All Topics / Help Needed! / Internet Cafe Ideas

Viewing 20 posts - 21 through 40 (of 47 total)
  • Profile photo of gatsbygatsby
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    @gatsby
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    Rob,
    Another thing a hairdresser friend of mine mentioned to me who was starting up another salon business is that he had a deal posting adds at Back Packer joints in Melbourne for back packers to get a free haircut at his salon. It cost him nothing to put the adds up. He was doing it to train his young staff. Back Packers (myself included!) are far more open to anything free while travelling as time is not a factor, but making your travel buck last is. This may not be in line with your structure but seeing how Back Packers rely now so much on internet Cafes, you may want to consider this approach (and with other needs for Back Packers) as a win-win outcome for your business?
    Cheers,
    Gatsby.

    Profile photo of Robbie BRobbie B
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    I don’t think baby sitting is my thing!!!

    Hey Gatsby, posting here???

    The Mortgage Adviser


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    Profile photo of Robbie BRobbie B
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    I am still laughing about the baby sitting thing. The poor kids would be terrified if I was working there.

    So this backpacker give away sounds good. What could I give away to make them spend money? We will have so many discount services for them already.

    The Mortgage Adviser


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    Profile photo of gatsbygatsby
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    Rob,
    I pressed ‘fast reply’ by mistake. Is that what you mean? (See, I do see a need an Internet Cafe for fast help!) By the way anyone, what is the difference by replying using ‘fast reply vs post new reply?’
    Cheers,
    Gatsby.

    Profile photo of Robbie BRobbie B
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    ‘Fast Reply’ is simple text. ‘Add Reply’ opens all the HTML selections. HTML is just the coding to change things in your message like BOLD TEXT, Italics, Underline, Strikethrough and COLOURS.

    As you can see, I used Add Reply.

    The Mortgage Adviser


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    Profile photo of pg2005pg2005
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    @pg2005
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    Originally posted by Learning Guy:

    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.

    Hahaha, nice one… “Dodo is already providing one”…are you suggesting that since Dodo has 5 stores located around Melbourne that there is no more room in the market…unless this person opens up in a different state?

    I think with the right location an Internet Cafe is a great idea. It’s my view that people will frequent an internet cafe in their locality rather than travel elsewhere simply because of a brand name. My business partner operates an internet cafe located close to a university. It’s always full of students and does very well. Additional revenue comes from Computer Hardware sales, training, and software. Gaming is a solid driver as is multimedia downloads which can’t be done at Uni. His customers also ask his advice for all things IT related. From my experience, if you’re business is even slightly involved in the IT industry, customers tend to come to you for everything IT related, thinking you know it all. This has enabled my partner to rival his internet access revenue with peripheral product sales.

    Learning Guy, stick to your risk-averse mom’n’pop property investing (attempted by every man and his dog wanting that investment flat) and leave the ‘real’ entrepreneurs to startup businesses for some serious returns.

    Profile photo of Dan_Dan_
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    Rob,

    Just a few more idea’s in regards to generating business after hours in the LAN environment. Why not host competitions to find the best of the best and the best teams to challenge some other interstate / international teams. Could make a great HQ for some international LAN Party’s

    Also as a bit of a gamer myself I know there are two camps in this area PC based gamers and console based gamers. Why not look into the feasibility of hooking up some x-box’s or PS2s to your monitors and hosting your own multiplayer tournaments? By rotating different systems (if feasible) could open up a greater customer base.

    If I think of a WOW factor (your original question) I’ll let you know

    Profile photo of Dan_Dan_
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    @dan_
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    Originally posted by wayneL:

    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.

    wayneL,

    Please when your ready post your business idea, As a reader of your posts here (and mostly aussiestock) I would happily put forward any ideas they may be of either assistance, usefulness or a waste of space.

    Keep up the informative posting

    Profile photo of TerrywTerryw
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    Don’t forget to add the various language packs available from Microsoft. Many people need to read and write in other languages – Japanese, chinese etc and cannot do this on a computer without the packs installed.

