Anybody know about Internet Cafés?

[appadv]

Would just like to know -

1. Do you ever go to a local Internet Café?
2. If so, for what purpose?
3. Are they popular in your area?
4. To a large extent, are they profitable?
5. What are the risks associated with such a business? (e.g. gangs, theft, crime, etc.)

[anonymouse]

1. All the time - its called Starbucks
2. Use it as an office when I'm travelling to connect to the web through TMobile Hotspot
3. They are wildly popular for the coffee as well as for knowledge workers who travel a lot
4. Check out Starbucks stock price
5. Again, I'm sure they list out the risks in their SEC disclosures

If you are talking about pure play internet cafes, I have no idea.

[MikeC78]

1. No
2. N/A
3. Have no idea
4. Sure
5. Pedophiles

[TroyD]

I don't know anyone that doesn't have thier own computer / internet connection.

BDT

[polkatese]

Internet cafes are big in the asian countries, the one that I am aware of are in South East countries. As Troy alluded to, it's more of a function of economic reasons, as owning PCs/laptops and having internet connectivity are not as prevalent as around here.

Honolulu for some reasons has quite a few of these cafes, that I am aware of.

[danger boy]

other than Starbucks.. there are no internet cafe's here. But more and more fast food places are starting to offer internet access. The Safeway store near me has internet access.

When traveling, it does help a lot to have internet access away from your hotel.

appadv, are you looking to open one in your city?

[obieone]

I don't know what the reason for this post is, but, for some reason, to me, it feels like a RED FLAG!
And yes, I KNOW I'm paranoid!

[audiobliss]

Wow, I had NEVER thought about internet cafes in America. I had never really heard of the term before I went to Albania, and we used an internet cafe at least once every two or three days while we were there. You just walked in, waited for an available computer, then did your thing and then paid when you left. One of them also had a few books for sale in the main room.

I guess due to that being my first experience with internet cafes, my perception may be a little twisted. I NEVER would have considered Starbucks an internet cafe. But I guess it really is, just a much more elaborate one.

So, I've never really utilized an internet cafe here in the states before, but I do know it was invaluable when in Albania!

[shadowofnight]

The only internet cafe close to here ( 35 miles away ) is in a farming town that I would assume a lot of the residents do not have their own pc available...the only reason I know its there is I built all of the pc's for it :)

A guy at my work commuted from there and thought it would be a good investment...he more catered to gaming then just internet access...so he is doing ok with it.

Wouldnt work around here ...every house has at least 2 pc's in it and broadband internet...whole different world just over the hill.

[Demiurge]

I live downtown, and while I have my own internet connection, I will go to places that offer WiFi or hook-ups at a place of business. Usually it's a Starbucks, or our local coffee company, Alterra -- which is a block away from me.

Why? Any work I take home with me isn't ever crucial, so I like being social and hang out with people while I am putzing around editing video or doing Photoshop work. So in most instances I don't care if there's an internet connection or not anways. It's just a way to do something other than sit on my couch by myself.

Bottom line, it's a great way to meet people and shoot the shit. The internet is causing us to become way too much of a hermit culture anyways.

I know you're asking about something different, but I have to say unless you got a good niche they are going to be a thing of the past with how portable laptops are now.

[danger boy]

Demi, i agree man. the couple of ones we had here even near universities closed down for lack of business. this was a few years ago when everyone starting getting their own laptops and Starbucks began offering wi fi

I don't really see many people going to a cafe and log onto a computer to check email or what not... and spending money there. how much espresso would you have to sell if you had say 5 or 6 PC's with internet and make a profit? To me, it just wouldn't add up.

[Gadabout]

I guess it depends on your definition of an internet café.

I have heard the term, "internet café" used for a café that has terminals in it so folks can buy some internet time and use the computers there. (ala kinko's which has no food). The other is the Starbucks model where they offer wifi service.

I travel a fair bit for work, and always drop into coffee shops that have free wifi at the end of the day to finish up any paperwork and check email. After awhile, hotel rooms become depressing and I spend enough time in them. I prefer to mix and mingle a bit. Perhaps play a game of chess and just generally relax.

So, if you are referring to the later. I would say that the cost of a high speed connection and router would easily be offset by the profit of the sales from the people that drop in for that reason.

I would also think that location proximity to downtown or a hotel or possibly a college (most college students are notoriously poor) would add to the customers that drop in. Travelers are always looking for internet spots for their laptops. In the mid west, some burger kings are offering free wifi.

As to all your other questions, I certainly don't know. I just figure that the one time cost of a router, and monthly subscription for High Speed would easily be offset by the profit from the customers that came in to use it.

[Lasareath]

I have 3 in a 2 block radius by my house. When I walk by they are mostly older looking men at the computers. Never seen a women on one.

[Demiurge]

I have 3 in a 2 block radius by my house. When I walk by they are mostly older looking men at the computers. Never seen a women on one.

Guess it depends on where you are. I live in a bar/restaurant district (yes, I know...it's Milwaukee, the whole damn city is a Bar District :p ) right off a college campus. There's a lot going on at all the coffee shops every night, and the they're packed with college aged women and yuppies. The 25-35 crowd is in my wheelhouse, so it works for me.

I say that if you just want to meet quality people it's far better time spent than getting sauced in a bar.

Dangerboy is right with what he's seen. A place with a bunch of computers for people to use just isn't going to cut it. You can get a basic laptop for word processing and surfing the net for under $500 new. There isn't enough of a market for people to pay to use one when they could just get their own.

[appadv]

I don't know what the reason for this post is, but, for some reason, to me, it feels like a RED FLAG!
And yes, I KNOW I'm paranoid!

???:confused:

[janmike]

???:confused:

I agree with your confusion. What gives. My suggestions is if you do not like this post then go to another thread.

:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

[appadv]

appadv, are you looking to open one in your city?

Bingo! Except I'm a bit younger than Trey so this would be something for the future.