Is Good Sam a Bad Deal for Campgrounds?

Ah, the open road: where the smell of pine welcomes you and the call of the wild beckons. But wait—before you hitch up that trailer, I’ve got a tale to tell about Good Sam that might make you think twice before letting them hitch onto your wallet.

The $12,000 Plot Twist

Let’s set the stage: a charming 35-site campground nestled in nature, but here’s the plot twist—they forked over nearly $12,000 to Good Sam for advertising. Yes, you read that right. They could have bought a brand-new RV instead! As Donna Bordeaux from Campground Accounting points out, that kind of investment is like trying to fill a swimming pool with a teaspoon.

Are Campers Really Choosing Based on Good Sam?

Now, don't get me wrong—I love a good discount as much as the next intrepid traveler. But let’s be real: are campers really choosing their spots based on a Good Sam rating these days? If you answered "yes," then I have a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn. Most of us rely on guest reviews and ratings when picking our next outdoor escape, not some dusty guidebook.

Outdated Practices and Siphoned Cash

The real kicker? Good Sam’s outdated advertising practices might just be siphoning your hard-earned cash without delivering the goods. They charge for discounts that nibble at your revenue, and the return on investment? Well, it’s about as promising as a campfire in a rainstorm. For a small park, spending $12,000 would mean needing an extra $400,000 in revenue just to break even. Unless you're planning to host a Woodstock reunion, that’s a tall order.

Why Consult Campground Accounting?

Donna’s mission at Campground Accounting is simple: help campground owners breathe life into their business without sucking the fun out of it. Before you find yourself in a financial knot tighter than a Boy Scout’s, consider consulting a pro. Because there’s more to life than business, and certainly more to taxes than being on time.

Avoid Getting Burned

Curious if your advertising dollars are going up in smoke? Read on to find out how to make smart choices and avoid getting burned. Happy camping!

Connect with us!

Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Please make sure to check out our blog and our website link below. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the bell to be notified when we post. You can email me at donna@campgroundaccounting.com.

Donna Bordeaux, CPA with Campground Accounting

Creativity and CPAs don’t generally go together. Most people think of CPAs as nerdy accountants who can’t talk with people. Well, it’s time to break that stereotype. Lively, friendly, and knowledgeable can be a part of your relationship with your CPA, as demonstrated by Donna and Chad Bordeaux. They have over 50 years of combined experience as entrepreneurial CPAs. They’ve owned businesses and helped business owners exceed their wildest dreams. They have been able to help businesses earn many times more profit than the average business in the same industry and are passionate about helping industries that help families build great memories.

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