My husband wants to open a Internet cafe.?

Question

Dose anyone know where i could get information about opening a new business such as an internet cafe as we have one idea at all what we would need to do. Any comments, info or help will be appreciated, Thank you

Answer 1

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.

I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.

Associations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* Start and Run a Coffee Bar by Tom Matzen, Marybeth Harrison
* How to Open a Financially Successful Coffee, Espresso & Tea Shop by Elizabeth Godsmark
* ESPRESSO! Starting and Running Your Own Specialty Coffee Business by Joe Monaghan

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

IF you have the money for start up and maybe a little capital too, then you need to rent a retail property. You need to check there is either, a) not an internet cafe too nearby, and b) that if there is, is it busy and would you be able to catch any overflow customers from it? That you can get fast speed broadband connections and search around for the best deal. That you can either rent or buy fast state of the art computers, preferably with flat screen monitors. You will also need comfortable chairs and desks. You need to work out what all this will cost and charge your customers accordingly. You will also need a decent coffee machine and someone who knows how to use it properly. Also, what other drinks will you need? Will you offer food or smoothies? You will need to set up an account with the nearest cash and carry as well as suppliers for the coffee. You will need to decorate the place so that it is a pleasant environment and encourages people to stay there longer. Will you offer printing and faxing services and photocopying? Will you offer an area for wi-fi connectivity for people to use their own laptops providing they are drinking your merchandise, will you charge them for using this service? You will need insurance and you will have to pay rent, rates, lighting, heating etc. You will have to offer toilet facilities as well. Will you have disabled access?

My suggestion is to go into, and use, as many internet cafes as you possibly can, get chatting to the managers of those you like best (preferrably if they are not too near where you want to open up) and see if they can give you any advice. You will need to staff it, even if you staff it yourself, you will need to factor into the price the income you will draw from the business.

If you do not have the money, you need to think of all of the above, and plenty more besides. You need to cost everything as accurately as you can, and predict what you will make giving best and worst case scenarious. Do a geographical study of the local area, how many houses are nearby, where you will get your customers from, who will use the service. When you have done this you will need to prepare a business plan, and then, you can approach a bank for a business loan. Naturally, you will pay a high premium for this, but unless you have the money, that is pretty much your only option. Even if you have the money, you will need a business bank account, and to pay VAT and National Insurance, for which you will need to register for both. And that is just the start.

Answer 3

to me an internet cafe is a place with many computers, and people pay to use the computers.

I remember when Kinkos used to have that for a fee...now all the libraries here have it as a FREE service.

I don't know if the libraries in your area have free internet service, but if so then your husband's cafe would be competing with a free service. I don't see where he would be making good money at that kind of business. He "might' want to think up some other business to do.

Answer 4

It is true it may depend on the location. Even though a lot of people have laptops or personal home computers there are still those who are more comfortable typing and socializing outside their home. Another is that places like schools and offices may be a good place to start with it would be wise considering location. All in all I think the internet cafe business is just like any other business that just needs three good elements Location, Demand, devotion. Good Luck brother!

Answer 5

I would recommend reading the nolo press books on starting your own business (available at Border's) http://nolo.com/resource.cfm/catID/9FA25870-14F1-4657-9778F19FB41FB93D/111/228/
They have good insight into various business models. If you make it through all of that then do some more specific research based mostly on location and how to market your shop. The operations of a coffee shop are a pretty basic business model but you still need to get people in the door. An despite what many people think nothing sells itself. You may be able to keep afloat but do the research of you really want to make it a profitable business. (it is much more enjoyable to put the time it requires into your business when you get the rewards of profit)
Good Luck

Answer 6

I often see them in London where students and tourists are looking for communication ports to loved ones back home.
In smaller towns fewer people need that service unless some body tea leafs your pc.
Add a coffee bar with cool drinks, pool, sports channel and it becomes quite atmospheric...however you have to face the pc monitors away from the pool table!

Answer 7

Great idea! Aren't there companies that can give you advice on opening a small business. Look on the net and go chat with someone!

Answer 8

Location is very important. Who will you be appealing to? The set up costs are high, security is important, look at the competition in the area first, hours of business?
Dont go in without planning or yopu will have heartache!!

Answer 9

businesslink.gov.uk, i have not long come back from bankock and they are rife over there. you should get in to online gaming and aim it at the students population!! big bucks

Answer 10

i reckon the internet cafes had it's day ..just my opinion.