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6 Replies Last post: May 13, 2008 4:55 PM by caffeinated

Offering free wi-fi to customers?

May 13, 2008 11:57 AM

caffeinated 158 posts since
Apr 29, 2008

I want to enhance my customers' experience by offering free wi-fi in the shop. But what I don't want to see happen is customers monopolizing the tables for several hours..... and not giving other patrons a chance to sit and enjoy their stay. Any suggestions?

Tags: marketing_ideas, online_marketing, relationships, management, customers Report as inappropriate

DomainDiva 1,488 posts since
Oct 10, 2007

1. Re: Offering free wi-fi to customers? May 13, 2008 2:39 PM

I guess it all depends on what kind of atmosphere you are trying to create. Another Starbucks? If not and you plan to move tables like a restaurant, then Wi-Fi may not be a good idea.

I do all my after hours biz app testing at Starbucks....my youngest shih-tzu monopolizes everything when I am at the computer for long periods of time..

...that being said, I do buy coffee and something to eat while I am there since I feel that its rude to monopolize space in a retail establishment for free.

My 2cents worth...just how I see it from a customers point of view.

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seeker 19 posts since
May 12, 2008

2. Re: Offering free wi-fi to customers? May 13, 2008 3:19 PM

You can market this way ;

Less than $20 orders: Wi-Fi costs $5.99 for the first hour and $4.99 hourly rate for the rest of his/her time.
$20 or more orders : 1 hour free internet service and $4.99 hourly rate for the rest of his/her time

You can always adjust the minimum order price, wi-fi hourly price and time limit based your business turnaround. Your best advertisement is going to be your business scene in full capacity at all times. If you can adjust these factors well, you may benefit from Wi-fi access. Of course these all depend to your business structure..

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designer 328 posts since
Feb 28, 2008

3. Re: Offering free wi-fi to customers? May 13, 2008 3:45 PM

What is wi-fi? I remember being a kid and we had a hi-fi.

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DomainDiva 1,488 posts since
Oct 10, 2007

4. Re: Offering free wi-fi to customers? May 13, 2008 4:31 PM

in response to: designer

Wireless internet (access) - fidelity

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designer 328 posts since
Feb 28, 2008

5. Re: Offering free wi-fi to customers? May 13, 2008 4:55 PM

in response to: DomainDiva

Thanks! (about wi-fi). I thought it was something like that, but it sounded like some kind of satellite radio or other product as well.

I would suggest just trying it out. You can't speculate. If people see people in an establishment, it will draw more people. If people are staying too long and space is an issue with turnover, then some ground rules will have to be applied. I would take notes what days/hours are lightest and heaviest and maybe offer the wi-fi during non-peak hours to fill the void.

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caffeinated 158 posts since
Apr 29, 2008

6. Re: Offering free wi-fi to customers? May 13, 2008 4:55 PM

in response to: seeker

Thanks seeker! I really just wanted to offer it as another perk (sorry for the bad pun) of doing business with me and hopefully create some customer loyalty around it. I'll look into offering it free all the time, and if loitering becomes a problem, I'll address it then.

Thanks everyone!!

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Offering free wi-fi to customers?

May 13, 2008 11:57 AM

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