    Terryw
    Discover Home Loans
    North Sydney
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    Terryw | Structuring Lawyers Pty Ltd / Loan Structuring Pty Ltd
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    Lawyer, Mortgage Broker and Tax Advisor (Sydney based but advising Aust wide) http://www.Structuring.com.au

    Profile photo of Robbie BRobbie B
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    Dan, thanks mate. I am considering the Xbox and PS but I might leave them until after operations start or I think it will be too much at once.

    I like the competitions idea. Instead of re-inventing the wheel, do you know if it is possible to hook up with the existing competition organisers?

    Regardig the HQ idea, unfortunately, the premises is very small (15 – 16 people max including staff). If I can take over a unit upstairs when we start making money or renovate the disgusting basement, this would be a definate goer!!!

    The Mortgage Adviser


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    Profile photo of Dan_Dan_
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    @dan_
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    Originally posted by The Mortgage Adviser:
    [do you know if it is possible to hook up with the existing competition organisers?

    I’m sure it would be easy to hook you up. Maybe enquire about some LAN’S and who organises them.

    Also if people are going to hiring out the place for LAN’s and the such, a tip might be for a slight reduction in cost they can supply their own keyboard/mouse. Most serious gamers will have a particular combo they like to work with and if they loose they are less likely to bash the keyboard in frustration.

    I’m sure all those broken keyboards add up.

    Also regarding the website hosting side I don’t know $ wise but even hiring out dedicated servers for people to host their own LAN on from remote locations? could be a unique way of generating more income using minimal space.

    I’ll think of some more ideas….when do I get my membership card? [biggrin]

    Profile photo of Robbie BRobbie B
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    @robbie-b
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    As soon as I get it all up and running.

    Regarding hosting, I can do that as a reseller to a large organisation so won’t have to incur the costs of servers. I think the quality, storage space and speed would be much better this way.

    The Mortgage Adviser


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    Profile photo of Colin GowanColin Gowan
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    I assume that you are looking to add to your business plan a few more ideas.

    After reading the posts so far it strikes me that 1. you are short on equipment.
    Yes the printer is going to be a major cost and the supplier will be aware of this so perhaps you can sit down with them and negotiate a win win for both parties or find another, competition is a bitch don’t be a Victim use it to your advantage.

    2. Shop fitout is already underway or just about to begin.
    I also noticed that you mentioned that the basement needs some work, perhaps again you could negotiate with a tradie/s and help promote their business for a sizable discount or partner up with a game shop and lease the area to them and add their services to your business for mutual benefit.

    3. It’s one thing to ask this fantastic group what they want in your internet cafe but it’s another issue all together when you find out what the locals in your area actualy want.
    By all means gather info anyway resonably possible.
    Spend an entire day (your expected opening hours (remember the market changes through the day)) out in front of the cafe and ask everyone who passes what they want from you.

    4. Does anyone actualy want other languages and if so which ones.
    Don’t forget the grey group (no offence intended (this group is my bread and butter)) but they are internet savy these days and they don’t like background noise and eye sight problems will need to be addessed and there will probably be a greater need for help.

    5. Don’t get stuck with in your business remember businesses change over time and need to adapt often rather quickly so eyes and minds open and follow the scout motto “BE prepared”.

    6. Look for business expansion always.
    Yes move upstairs when the opportunity presents it’s self or into the basement.
    And yes consider providing games, competitions, books, food and drinks etc.
    Don’t forget that there are many other products and services out there.
    Don’t forget that there are many home businesses out there with services that need an outlet so perhaps you can partner up with them.
    Adding a product or service with your business adds value to your business even if it’s not your own product or service, there is two kinds of profit here to be had.

    Marketing
    “Because its purpose is to create a customer, the business has two basic functions: marketing and innovation. Marketing and innovation produce results; all the rest are costs.” — Peter Drucker

    “Exposure plus 95 cents might buy you a decent cup of coffee. The key is to ‘position’ yourself in your market as the expert, the resource, the only person your prospect would ever even THINK of doing business with, or referring to others.” — Bob Burg

    “Do your own market research; ask your last ten customers exactly why they bought from you.” — Brian Tracy

    “Ninety percent of the success of any product or service is its promotion and marketing.” — Mark Victor Hansen

    Email [email protected].
    Fax 0246482374.
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    For all your CLEANING and GARDENING work.

