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Do you have much of a tourism industry in Redmond?
I know in Dublin (where I grew up) and in Sydney (where I now live), tourists make up a quite a bit of the customers for net cafes.
Setting up your own business is going to be tough going. Make sure you don't need to turn a profit in the very short term. Cash flow will be a real bitch.
You should ensure you have the latest anti-virus software; not sure if you're allowed to use shareware apps if you are running a business.
A few things you should definitely consider:
1) Buy one or two of those high-quality colour ink-jet printers (only about $200) and keep a stock of "photo-paper". Then you can offer a cheap "Digital Photo-printing service". Just grab a few $20 card-readers and provide some photo-editing software on the PCs connected to the "photo printers". Voila... one additional service you can offer.
2) Buy/invest in a photo-copier and a fax. You'd be surprised how many people still use these and if you offer them (you'll probably need them for the business anyway), then you might get extra walk-ins.
3) If you can afford the space, seriously consider a coffee-shop. Make sure you sell GOOD coffee. If you can't afford the space/investment for a coffee-shop (and all the extra hassle in regulations concerning food sale), then make a coffee machine available at least.
4) Put in a vending machine. Gamers love their sugar fix and you make money. Go one step further, and sell "trendy" candy over the counter. Ditto for things like Red Bull.
5) Stay open late.
6) Be VERY careful with your cash. Have a sign that says you never have more than $50 on premises (etc), and invest in a drop safe.
7) Sell phone cards. Tourists, students etc... they all buy them and you make commission.
8) If you guys are technically astute, offer a Help Desk (think of the Apple Shops where you can drop by for some technical advice). Even if you don't charge for it (though you could offer a premium service), it's a nice touch.
9) Run classes. I'm not kidding. On different nights of the week you could run "Internet for Seniors" (even offer it discounted), then another evening you could run "Adult PC 101" (or something) and then "Making the internet safe for your kids" etc. You get the idea. There are at least 5 or 6 classes you could run. Draw up flyers and drop around the neighbourhood. Another cash income, and it increases your visibility.
10) Have books and magazines lying around. This is especially the case if you sell coffee etc.
11) Have a few couches. Not just hard seats.
12) Sell computer supplies. CDs, paper, ink-catridges
13) Run a game exchange service, or even sell/buy second-hand games etc.
14) You could even buy a couple of X-Box/PS2's... and let gamers play on those (or bring their own). You can buy Wireless Gaming adaptors to avoid additional wiring.
15) As Shakran says, ambiance is important.
16) Someone mentioned a seperate gaming room would be useful. Very good idea, if you can afford the space. This could even be used as your class-room in the evenings etc.
I could probably go on and on. Feel free to consider any of the above ideas stupid. I just wrote them as they occured to me.
Good luck! I'm all excited for you!!!!
Mr Mephisto
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