.
However when you niche market you have to move away from the general market. It is always niche marketing v mass marketing other wise you don't realise the cost benefits.....the key is the research: is there a demand, is it right for you, is there a greater profit potential etc

generally it can cut costs in advertising and you can charge a higher price for your product (and many other benefits). If its something you feel you can offer and that there is a market for it - then you research where you can find your chosen client.

take b&b's (or small hotels) in the UK. At one time it used to be ok to advertise as a b&b. Now however the competition is so strong that many are looking to differentiate themselves in order to appeal to a niche market. These days they (and hotels) have to focus on the guest experience and what they offer that sets them apart from others in the area.

Its a fascinating subject - but I have, in my experience, seen many successful moves into this area for businesses (not, I would say for niche, niche, niche, markets like orthodox jews!!?)

Mouse
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Alan Knighting
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Post by Alan Knighting »

Mouse,

For all sorts of reasons I have always preferred to cater for a specialist (niche) market. When I was a lawyer my firm had its specialities (niches) but we did not ignore or exclude general practice.

If the niche is large enough to sustain a viable business you will get no argument from me. If I gave the opposite impression I have expressed myself very badly.

By offering self-catering only I have already placed myself in a bit of a niche market. I am in the general holiday business but I am not a cruise ship, a hotel or a campsite. Nor do I offer B&B or Chambres d’hôte.

Fluffy
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vrooje
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Post by vrooje »

A holiday site with a cruise ship, hotel, B&B, campsite, and self-catering? I'd love to see that! "Hey, where's the casino?" :lol:
Brooke
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Mountain Goat
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Post by Mountain Goat »

Good news on our OJ family - who left last week, and who were very appreciative of our setup: they were charming (inc. all 7 kids who left us a gigantic signed and commented thank-you poster), highly enthusiastic about our mountain village, went on marathon daily walks, appreciated the cow we had booked for them, brought their own cutlery, plates, cups, cooking gear (our gas hob was considered OK), and left the whole property in immaculate shape, watered the houseplants and fed the badger family who turned up during their last week.

I was mystified why they couldn't use our Dualit toaster(s). Answer: in that little tray underneath, there were non-kosher breadcrumbs. Now you know - empty your trays.

Currently negotiating for repeat visit next summer.....

Goat
Last edited by Mountain Goat on Sun Aug 27, 2006 9:23 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Hells Bells
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Post by Hells Bells »

I'm glad it all worked out well.
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Normandy Cow
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Post by Normandy Cow »

Alan Knighting wrote:I think being in a niche market is a great idea but only so long as it doesn't impinge on being in the general market.
Our house is so isolated, and our lane so long, that it has not been unheard of for my husband and children to strip off completely when the weather is very hot (I am too self-conscious of my body to allow myself that apparently delicious freedom :oops: ), as they know that we have at least one minute warning before any cars reach the house.
So I got to thinking that maybe we could have a niche market for naturists! Perfect!....

... until I remembered that true naturists don't just wander around the garden in their birthday suits - they also like to sit on the chairs and sofas and do the cooking and all manner of other things :shock: :o

Yeuch! Sorry, no thanks, I'm not going down that route...
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vrooje
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Post by vrooje »

Aren't they supposed to bring a towel with them wherever they go? Nudiquette, or something. :lol:
Brooke
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