Starting an Internet Cafe

Forums › Off topic › Starting an Internet Cafe

rjbusee

23 posts

Geek

#29640 14-Jan-2009 00:28

I'm considering opening an Internet Cafe in my local CBD,

I was thinking about 10-15 computers to start with,

Does anyone know any good/affordable software I can use for bandwidth control, remote control/monitoring of client computers, etc...

And can anyone out there in the business help me with some realistic cashflow forecasts, etc....

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated

johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#189416 14-Jan-2009 07:29

Quit while your ahead honestly have you seen how many of these places are around and then gone in 6 months.

tonyhughes

Hawkes Bay
8476 posts

Uber Geek

Retired Mod

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#189419 14-Jan-2009 07:38

If you dont understand the revenue model and cashflow scenario of an internet cafe, then I would strongly suggest forgetting about it.

I agree with johnrs sentiments.

You NEED a solid, well written business plan before you even think about starting.

Are you aware of CBD rents? (Unless you live in Benneydale or something).

sbiddle

30853 posts

Uber Geek

Retired Mod

Trusted

Biddle Corp

Lifetime subscriber

#189422 14-Jan-2009 07:53

First of all where are you located? How many other internet cafes are there nearby? What do you believe you can do that makes you stand out from the competition?

casper021

96 posts

Master Geek

#189425 14-Jan-2009 08:08

I would not recommend opening one. But if you do here are some things you might consider.
Open one not far from schools and try to market it to school kids.
Make sure you have something else running from internet cafe something like a computer repair shop or web design company (this will bring extra revenue )
Also make sure you have plenty of other services like printing, cd burning, fax etc and charge for them. Also have drinks and snakes available for customers to buy.

Good luck

johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#189429 14-Jan-2009 08:19

If you do keep it clean. look through the ones that are out there now most of them are run by pigs.

rjbusee

23 posts

Geek

#189449 14-Jan-2009 10:12

Where I live the CBD lease rates are round 30-60k p.a and with the size I was looking at I'd be looking at somewhere round the 40 mark

Currently there are no internet cafes around other than the public library, there was a reasonably successful one about 2 years ago but they relocated to Auckland

There are about 4 high schools in the area and alot of them have to go past after school in order to catch the buses home

I was thinking of just leasing some vending machines and filling them myself or maybe just a fridge or something like that

Anyone know of any good software, I've looked at stuff like Bandwidth Controller Standard Edition and LANschool (will cost more since I'm not planning on opening a school....), any other suggestions?

rjbusee

23 posts

Geek

#190641 19-Jan-2009 21:44

Ok, I was probably going a bit far with the security side of things,
Quite paranoid when it comes to that sorta thing

Anyone have any suggestions for software?
Good bandwidth distribution software? Perhaps even Internet Cafe software if you think thats the best way?
In your opinion, whats the best anti-virus, spyware protection, etc....?
What apps should I run, msn, yahoo, firefox etc....?

Anything you can think of would be appreciated

Lenovo

Shop now for Lenovo laptops and other devices (affiliate link).

boby55

1539 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#190645 19-Jan-2009 21:56

You will need to install apps such as xfire, skype, msn, yahoo, gtalk basicly all the "main" apps used in the public

rjbusee

23 posts

Geek

#190650 19-Jan-2009 22:13

Yeh, thought as much
I've noticed quite a few people go into internet cafes and give the operator a hard time because certain programs aren't installed

Just trying to run up a list to make sure there's nothing I've missed

rossmnz

507 posts

Ultimate Geek

#190658 19-Jan-2009 22:40

seriously forget the vending machines.

Your own snacks will make big $$ for you. Essentially go cash n carry but lots of snacks/drinks and sell for 200% markup.

Install the regular games, plus xfire, msn, ventrilo, gtalk etc etc. Wow is great...you only need 1 copy of the games lol!

As tony said, make a business plan before you kick off.

Id strongly suggest a membership with a slight discount or some such, specials running during the weekday morning which will be your quietest time.

Also offering fax/printing services is a good idea and always a goer. Make sure you have a couple of pc/adaptors that can read SD/XD cards and you might get a few tourists in.

Cleanliness is next to Godliness. 99% of net cafes are f*cking disgusting which is why i wont go there. Get a commercial cleaner in a few times a week, or in the early stages get your hands dirty and scrub it out.
Im talking keyboards, mice, floors, toilets etc.

Id also suggest some sort of upfront payment, as i know that people running out and not returning can be an issue.

The force is strong with this one!

rjbusee

23 posts

Geek

#190661 19-Jan-2009 23:00

I'm quite a germiphobe myself to be honest, so cleanliness should not be a problem

And as for the snacks suggestion, good idea, I'll have to call Toops in the morning and follow up with that

boby55

1539 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#190664 19-Jan-2009 23:29

Best place for food / drinks is the local super market.

Go buy things like coke for 12 for $8 and sell them at $2 each

scottjpalmer

5973 posts

Uber Geek

Moderator

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#190686 20-Jan-2009 06:38

casper021: . . . Also have drinks and snakes available for customers to buy . . .

Oooh real snakes? That'll get the punters coming for sure!

kingjj

1728 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#190703 20-Jan-2009 08:55

boby55: Best place for food / drinks is the local super market.

Go buy things like coke for 12 for $8 and sell them at $2 each

Most multi packs of Coke these days come with a ring around the top stating "not for individual sale". Doesn't stop my local dairy owner doing it though :D

garvani

1873 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#190717 20-Jan-2009 09:39

As far as actual software goes, i have a friend who works in one that uses Antamedia for running there internet cafe, it seems to work well and havnt heard any complaints from him..