I recently built my own barn so i could keep my horse at home. I have rode and worked with horses for 15+ years so I think I'd like to rent my extra space and board other peoples horses. My farrier and horse friends think my prices are fair, I have advertised locally, but still no business. What can I do?
2007-03-19 03:23:11 · 7 answers · asked by Barn Babe 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
I plan to offer only full care, feed, turn out, cleaning stalls and charge $250 month. I have checked and this is comparible to other stables nearby.
2007-03-19 14:14:30 · update #1
You said you advertised locally, but maybe missed the people who are in need of horse boarding. But what is one place that every single person must visit? The grocery store! Have you ever considered advertising on the back of the receipt tape of your local grocery store? I work for a receipt tape advertising company that works with 10,000 grocery stores in the US, Canada, and the UK. It's a great way to reach virtually every person in your area and it's cheap! It probably costs less than your local advertising efforts, but the results can amaze you. If you have any questions please send me an email. Good luck!
2007-03-22 18:29:14 · answer #1 · answered by The ADvisor 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like a good idea! Here what i think you should do...
i think you should advertise your services at tack stores and pet stores.
+Tell them why they should board there, any special facilities you have and/or any special services.
++Board should not be more than 250 a month if they have to clean their own stalls, and no more than 300-350 a month if they don't have to clean their own stalls.
+++Are you going to be there to turn the horses out in the morning, bring them in at night? Make sure the potential boarders know the deal with that....
++++Many people pick barns to go to that offer lessons, why not pick a few nights a week where you can offer lessons, 30-40$ for an hour private, 20-30$ for an hour group (2+ people)... It's a good way to a) attract boarders b) earn extra money for yourself. You sound experienced enough to carry this out!
+++++ Look into starting a 4-H club when you get enough riding students and actually try and make it into a real functioning barn!
2007-03-19 16:16:52 · answer #2 · answered by Sarah C- Equine Help 101 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Where have you advertised? Only in magazines/newspapaers, or have you also tried placing ads in local tack stores and show grounds? You can also try equestrian publications that people will pick up for free. For example: down here in Florida, we have the Horse & Pony Journal, which is very, very popular and most people can pick up for free at any tack store-a lot of privately owned barns advertise there, since it is so well known and placing an ad in it is relatively inexpensive. Check if there is something like that in your area-regular newspapers, I find, are not as effective for advertising because the public reading them is so varied. Another good publication is The Barn Book (they have a website, too: www.thebarnbook.com)-it is the equestrian's Yellow pages-this is also exclusive to Florida and a couple of other Southern states, but you can verify online if there is something of the sort in your area where you can advertise. Have you placed an ad online? Another suggestion is to place ads at tack stores-see if they have a bulletin board, or if you can leave a business card at the register - I worked at a tack shop for two years and this seemed to work well for customers. You can also check when there will be schooling shows held in your area, and advertise in their promotional flyer or at the show itself during the weekend of the show. Give it time, too-horse people move slowly, and word-of-mouth plays a big part! The more you get your name, prices, and what you have to offer out there, the more likely people will come to your barn.
Hope this helps! Good luck.
2007-03-19 10:52:15 · answer #3 · answered by Saiph 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do your farriers and horse friends have any advice? Are they spreading the word? If not, ask them if they can spread the word and vouch for you. I find out so much just by word of mouth.
How have you advertised? Have you tried newspapers, trade publications and online sources? In your area, is it legal to post fliers that you print up? If you can't post them, or even if you can, you can also pass them out at horse-related businesses and events. Can you afford a radio or TV spot? How about a billboard?
Can you call or visit other boarders to see how their businesses are run? Or maybe you could just see how the successful ones advertise.
Or, maybe this is the slow season for boarding, and things will turn around in time.
Good luck!
2007-03-19 10:40:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ask your horse friends if they know anyone. They can spread the word around and something might pop up. Do you have a horse track by you? Try asking there. They might know someone who needs the space.
2007-03-19 10:37:35 · answer #5 · answered by Terk 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it depends how many horses are in your community. What is the population of horses where you live. You have to do this type of research as part of your busniness plan before you can decide to continue. But the idea is excellent.
2007-03-23 01:51:32 · answer #6 · answered by Blog Cartoonist 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Word of mouth. Make sure you take EXCELLENT care of you horses. water and hay outside ALL THE TIME! don't force people to take lessons from you when they board... etc.
Another thing is ask your vet&farrier to spread the word!
2007-03-19 17:33:42 · answer #7 · answered by Eventing Star 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