CAMPGROUNDS CAN BE RECESSION-PROOF

01/22/08
I guess we can all rest assured that either we are bout to have a recession or are now in one (According to this Evening's news and the reaction of the world's stock markets to the President's Stimulus Package. Whichever - many of you perhaps are not only starting to be conservative in your spending (a sure means of creating a recession) but might also be starting to worry about company down-sizing, layouts, shorter work-week and all of the other accompanying worries. As strange as it may initially seem, perhaps NOW is the time to pursue that dream that you've had of owning a campground. I say that because I have been in the hospitality business sales for 30 years - 25 specializing in campgrounds. I've gone through several of these cycles and it can be a VERY POSITIVE experience if utilized with good judgement.

Many of you will reevaluate your life's desires or goals and should they include not being dependent on someone else for your job (economic existence) and campground ownership is one of those dreams - then NOW may be the TIME to ACT upon that dream.

Positives:
  • You are more in control of your own destiny.
    • You don't have to be making money for someone else any more.
    • If you work harder, YOU get to keep the money.
    • It's a great family-togetherness business.
    • It's a LIFESTYLE that you've enjoyed for years.
    • Your kids can have lots of good experiences while learning responsibility.
    • It's a very easy business to learn. And Sellers will often train you.
    • It's a very easy business increase income - sometimes, dramatically.

CAMPGROUNDS CAN BE RECESSION-PROOF. That's right! With a good location and/or good promotion and service, campgrounds can either "hunker-down" and ride out the
recession or, they can even grow, dramatically. Current example: a campground listing of ours increased it's income by over 36% (93,000) in 2006 it had been Grossing 255,000. This past season,the Owner increased the Gross by another 60,000+). And, those were to poor weather
seasons with 3.00/gal gas thrown in!

People still take vacations! And, if you have a camper, camping is the cheapest by far (except for, perhaps, staying with relatives). Renting a cabin or a camper is cheaper, too, because all of the activities are included, food is cheaper and tastier and "funner" (and you don't have to
east at a fast-food place 2-3 times a day)

In the really severe recession/depression in NH in 1989-90, many motels were off 50%, while campgrounds, on average were off 8-12%!. And some were experiencing a growth in income. Campers tend to take shorter stays, like 3-day weekends - but take several of them during the
season.

I could go into much greater detail except that this is an E-mail. For those of you who are serious, can arrange for a significant Down Payment and want a more detailed discussion, try calling or e-mailing me OR plan to attend my SEMINAR at the NCA Conference in March. (See below.)
For all of you who are ready now and want to own a campground THIS season, better be calling and looking NOW!