Many people hate working for a boss and aspire to own their own business. They value not only the potential for monetary success but also independence. But one problem that arises is that the number of options is overwhelming. There are so many types of businesses to start that aspiring entrepreneurs don’t know where to start. A popular idea is an internet cafe. As with any business, there are pros and cons to starting one. Here are some things to think about before you take the first step.
The advantages of an Internet cafe are numerous. Probably the biggest is the low startup cost. The biggest limiting factor for aspiring entrepreneurs is lack of capital. Internet cafes are relatively inexpensive to start. Computers are cheap. The workforce does not need to be skilled. Furniture doesn’t have to be expensive. This is in stark contrast to a restaurant, which typically requires special equipment, extensive remodeling, and a larger area and number of employees. A franchised restaurant would also be required to pay the franchise fee.
Second, there are plenty of fringe income opportunities. The most obvious is the sale of Internet time. But you can also target gamers, buying some high-end computers and charging more. You can also sell food and drinks (coffee is a popular choice) and computer repair services. These multiple sources of income will help stabilize your income base.
There are several disadvantages of starting an internet cafe. Since the startup costs are so low, the market is extremely competitive. Many people consider an internet cafe to be a basic service and will choose a new store if it is cheaper or if the connection is faster.
