outback tours

[crushers]

Afternoon,
my wife and I did a putz out to Banff today and were chatting. we have been thinking of setting up tours using HDJ81s for a few years now (originally it was going to be with the HJ61s). both back country runs as well as highway tours to Banff, Jasper and the hiking / view spots in between.

the typical 1 day outback tours or maybe even 3 day tours in the outback in the foothills. then also a 2 day tour to Jasper through Banff. this would give those that want to experience the ride and performance of a HDJ81 coupled with a pleasant trip for the wife and / or kids.

not absolutely sure at this time but I am interested if anyone else thinks this is a good idea or not.

what do you think would be a fair price for such a tour, per person?

suggestions, criticism and positive replies welcome.

cheers

[Jan-78FJ40]

Originally Posted by crushers

Afternoon,
my wife and I did a putz out to Banff today and were chatting. we have been thinking of setting up tours using HDJ81s for a few years now (originally it was going to be with the HJ61s). both back country runs as well as highway tours to Banff, Jasper and the hiking / view spots in between.

the typical 1 day outback tours or maybe even 3 day tours in the outback in the foothills. then also a 2 day tour to Jasper through Banff. this would give those that want to experience the ride and performance of a HDJ81 coupled with a pleasant trip for the wife and / or kids.

not absolutely sure at this time but I am interested if anyone else thinks this is a good idea or not.

what do you think would be a fair price for such a tour, per person?

suggestions, criticism and positive replies welcome.

cheers

A few thoughts come to mind:
first, I am sure that you are aware that this might not be the clientele to address. People with diesel trucks on this board will probably rather do it alone, and not with a guided tour. Therefore the thrill of riding in a nice diesel truck (I'd prefer the 61) will be wasted and might not be appreciated.

secondly (following up in first), I am not sure if you will enjoy the people who pay you for such a trip/tour. Speaking from experience as a back country skiing and snowboarding guide in the european alps, you will come across some very nice people, and a lot of people, who consider you as their slave, once they paid the fee. This might be different here, but I dealt mainly with germans, and that was not always fun (no offense please, this is not supposed to be a generalization).

prices for these tours are (rightfully) rather high. It costs your time, your trucks usage, insurance, a ton of backup stuff from aspirin to a dry sweater for the guy who fell into the river, insurance, and you should make a profit. 500$ per head per day would be pretty low.

sorry Wayne, this might not have been the positive reply you were hoping for, these are just my first thoughts.
J

[crushers]

this is exactly what i am looking for, rose coloured glasses i am not wanting.
please realise this is not going to be a plug for paying customers here but more of a request for information...
thanks for the candid reply.
cheers

[HZJ60 Guy]

I would be more than willing to pay for a guided "tour" if I could use my own vehicle and follow along. The guide is the main thing I would need in that area.




TB

[roscoFJ73]

Sounds like a good idea Crushers.
This is pic of what they use in oz.
Its an Arkane landcruiser built by Arkana.They also built the dual cab 45 ,45 troopy
and 75 series 4x4 and 4x6 ambulances and tour buses.
The tour operators say the landcruisers attract the Japanese tourists like no other.
When they see a fully equipped landcruiser they believe they are getting a real adventure
These are used in west aust particuarly for the wildflower season in the desert.

[roscoFJ73]

This may work better.

[crushers]

that is one funky cruiser, i can see why the Japanese likr it so much...

[mikeyT]

Hi, Wayne.

Get ahold of some European 4X4 mags. I occasionally get a couple of the French ones (4X4 Magazine, 4X4 Passion) (pronounced "kat-kat" and not "kat par kat")and there are usually a couple of dozen ads for different tours, usually for North Africa. These ads would give you some idea of the different types of tours and the cost breakdowns. Some tours have you sit in the guide's truck and you don't drive. For others you bring your own vehicle. Some have camping, others hotels, others a mix. I think that Jan-78's comments hold true; if you're the outfitter, you're expected to do it all and snappy, too, if you please. The key, it seems to me, is to get very well paid for it.

