A Guide On Starting A Successful Harpeth River Kayak Hire Business

By Matthew Edwards


You can take your passion for the outdoors a level higher by establishing a canoe hire venture. However, to operate profitably and sustainably, there are lots of issues to consider. This read has put together various tips on starting a profitable Harpeth River kayak rentals service.

You should begin by identifying a suitable place for your proposed business. An ideal place for a kayak rentals venture needs to be close enough to the river and should have a mild current. Therefore, identify spaces along the Harpeth River that are available for rent. You will also require a spacious building for keeping your vessels and performing various administrative duties. Still, you will need to put up bathrooms and changing rooms for your customers.

Starting a canoe rentals business without doing a market research is not a wise thing to do. It is only through an extensive market research that you will be able to determine the feasibility of the venture. As a result, begin by looking into the available demand for the services you plan to offer. Additionally, study the competition so as to determine the things you can do differently to succeed.

You will need to register your watercraft hire business with the authorities as a legal entity. This will protect you against liability should it get sued someday. Still, it will be vital to get a business permit from the local government. Registering for all the relevant taxes will also be necessary. If you plan to offer guided tours, seeking Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and First Aid certifications will also be essential.

You will need to learn as much as you can about the industry. If you do not have the adequate paddling knowledge, enrolling for relevant classes is recommended. Organizations such as the American Canoe Association provide good courses that you should consider enrolling for. Still, you need to consult a person who has lots of experience in the industry. An individual who runs a similar venture in another region can be helpful in this respect.

Invest in quality equipment. You will need several vessels to rent out to your customers. So, plan to acquire kayaks of different styles and designs to suit varying needs. You can either acquire new or used boats depending on the amount of initial capital you have. To identify good vendors to deal with, you can seek recommendations or get a list of good suppliers from the American Outdoors Association. It will also be critical to buy lots of durable paddles and protective equipment.

Getting workers to help you run your venture will also be necessary. You will need qualified staffs to work in the rentals desk and take reservations. In addition, you will require accomplished paddlers to conduct guided trips and take care of your equipment. To enhance your chances of succeeding, hire trained personnel with vast relevant experience.

Market your new business. For any business, marketing and promotion are critical. You can begin by creating a professionally designed and great looking website for your canoe hire enterprise. Printing business cards and flyers and placing classifieds in various travel magazines and newspapers may also be necessary. Nevertheless, strive to take advantage of word of mouth referrals by providing quality services. Beat the competition at their game by providing the best value for money.




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