When our glamping journey began with the acquisition of an old campground, a seemingly inconsequential 220 square foot cabin positioned near the entrance was earmarked for demolition.
Fast forward to today, and this modest structure has defied expectations, evolving into an important part of our glampground’s business by generating over $5,000 in passive revenue per month. This transformation from a building that we were going to tear down into a profitable camp store, however, was only possible as we designed it to be fully self-service and not require any staff.
Let us explain how we did it and how you can too!
Investment and Renovation
The overhaul of the rundown cabin cost us about $13,000—a substantial amount for such a compact space. This investment decision was propelled by the conviction that repurposing the cabin into a revenue-generating camp store could significantly contribute to our business model. Drawing from our extensive background in retail (we spent more than a decade building a clothing brand), the unique opportunity to start a store at our property was compelling. The renovation cost, while seemingly steep, was justified by the projected and now realized returns.
The Self-Service Innovation
Central to the camp store’s success is its self-service operational model. Given the inherently low transaction volume, confined exclusively to our campground guests, traditional staffing was economically unfeasible. Leveraging technology, we eradicated labor costs, thereby safeguarding our profit margins even during periods of low sales. This model, while inviting skepticism regarding potential theft, has proven effective, as our experiences have reaffirmed our belief in the inherent honesty of our guests. The self-service approach has not only streamlined operations but also enhanced the guest experience by offering convenience and trust.
Note: We use Square for the hardware and payment processing. We use KioskBuddy for the self-service software. As long as you have an internet connection, Square + KioskBuddy together can power all the tech needs of a self-service camp store.
Empowering Aspiring Glampreneurs: Launch Your Own Camp Store
For fellow glampground owners inspired by our journey, the Ferncrest camp store exemplifies the potential of small-scale, low-overhead business models within the glamping niche. Starting a self-service camp store can serve as a lucrative addition to your glamping operation, providing guests with added convenience while significantly boosting your revenue streams.
The key to replicating this success lies in identifying and utilizing underleveraged assets within your property, embracing technology to reduce operational costs, and fostering a community of trust with your guests. This model is not just about selling products; it’s about enhancing the overall guest experience, thereby generating both immediate revenue and long-term loyalty.
Let Ferncrest’s camp store inspire you to explore, experiment, and expand your offerings, proving that even the smallest spaces can be transformed into significant sources of income and guest satisfaction.
Together, let’s redefine what it means to be successful in the glamping industry!
Happy Glamping,
Brian & Joanna Linton
