Coffeehouse Culture: Free Wi-Fi Or Wi-Fi Free?
http://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2012-05-23/coffeehouse-culture-free-wi-fi-or-wi-fi-free
Free wireless Internet access is a standard feature in many coffeehouses, and a set expectation of many customers. But some local coffee shops are unplugging Internet access. The goal: to free up seats and prevent customers with laptops from lingering for hours. Kojo chats with two local business owners about their decision to cut or curb wi-fi, how they're managing customer expectations and how they'll pursue creative business plans.
Guests
Joel Finkelstein
Owner, Roaster, Qualia Coffee (Washington, D.C.)
Rasheed Jabr
Owner, Filter Coffeehouse and Espresso Bar (Washington, D.C.)
Comments
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I personally understand and appreciate what the guests are trying to accomplish. The number one thing I look for in a coffee shop is atmosphere, as many. Shops are putting out great coffee. During college free wifi at the coffee shop was a god send and as one who works from home and uses the local coffee shops as a few hour escape from the home office wifi it is a requirement.
Can't we have good atmosphere and wifi?
I believe a coffee shop without a free wifi is a step on the right direction, but let's think of some recruiters who uses these coffe shops as a meeting point with their applicants before the applicant is invited to their office.
Tosin
Nothing is more frustrating than not being able to find a seat to sip my coffee and looking around to see that half the people are not drinking or eating, but doing schoolwork or workwork. I like being able to use the WIFI while having my coffee and think you should find a middle ground. WIFI access can be timed to allow 1 hr limits. Try that before killing it altogether.
I think this is an interesting discussion. When I was self-employed, doing my work while at the coffee shop for a few hours allowed me to have a sense of community with the staff and the other folks (who were presumably working too). I can appreciate, though, that, unless I am spending money there, the shop is losing money by me hijacking a table for more than an hour or so. That is why I either get a meal and a coffee drink or limit myself to no more than 1.5 hours.
That being said, I think some non-laptop friendly places take a passive aggressive approach with conveying that policy/message to customers or potential customers which generally equates to bad customer relations. This was my experience, unfortunately, at Qualia. Qualia is actually in my neighborhood and I had a disappointing interaction with who I believe was Mr. Finkelstein. He was dismissive and none of the staff spoke to me. I interpreted it as a non-laptop friendly message. I got the message and left.
I am a regular customer at Filter, usually just grabbing a cup to go. I think the size of the space and the service (wonderful) reflect Mr. Jabr's intent with the shop as expressed in the show. Even though you have folks pecking away on their laptops, the staff are engaged with every customer who walks in and there is a very warm atmosphere in which you can sit and have a convo with a friend or read the paper.
My understanding is that another coffee shop, which has a huge following is coming to my neighborhood, and, assuming they are a lap-top friendly zone like their other shops, I wonder if this will have an impact on Mr. Finkelstein's business if he maintains his policy (and service). Maybe all of the folks with laptops will go to the new spot and he will achieve the goal of having the traditional coffee shop.