Detailed instructions for opening a hostel: 7 basic steps

Recently, European-style hostels, or, as they are called, hostels, have become very widespread. The main advantage of such for a potential client is cheapness, so the service will always be popular.

We will analyze the nuances of doing business, pitfalls, legal aspects, and also give an exhaustive answer to the question that worries many novice entrepreneurs: “How to open a hostel from scratch?”.

• choice of premises;
• collection of necessary papers;
• registration of entrepreneurial activity;
• verification by regulatory authorities;
• repair;
• advertising.

Where to begin?

First of all, you need to choose a suitable room. There are several options. This may be the purchase of a communal apartment as a whole, a long-term lease, the arrangement of an apartment already owned.

There is an option to build your own home in a convenient location. It is worth doing this in resorts or in small towns, which, nevertheless, are popular with tourists. The premises must be selected based on the availability of all infrastructure, preferably in the city center.

In a big city - within easy reach of the metro.

Collection of documents

Taxes will be charged under the UTII regime (imputed income) plus additional contributions to the pension fund (for 2015, 22,261 rubles). You also need to purchase a cash register. A cashless payment terminal is desirable.

The conclusion of the sanitary and epidemiological service will be required. The requirements are:

• square for each resident at least five square meters;
• beds: at least 80 by 190 centimeters, the distance between them is 75 centimeters;
• toilet: at the rate of 1 for 12 people;
• shower: 1 for 15 people;
• sink: 1 for 6 guests.

Waste and garbage disposal in your area. Additionally, it is recommended to lay down a certain amount to solve problems that have suddenly arisen with the inspection bodies.

Hostel preparation

After solving all the bureaucratic tasks, it's time to think about repairing the premises. You shouldn't take this lightly. Even if you think the finish is fresh, remodeling rooms to suit the needs of visitors is a must.

This is primarily soundproofing, including interior, plastic windows, tight doors, installation of additional plumbing. It is advisable to bring sockets to each bed, stretch the Internet in advance.

You will need services handymen, electrician, plumber, tiler, plasterer, painter.

Purchase of furniture and equipment

Opening a hostel from scratch involves the purchase of the necessary furniture, equipment and equipment. Pay close attention to the beds. They must certainly be strong, with a warranty period (good manufacturers give a guarantee of 20 years).

Perfect fit metal bunk. The general rule is this - do not save on beds, good sleep is a guarantee of a satisfied client. Each bed requires a bedside table, lockable with a key. Provide several sets of bed linen for each bed.

Get a Wi-Fi router to distribute the Internet. Do not be stingy with a wide channel, otherwise, with a large number of guests, the speed will sag. Set up a public PC. From household appliances you will need a washing machine, dishwasher, hair dryer, iron.

The bathroom should have a replenished stock of the necessary sanitary and hygienic products. Equip the kitchen with a large refrigerator, stove, slow cooker, thermopot or electric kettle, buy several sets of dishes.

Personnel Requirements

Since working in a hostel does not require any special skills, the selection of workers will not be very difficult. Active retired ladies, part-time students, girls, all those who do not have any special qualifications are perfect for the role of administrator.

An important requirement is smiling, goodwill and readiness to solve minor troubles of the client. You will need four people and a fifth replacement (for the duration of a vacation or illness).

Their duties can include cleaning and making beds, in which case you will save on the maid. Good for reporting coming, then you can hire a permanent.

Possible problems

You have to work with people, so you will definitely encounter difficulties. Treat the wishes of the guests with understanding, never be rude, be extremely polite and, if possible, try to make concessions. On the territory of the hostel, dry law is required.

The lion's share of potential guests simply will not go to the hostel if a rumor about drunken guests leaks out. In case of inappropriate behavior of residents, conclude an agreement with the Ministry of Internal Affairs or a private security company and install an alarm button.

Of the minuses note the uneven distribution. It is possible that in some periods you will have to work at a loss. Take care to create a cash cushion for such cases in order to avoid non-payment of salaries, non-payment of utilities and other services.

Be prepared for unhealthy attention from neighbors. Try to establish a trusting relationship with them, by the way, this will help in advertising.

Advertising

For successful development, it is necessary that as many more people learn about the new hostel. Word of mouth works best. For this to work, You need to make a good impression on your first guests.

Think over a system of discounts, set reduction coefficients for long-term accommodation. Order business cards and feel free to distribute them everywhere, attract schoolchildren or undergraduate students to put up ads and distribute leaflets.

Most often, modern people are looking for housing through the Internet. In all social networks, start your own pages, advertise in public and city groups, start your own website. It does not hurt to register in online booking networks.

Hostel business plan and profitability

To avoid misfires, it is necessary write or purchase a hostel.

It should include the following items:

• the need for money with a detailed indication of expenses;
• sources of financing;
• description of the target audience;
• differentiating your business from others
• market analysis
• competitors
• development potential
• risk calculation
• profit forecast
• approximate turnover
• marketing costs
• thoughtful budget

Before writing your own business plan, it is advisable to market research.

Here is a hostel with detailed calculations in order to determine