Internet Cafe Ideas

what is the main stream of income ?
dodo internet already have the same thing happening, they are retail store, provide coffee, light cake, and free internet, just need to sit down and use the facility.

mission ? to provide internet access ?
– dodo is already providing one, this is in VIC, but if different state, maybe different.

that is my opinion, correct me if i am wrong.

My suggestions for services would be:-

1) Basic internet access
2) Free email accounts
3) Provide LAN/internet gaming to groups and individuals
4) Basic vending machine food/drinks kind of stuff
5) Wireless connectivity for those who have their own laptop computers.

Etc

Borg.

Hi Rob,
Keeping in mind the point of difference can determine success and failure, how about a vegetarian Internet café, or a combined laundry mat & Internet café, Surf & Clean! Cheers.

Regards
Steven
Mortgage Broker

Mobile Mortgage Market
Ph: 0402 483 216
[email protected]
http://www.mobilemortgagemarket.com.au

PLEASE note comments made should not be taken as specific taxation, financial, legal or investment advice.

So you started by wanting to set up a cafe, and decided to incorporate internet?

In my experience, most people using “internet cafes” are there primarily for the computer access – they don’t order much food or drink (if any), as are using their time on the computer.

Cafes on the other hand, are usually patronised by groups of people for food and conversation.

I.e. an “internet cafe” actually has a very different primary purpose than that of a normal cafe. If you are wanting to set up a cafe with a secondary income stream, I wouldn’t suggest an “internet cafe” as you will probably have a hard time selling enough food to keep you in business.

If, on the other hand, you are primarily interested in giving people computer access – consider the area you are putting it and your target market. There are two main groups of people who use internet cafes: travellers, and gamers.

Travellers – such as backpackers – generally cluster in central or name areas, such as the CBD, inner city, Bondi, Coogee, or Manly. They usually frequent an internet cafe alone or with only one or two other people. They will visit primarily to check their emails, opt for the cheapest/closest service available, and keep their visit as short as possible (say 1/2 an hour to an hour)- but may visit regularly.

They may order a drink or a small snack – usually a food and drink machine will suffice for their needs in this regard.

Gamers are more likely to visit with multiple friends, even in large groups. They will be using both hands for their games, and unlikely to eat or drink unless they take a break. They will spend hours playing against one another. Price per hour and quality of computer hardware are of primary concern. Computers will require a lot more memory and speed (can you tell I’m not very techie?) for the high tech games they like to play.

Private parties are a good idea for this group. My little brother sometimes goes to LAN parties where everyone has to lug their own computer along to someone’s residence – if you actively market your internet cafe to these people for booked parties then it will be of great use to them (and hopefully profit to you).

Lessons/tuition sounds like a good idea too. You would have to seriously consider the best location for this, though, as I don’t imagine CBD would be it. It would be most likely be seniors that you would be teaching – which I think is a small market.

I don’t think there’s any need for coloured printing etc. A basic b+w printer and fax machine are expected – but anything more and you’re competing for a whole other market. Companies such as Kinkos already have good presence as office providers, so anyone needing colour copying/printing, binding, computers for desktop publishing etc will go there.

Along the lines of a straight cafe rather than an “internet cafe” – there are some cafes that do unique things. In Leichardt there’s a cafe/bookshop that has philosophy nights. A person of some profile (usually published) is invited along to discuss a modern issue, and the audience is interactive.

There is a great cafe in Manly that gets a lot of backpackers. I think it’s called Cindy’s. Basically it’s a tiny little cafe that just feels really comfy, like at home. There are books and board games to encourage patrons to unwind, and people may spend a long time there – starting with breakfast, then lingering while they work out their travel plans, etc. It’s the perfect place for the travel worn traveller to relax and this sets it apart from any other cafe I know.

You can steal a lot of ideas from pubs. Trivia nights, bingo, stand up comedy, jazz, play readings, short films, author talks/readings, or align your cafe with a particular group of people so it becomes the place that lawyers/writers/students/etc hang out and network.

Hi,

I’m related (by marriage) to the person who partnered the “Dodo” business and started the shops and I can tell you she works LOOOOONNNNGGG hours! So, my suggestion on top of all the good advice you have already had is to go into one of the Dodo stores and suss out your competition.
Another thing you can offer, is a “Beat the owner” points/rewards system, whereby you set up a competition (much like pinball scores in the “old” days) and the top player competes against the ‘manager’ of the store (i.e. in a computer game setting) and who ever wins the set/match/hand etc gets a, b or c, free, cheaper or prize.
Hope this makes sense,
Regards to all
Sooshie

When a problem is created the solution is created simultaneously

Geez what a treasure trove of ideas this place is!

I know where I’m coming if I ever want to start a new business…..hmmmm come to think of it, I AM. Will be back when the idea is better formed.

Good luck with the venture Rob!

Cheers

wayneL’s Trading Pages

Hi Rob,
This may not apply to the location and clientele. However there are still people around who are internet/PC “challenged.” If you can provide prompt service with staff/training for people who have a basic question (eg how do I?……….). I recall when I didn’t have the internet I would ask the owner of a Cafe a question. By the time it was answered by someone showing me how to simply ‘press a button’ 15 minutes later, my internet time was up! This wouldn’t apply to 95% of your customers obviously. Even now at home I only use a fraction of what my PC can do and if you’re on your own, unless you can have a friend drop around promptly for a few times to show you the ‘ropes’ it can be very frustrating. Many times my elbow has ‘bumped’ a key and I look at the screen and it’s changed, I’m left with ‘ergh,…where to from here?’
Great idea Rob and if it was me I would inject some of your sense of humour into it. I think you’re onto a winner here. Best of luck!
Cheers,
Gatsby.

I remember reading somewhere that parents were sending their young teenage children (and younger)to all night gaming ‘shut ins’ at internet cafes.
The cost was $30 each and was used as a surrogate baby sitting service. It was controversial because of this fact, but hey, it provided a service at a tidy profit too. This may be an idea for you.

Good Luck…G7