I would think that the full-out tour type of thing would be a big hit with European tourists. Quebec gets thousands of European tourists every winter for snowmobile tours. The appeal of real back country is pretty strong for many who live in countries like, say, the Netherlands, where there is no "back country" for thousands of kilometers.

I don't have any of the French mags on hand at the moment, I've been looking. Next time I get one or two, I'll keep you in mind; I can send them off to you. You should only need an interpreter and a currency converter. Alberta's full of French translators, right?

[crushers]

Originally Posted by HZJ60 Guy

I would be more than willing to pay for a guided "tour" if I could use my own vehicle and follow along. The guide is the main thing I would need in that area.




TB

dude, if you are willing to drive yor rig up here, i will take you out just for the fun of it. Long May weekend or Sept Long is the best then you can join in with other cruiser heads on one of my yearly runs. this goes for anyone that wants to make the trip..
cheers
BTW, you will probably have to run with a Diesel Jeep though... ;^)

[crushers]

Originally Posted by mikeyT

Hi, Wayne.


I don't have any of the French mags on hand at the moment, I've been looking. Next time I get one or two, I'll keep you in mind; I can send them off to you. You should only need an interpreter and a currency converter. Alberta's full of French translators, right?

if you don't mind that would be great, i am sure we have a couple "frogs" hopping around out here... (said in good fun)
cheers

[aamiggia]

I think mikeyT hit the nail on the head regarding the European tourists.

When I was in Eastern Germany I noticed in both travel agencies in this small town (Gorlitz), that the adds for "Kanada" were of the Rocky's. When people found out that I am Canadian (they always assume American, but light up when you say Canada) they were always asking questions about Canada. They seemed to be fasinated with the backcountry and "great wilderness".

I'm assuming that most of them make their way West after stopping in T.O.

They would be a great market for classy 4x4 tours. They have the money, especially with the EURO @ 1.65 CDN.

I'd also like to check out a HDJ80. I'd like to think that I'm always open to new things. I have also been known to be wrong, from time to time

[roscoFJ73]

Some freinds of mine started up camping tours in the n/w of aust.
They did a great trade taking overseas tourists to isolated rivers and lakes,let them catch a fish and cook it it over charcoal.
A lot of people in big cities never get to do that.

It would also be a good idea to have tours that target particular age groups

[denis]

think of liability and insurance, and don't bother with HDJ80s, stick with something that is cheap and common and reliable and that doesn't go too fast if you happen to let the customers drive. I think B/HJ60 would do the trick. Then if you want to do some luxury $$$ tours, that's a whole different story where 80 would fit, but you'll need matching hotels, drivers and service. I've been a driver for luxury / ***/**** customers, and that's not where most of the fun is, and the money is not that much greater. Personally I would keep it simple and cheap... just my $0.02

[denis]

Originally Posted by aamiggia

I'm assuming that most of them make their way West after stopping in T.O.

They would be a great market for classy 4x4 tours. They have the money, especially with the EURO @ 1.65 CDN.

Outback adventure and fun, yes, classy and $$$, I don't really think so.
4x4 and classy don't fit in the same sentence

[denis]

BTW....








CHIT CHAT

[crushers]

I hear what you are saying, Denis.
what I have found is if you sell cheap you get the same type of customers, cheap.
if you offer high end goods then you get a different crowd coming to your door. these people know what they want and are willing to pay to get it. at the same time, if what you offer is high end then it is easy to have a happy customer.
I feel the same will be with this venture, if I offer cheap tours then you will end up with clientele that want everything for nothing.
in the end what I am hoping for is exposure, references and maybe even a sale or two.
one thing this will not be is a "rental" where you can rent a HDJ81, beat the crap out of it and return it.
the idea of 4X4 and classy can definitely be in the same sentence.
the biggest problem with your idea of BJ/HJ60s, especially Canadian trucks, is most are one step from the bone yard or expensive restorations. the last thing you want is customers coming half way around the world and the truck breaks down. you would end up with a reputation alright, not quite the one you want. you have to remember,I already have the HDJ81s, so that is not a concern. also this will be a side venture, not a mainstream "oh my, I have to pay the bills" worry so if it works out then great, if not... i sell the HDJ81s...