    Profile photo of Robbie BRobbie B
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    @robbie-b
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    Sensational stuff Colin. Thank you for taking the time to write it all.

    We will be spending a lot of time on marketing and other promotions. Things like backpacker packages, various add-on services, business services for locals and much more. I know a lot of this stuff has been done but we intend to have an ongoing and regular program to always keep us in mind.

    The more I look into it, the more excited I get. I think this will be a fantastic project / business with a long future. It will also enable me to spend a lot of time doing what I enjoy… study, research and discussing finance and investment.

    I am still in search of the WOW factor though!!!

    Thinking, thinking, thinking….

    The Mortgage Adviser


    http://www.themortgageadviser.com.au
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    Profile photo of techhowsetechhowse
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    @techhowse
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    Adding on the competition idea,
    you could get customers to spend a set amount on internet usage (maybe $30 – $50) by a certain date, to enter a competition for something like a movie pass or even a dinner for two.. it doesn’t have to stop there; dvd rental vouchers, gift cards, cologne, mobile credit etc etc..
    the more coveted the better!

    Techhowse

    Profile photo of camdercamder
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    Maybe Rob,the WOW factor is in the decor—-Do you remember the cafe furniture in “A Clockwork Orange” the movie.

    Profile photo of Robbie BRobbie B
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    @robbie-b
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    I think that 70s wierd stuff is a bit too ‘WOW’ in a different way. I want to attract all ages and I think the elderly and the young would stay away.

    The Mortgage Adviser


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    Profile photo of skippygirlskippygirl
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    Rob,

    Don’t forget to evaluate ipod parties.

    skippygirl :)

    Profile photo of Robbie BRobbie B
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    @robbie-b
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    How do ipod parties work??? Don’t they just play music? Do you mean download parties to promote theft of music over the net??? [blink]

    I got the business name registered today and registered a few URLs. I hope management does not mind me posting this here but it is a retail business which I do not expect to be frequented by members of this site and you have all been so helpful that I feel that I should include you all in during every step.

    When up and running, I would be happy to host investor group meetings there free of charge and those at the meeting can also talk with those online. We could just work out a time when everyone is available.

    Anyway, the busines name is:

    Tech Centa

    I registered the following URLs that are currently live and all forwarded to the new website being built (not my best work but I think it looks fun!) until the domain hosting is activated (expected tomorrow):

    http://www.techcenta.com.au
    http://www.techcenta.com
    http://www.techcenta.info

    Any input, comments, criticism and whatever would be very much appreciated – AS USUAL!!!

    The business plan is being refined more and more each day. I think we have found the WOW factor but I have to keep it under wraps until we secure the idea. Can’t wait!!!

    Thanks again for the input so far!!! [blush2]

    The Mortgage Adviser


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    Profile photo of waynel2waynel2
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    Gday Mortgage Adviser,

    I’m a web designer/developer for a perth based company – http://www.opensearch.com . I’ve also released a few realestate portals – such as http://www.holidayhomeswa.com.au and http://www.homesearcher.com.au which i’m trying to get off the ground.

    If you are looking at providing hosting for your clients let me know and I’ll see what hosting packages I can put together for you…

    I think the idea of “digital printing” is a great thing to offer… eg, allowing pack backers, or locals, to plug in their memory cards and print off their photos… harvey norman have had some success with this in perth – offering prints from $0.33 each!

    Rgds

    Wayne

    Wayne Leech

    *Below are links to my websites – any feedback, comments would be appreciated:)
    http://www.holidayhomeswa.com.au – Holiday Homes in Western Australia
    http://www.homesearcher.com.au – List your property for FREE

Viewing 20 posts - 21 through 40 (of 47 total)

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