How to ensure your coffee shop keeps the router turned on?!

The revered ‘third space’ is on the verge of becoming an endangered species! More and more speciality coffee shops are unplugging the router and blocking off power points. Why is it that proprietors are turning away a whole tribe of customers?

The Ambience

Coffee houses have a deep rooted history of being meeting places to discuss the issues of the day. Owners visions are often to create social environments which can be used as a hub by the community. A sea of laptops can provide an ambience completely contrary to their vision.

The Finances

Yes the margin on coffee is good but this does not take into account the major costs of running a coffee shops namely rent, rates and wages. Add to that the 42p of a £2.50 coffee that goes straight to the taxman. Both quick turnover of customers and additional sales are vital to the financial sustainability of a coffee house.

Here are four ways you and your laptop can support your favourite haunt and ensure the router stays connected:

• Use the specifically designed bars and desks designed for laptops and lone coffee drinkers.
• Avoid using large tables, especially at peak periods. By the time you have packed up and moved, the group of four that just walked in for brunch may well have decided that there is nowhere to sit and moved on.
• Booked in for the day? Order food from the menu and buy more than one drink.
• Come back on another day with family and friends.

What do you think? Does the lack WIFI frustrate you? Do you care? What can speciality coffee shops do better to serve you? Let us know your opinion below:)