aamiggia, when you are ready you just let me know... ;^)

rosco, this is exactly what I am planning on, the middle to higher income in the 35+ age group. these people usually know what they want and are mature enough to enjoy what is offered. I am sure I could end up with a couple PITA customers but how is that different from the importing business?

cheers

[denis]

Originally Posted by crushers

I hear what you are saying, Denis.
what I have found is if you sell cheap you get the same type of customers, cheap.
if you offer high end goods then you get a different crowd coming to your door. these people know what they want and are willing to pay to get it. at the same time, if what you offer is high end then it is easy to have a happy customer.
I feel the same will be with this venture, if I offer cheap tours then you will end up with clientele that want everything for nothing.

I hear your point, but a lot of customers in the high end / luxury market are of the volunteer ripped of species. Let me explain : What happens in their mind is that they are agreeing to be ripped off by a high price, and that allows them to act like jerks and treat you like you're their slave. I've dealt with this, granted those are far from a majority, but they are the ones that will make you want to drop it altogether. When I said cheap I meant a good bang for the buck

[crushers]

i thing i have learned in the past is you can fire a customer, refund their money and send them on their way.
i am sure you have also...

[denis]

Originally Posted by crushers

i thing i have learned in the past is you can fire a customer, refund their money and send them on their way.

Hehe, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do, eh

i am sure you have also...

I was not the boss at that time so I just used to ...

Good luck, sounds like an exciting project

[aamiggia]

If you are marketing to the +35 age group with money why not include the Lexus drivers in the area? How many LX450's have been offroaded? Money? Who else would spend $90,000 CDN on a truck with little luxury?

99% of Lexus drivers (at least the owners ) are guys that have the idea that they may actually shift the lever into 4wd LO at some point. If you give them an outlet to "use" their trucks they will be very happy. They will also come away with a new appreciation for wheelin' and the LX450.

The tour could be to market the HDJ80's and have people come along in their own "high end" trucks. These guys may be willing to spend some money on a truck dedicated to offroading in style. Most of the guys that want to come along for the ride, like myself are DIYers with most of their money tied up in their current rigs that already wheel. Hit the crowd that wants to wheel, has the money, has the untouched truck, and needs an outlet.

You would be doing these guys a favour!


BTW, I was originally interested in buying a BJ71 or 74 much before I got the LX450. But I am only able to have 1 vehicle which needs to be a daily driver and entertain customers. So that idea was short lived. In the near future I maybe knocking on your door since I may be able to sport 2 vehicles. I like to do my research and ask all the questions before I jump.

[paulj]

Wayne;
What about the idea of teaming up with a fishing or hunting guide service or lodge? There are a lot of people who would pay money to have a quality fishing or hunting trip in the back country away from the crowds, and British Columbia is a pretty special place that's served by a major airport. I've been on 2 such trips. About 10 years ago to Andros Island, in the Bahamas for bonefishing, and last September to Kamchatka, Russia for trout fishing. (I think DocB who posts on this board made the same trip earlier this year) On the Russian trip the outfitter had and HZJ 77. I'd put up a pic if I hadn't used up my quota.
Check out some of the outdoor magazines, and you'll see a lot of ads for such trips so I assume there's a pretty healthy demand. "Sporting Classic" especially, has ads for a lot of high end trips, but I can't remember ever seeing one that featured travel by 4 X 4 much less Land Cruisers. I guess only you can know whether or not it's worth the headache of putting up with the public. Maybe if you just did the transportation part you'd avoid some of the hassels.

[crushers]

i know my boy has some great contacts with outfitters and fly fishermen so that is an excellent idea, thanks.