Ever go into a Starbucks with a laptop on life support only to find all of the electrical outlets covered up? A bit disingenuous for a company that advertises free WiFi with no restrictions.
How about going into a spacious Argo Tea Cafe, also with free WiFi and observe a few inconsiderate souls plugging in without buying even a cup of green tea with a ginger twist. Or even more obnoxious, pulling out their own grub.
Instead of providing free WiFi for everyone, offer free WiFi for customers! These cafes depend on brisk turnover for revenue, the local shops for survival even, and absent that, for current patrons to well, patronize them.
Implement a simple system where every purchase produces a random password that’s good for two hours of WiFi on the premises. If you want to stay longer, make another purchase. That seems fair, no? And obvious. And simple. Or am I missing something?
Hi Tim,
We’re very spoiled in Austin. Free wi-fi is ubiquitous, and pretty much assumed. Even gas stations and some food trucks have it. If you ever come to Austin, you need to go to coffee houses like Bennu or Epoch. Electric outlets everywhere and cords hanging from the ceiling. Trianon, a coffee shop in my neighborhood, even offers free use of a conference room (just sign up on the sheet outside the door to reserve).
Quite spoiled indeed, Jay! In New York City where space and seating is at a premium it’s all about quick turnover and volume sales. I understand and wish to work with that, thus my “solution” above. I hear such great things about Austin, and now even more. It’s one of the Cities I’ve yet to visit. On my to-do list.
A while back I read a New York Times article — or maybe it was a featured WordPress post — on the backlash by coffee shops — especially those that also serve food — against wi-fi squatters. In addition to the examples you cited, there were a few mentions of making the seating less conducive for laptop work (e.g. precarious stools and expensive custom-built narrow bars and perches instead of proper bar-height tables).
One proprietor claimed that talking to the barrista was part of a unique New York sensibility. Ummm….pass…
The reason people love places with free wifi is because its free, no strings attached. When you’re out and about and need to look something up on your computer, you think “Starbucks” or “Panera” or “McDonalds.” This means their advertising works. Maybe you won’t buy a coffee today, but next time you swing by for free internet, maybe you’re buddy will. Either way, it’s going to make them money.
Think of Apple Stores. When schools get out, kids flock to the stores to take crazy pictures using photobooth. Why don’t they care? One day those 7th graders will go to college and ask mommy and daddy for a new MacBook.
Maybe Starbucks not having enough outlets is a problem, but the new one they build next year one block over I bet will have more plugs and be just as popular.