This article answers the question of how to start an internet cafe. Despite the availability, and therefore the great attractiveness of opening a small point (minimum rent, minimum overhead, etc.), experts still advise focusing on at least 60 computers at once. According to their estimates, this is precisely the border that can bring real profit and will allow you to evaluate your strength for further work in this business.
The fact is that during how to start an internet cafe the average lifespan of a small solitary Internet cafe is one and a half to two years. It is after this period that it is necessary to update almost the entire computer park. But there will be no money for reinvestment at low incomes, and again quite significant external investments in the project will be needed.
The next stage in the question of how to start an internet cafe after determining the location is the purchase of office equipment. It should not be limited to one supplier. The computer market is very dynamic in terms of prices and offers. Updating the model range and prices occurs on the computer market once every six months. Study the market constantly.
In addition, when buying equipment for how to start an internet cafe, be sure to agree on a warranty period for service. Keeping your service department and procuring parts for future repairs is too expensive.
The target audience of Internet cafes
The main target audience is people aged 16-35 (older schoolchildren, students, young professionals). A significant part of them prefers to surf the Internet or play computer games at night. So get ready to work 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
The staff of how to start an internet cafe with 60 computers should consist of approximately 40 people. The fact is that the work will have to be organized in three shifts of 8 hours plus one standby. There are about 10 people in each shift: director, area managers, IT specialists, shift managers, coffee shop workers, Internet, and computer games navigators, reception and copy center employees, attendants, and security guards.
The formation of the atmosphere in ” how to start an internet cafe” question is the constant work of dozens of people, in which the main part is the education of customer orientation (competent recruitment, training, and motivation of employees). Students are a large part of the staff in contact with visitors to Internet centers.
To avoid turnover, apply flexible incentive and bonus schemes, show a real interest in regular employees, show the possibility of career growth.
Develop your pricing policy based on the cost of services. Constantly monitor the prices of competitors, and try not to exceed them. Design a flexible payment system. Provide discounts to students.
The bulk of your monthly expenses during how to start an internet cafe question will be paid by the rental of premises, utility bills, communication services, staff salaries. As for profits in such a business, Internet access in a typical center accounts for more than 50% of the proceeds, the remaining income comes from a coffee shop, games area, and a copy center. In addition, the company receives revenue from the sale of advertising space.