It’s always daunting to start something new, but it doesn’t mean it has to be difficult. 

Here are some tips on how to start a glamping business including everything you must keep in mind when constructing a glamping tent. 

Tip 1: It all starts with a passion, idea and vision.

Running a glamping business is not just a (second) source of income. It usually starts with a passion for new experiences or a wish to connect with new people. If you like it: your guests will like it even more! Besides passion, it’s also recommendable to create a business plan, no matter how big the size of your project. 

A glamping business plan will help you to choose (and understand) your guests, make you realise who you want to (or have to) work together with, and understand the costs that are going to be involved. 

Not sure where to start? Try this template – it worked for us!

Tip 2:  Finding the perfect location

First of all, as obvious as it might sound, you need the land and space to install your glamping experience. Your guests are looking for something unique and authentic, so the more special your location is, the better experience the guest gets and the higher rate you can charge for a stay.

It is important to keep in mind the availability of water and electricity as well as sewage (or alternatives like solar panels and water tanks) for your proposed site.

Consider surrounding experiences like wine tastings, restaurants and outdoor activities. All depending on your target group.

Tip 3: Applying for a permit

Getting a permit to set up your glamping business in Australia is usually what delays you in your plans. Depending on how your land is zoned, each state in Australia has different application requirements in order to get planning and building permits. 

The good news is that with its Swiss TUV weather certification and its sturdy, fire retardant Royal Ten Cate inner tent plus a solid aluminium structure, obtaining building consent for our Crossover Lodges is a straightforward process. Obtaining planning consent however depends on your situation and location. Think driveway access, wastewater, power and fire regulations. Lodges Australia works with seasoned professionals who are very familiar with Council approval processes. We are happy to get you in touch or organise this on your behalf.

Usually, farmland or recreational land (for example a vineyard) are the easiest to obtain permits for while residential zoning has proven to be a very hard process.

Tip 4: Picking your product

There are many different glamping products and you will need to find out which one fits your business best. You can start easily with the common ‘bell tent’ and slowly make your way towards a safari tent or dome. The main things you have to keep in mind when choosing your product, are the amenities (do you want to offer a bathroom and or a kitchen, outside seating area), the return on investment (with a dome you can charge a lot more per night) and the upkeep (cleaning). Lastly, you could consider the return of investment by duration: a bell tent has a shorter life circle compared to a Crossover Lodge which has proven to last 15 years so far (and still standing). 

Tip 5: Choosing your supplier

There are a few suppliers in Australia who offer glamping tents and products. Make sure to understand the differences between the businesses that try and sell you their tents. Most differences are in the quality of the canvas (how durable is a glamping tent?), the process of paying (do you have to buy everything separately or does it come in one package?) and the service you receive (does it need installation, or is it DIY?).

At Lodges Australia, we include everything from A- Z in your purchase, even after the glamping product has been installed. Quotes can be tailor-made to your needs. Our tents are of European quality, we offer personalised service and we pride ourselves to be passionate industry leaders. 

Tip 6: Designing your interior

Beds, composting toilets, tables, kitchens, chairs, cushions, Dutch tub, worm farm, romantic lighting, sauna .. and it does not stop there! You will need to think about how sustainable your experience is going to be, the amenities you want to offer and how to make your experience suitable for your specific target group.

Designing the interior of your glamping tent is the fun part. You can decorate it exactly the way you want, or we can get you going with our personal tips and tricks on how to make your Crossover Lodge the dream destination for your guests. 

Tip 7: Financing your glamping business

Although it can come across as daunting, getting your glamping business financed doesn’t have to be hard. Keep in mind the extra costs that are coming into play such as sewage, waste disposal, cleaning etc. when you apply for your finance. Because of the high potential and big demand for glamping experiences, the return on investment for a Crossover Lodge should not take longer than two years.  

Tip 8: Determining a nightly price  

Once your tent has been paid for, delivered, installed and decorated, you can start selling! Setting your rates can be tricky, but don’t feel anxious or undervalue your product: your primary target group, are willing to pay for a unique experience!

Tip 9: Marketing your glamping experience

How to get people to book your glamping accommodation severely depends on the target market you are aiming at. There are many platforms like Airbnb where you can advertise your availability and manage your reservations. Depending on the size of your glamping business, you might also need an external reservation system. It’s important that your local tourist information centre knows who you are, but there are lots of opportunities to market your business online as well; through Facebook and Instagram for example (by using influencers). Lodges Australia has a dedicated booking site for Crossover Lodges in Australia. This will save you a tremendous amount of work and gets you the exposure you need!

We hope these tips for setting up your glamping business are helpful. Remember: if you can get the permit, you can get the finance. If you have a business plan, you can get the guests.  It does not always have to be ‘go-big-or-go-home’. It’s also good to ‘stay-small-and-stay-sane’. We strongly believe that with the right passion and the right effort, anyone can grow from an Airbnb into a retreat if they wanted to, or stick with a small passionate business on the side to connect with likeminded people. 

Curious to see what your glamping business could look like? Lodges Australia is happy to assist you with the creation of a professional business plan. Contact us today.