Internet Cafe?

[DuaneJackson]

My current business is great, I enjoy the work and we have plenty of it. It generates enough money to pay the mortage, bills and most of my other halfs shopping bills.

However, if I'm not here and working at it it doesn't generate very much at all (plans are afoot that will change this).

So, I'm considering geting involved with another business. I'm currently looking at an internet cafe.

I have a location in mind. It's an area where there is a busy market on Sat, Sun, Wed & Fri but not very busy on other days. There is no other cybercafe nearby. We'll possibly offer other services - ie PC repairs, components, etc.

I have somebody with the technical abilities to do the day-to-day stuff and he would be happy running the place for a small salary, accomodation in/above the shop and a small share of the company.

I can get the money together to cover the start-up costs.

I still need to do some cashflow projections and a lot of research but I'm interested to know if you guys have any experience of or any thoughts on setting up and running this type of business?

Also, there is a rumour that the market may be closed and a new housing dvelopment built. How do I get this confirmed? Which department of the council do I need to talk to?

Also, how would you go about the market research to determine wether there is in fact a need for htis type of business in the area?

I'd love to hear your opinions.

[Top Hat]

I'd try to find some successful Internet Cafes, visit them, find out how long they've been running.

Then look at their location, competition, how big a town they are in.

Should give you a feel for the required town size and best location.

If you can find failed internet café, you could also learn a lot

I would also buy the accounts of the larger chains, so you can work out just how much you can realistically expect to make from an internet café.

Finally, I'd definitely try to only risk a bit, not Risk it All

[10 Yetis]

Sounds exciting

There will be a whole raft of people able to give you specific advice but two things from my experience in retail units..

Footfall research is really vital, and in your case it probably needs to be none-office worker footfall. Also, do the research into the demographic of the area to see if your idea fits with the type of people living there?

Also, regarding the planning situation. The proposed or signed off plans will be on display and availible to view at the local planning authority. Ring the local council and ask to speak to the planning dept and they will be able to tell you.

It may currently be at consultation stage and you can sind in your thoughts on the plans themself.

[TechFox]

I would recommend docking for laptops as an extra service.

[americatelefon.com]

I have a location in mind. It's an area where there is a busy market on Sat, Sun, Wed & Fri but not very busy on other days. There is no other cybercafe nearby. We'll possibly offer other services - ie PC repairs, components, etc.

It's good that you found a location. And I would advice you to offer other services- PC repairs etc. right away after you establish your business. This may attract the customers on the days that are not really busy in this area.

[Jayne]

I can help with the cafe side of the business if you have any questions. Don't forget you will have the health and hygiene people to deal with too, was on news last week that communal computers have been found to spread lots of bugs. Health and hygiene people are worse than the meanest TAX man, so be ready :D

Jayne

[MichaelG]

Don't forget the sofa gaming zone - ideal for high speed network games - for the teens.

Also wireless access for laptops.

[tommy]

I think for the internet cafe you should have a good look at http://www.easyinternetcafe.com/franchise/index.html they have a lot of prime spots in the london area and everytime I go past they are packed.

So perhaps have a franchise from easy and have your own added extras like mentioned above pc repairs, gaming zone, docking areas for laptops etc.

[Marina Stone]

Hi Duane

How about internet classes for those who are not to sure – could be informal free lessons which would encourage visitors who would need a drink and perhaps a snack while they're there! and would make them more confident to return. This would be aimed at local residents and perhaps you could have a 'pensioners hour' on the quiet afternoons!

There may be other services you could offer which could include the use of a printer, photocopier, fax, scanners, telephone services etc for the local businesses. (need to do some research on area and what's already available)

I hope this helps
Marina

[Enigma121]

Wireless technology offers up new opportunities here.

You should be able to cut your overall level of expenditure as many people now have the basic hardware to enable wireless internet access, all you need to provide is a wireless accesspoint.

Access to this is controlled with vouchers, which again provide an income stream for you.

This may allow you to reduce the level of extenditure on fixed "Pay Per Use" hardware, perhaps you won't need as many user stations.

You may need to go with one of the big providers, Cloud, BT Openzone etc, as this provides a facility to get your location published.

The drawback is people need to "come equipped" to use the facility, so the more people that know in advance that you offer this, the better.

Just a thought really.

[DuaneJackson]

Great feedback, thanks.

Tommy, I hadn't considered the franchise idea. It's something I'll look further into - the location I have in mind isn't actually that far from you, just a few more miles East.

[tommy]

Great feedback, thanks.

Tommy, I hadn't considered the franchise idea. It's something I'll look further into - the location I have in mind isn't actually that far from you, just a few more miles East.

I was looking into this and had a prime spot, but due to lack of capital never got to setting it up. But I got all the information but basically the internet side can virtually run its self as they use a vending machine for people to get vouchers out type the code in and they get acess for the period of thime they paid for.

So where roughly is the location? Never know I may have heard of it.

[Whistle Ink]

Hi,

I agree with Marina, teaching people how to use it. Once they are confident they may want to buy their own computer - this is where you could help to with selling, repair and other bits!

Teaching people how to use software like Word and others from Office and sening emails and loaded photgraphs from cameras, printing etc could bring in few eager to learn people.

Maybe help with their ECDL????

Paresh

[DuaneJackson]

I don't want to give away the exact location just yet - it's between you and Southend.

I've been looking at the Easy stuff and don't think it'd be ideal. I like all the other ideas, like thos Paresh just mentioned, and if the computers for net access are automated then they'll be locked down just for net access and we wouldn't be able to use them for the other stuff.

Also, the money spent on the franchise could be better spent on branding our own place.