Do you want to start a cybercafe or internet cafe business? Find here a detailed internet cafe business plan sample checklist for your ready reference.
Nowadays, the internet is one of the most needed things globally. Even a person living in a remote village who doesn’t have a laptop, have got the need of using the internet daily basis. Hence, the demand for internet cafes is huge.
These days, commonly, people use smartphones for accessing the internet easily. However, a smartphone is not an effective alternative for using the internet for work purposes. Therefore, the demand for high-speed internet cafes is always there.
Generally, students, teenagers, youngsters, and tourists are the major consumers of this service. Additionally, a cyber cafe is a great place for gaming. And the demand for this type of cafe is increasing very fast.
10 Steps to Start an Internet Cafe/ Cyber Cafe Business
Here are the steps to follow to start a profitable internet cafe business:
1. Do Market Research
Like any other business, it is extremely important to understand the demand and trends related to internet cafe services locally. Conduct market research and find out the gaps that exist in the market, and then prepare a business plan accordingly to explore the opportunity.
2. Select a Location for an Internet Cafe
Location plays an important role in this business. If you already have a retail space is good. Otherwise, you can consider having a space to rent. However, the area requirement fully depends on the business model and the services you are going to offer.
You can start the business at any location. Metropolitan cities, small towns, and rural areas are also great areas for starting this business. However, the location must have a high population density.
Additionally, you must check the local demand for an internet cafe. However, the location nearby schools, colleges, educational institutions, and hotels are best for starting this business.
3. Select an Internet Cafe Business Model
In opening a cyber cafe, you must create the right business model to fetch the maximum profit from the retail space. Therefore, you must provide other value-added services to your customers. Apart from providing the internet, you can provide gaming options too.
Additionally, you can provide a page printing facility. Also, you can offer project work to the school students. Even, if you have space, you can provide Xerox and lamination services also.
4. Write an Internet Cafe Business Plan
Regardless of the size of your business, you must have a business plan. A business plan consists of so many aspects. Additionally, a well-crafted business plan helps to initiate and operate the business properly. Even, if you need startup capital from the banks or investors, the business plan is an essential tool to convince them.
Plan for how customers will allow sitting. How many computers and devices you will provide. What are the additional services you want to offer? And finally, whether you will offer some food and beverages or not. Determining these aspects clearly will definitely help you in writing an internet cafe business plan properly.
It is advisable that you prepare a feasibility report of your own. You need to study the local market and need to identify the exact demand for an internet cafe in your area. Finally, you can prepare the plan for yourself or you can take the help of the business plan writing software. And finally, you have to take action according to your plan.
5. Name Your Internet/ Cyber Cafe
It is extremely important to select a catchy and relatable business name for your internet or cyber cafe. A properly chosen business name will not only enhance the overall brand growth but also helps in fetching extra new customers for your cyber cafe. Also do not forget to check availability and book a website domain name as it becomes difficult to create a website with a domain address similar to the name of the business.
Read: How to Name Your Business? Step-By-Step Guidelines
6. Register your Internet Cafe Business
First of all, selecting the right form of organization is an essential initial step. You must select the business form according to the investment pattern and size of the business. If you are starting a business of your own with a shoestring budget, it is better to start as a proprietorship company or form an LLC if you are from the United States.
7. Procure Required Licenses
Generally, starting an internet cafe business demands licensing and permissions from the Govt. authority. However, it hugely varies on the location. Hence, you must check the local laws and regulations. Additionally, talk to the local tax consultants to have a clear idea of upcoming tax liabilities.
8. Buy Equipment Needed to Start Internet Cafe Business
Generally, the requirement of equipment hugely depends on the business model. You must obtain the specific items according to your specific requirements. However, you will need to have some of the basic equipment for starting this business. The list includes computers, high-speed internet connection, and other necessary hardware components.
Apart from these basic items, you may have the requirements of a printer, lamination machine, xerox machine, etc. Additionally, you can put a vending machine or instant coffee machine for providing food and beverages to your customers. Also, ice cream is a great choice you can keep in an internet cafe.
It is advisable not to compromise the quality of the products. Additionally, never compromise with the internet speed also. Basically, people prefer internet cafes for high-speed internet facilities. However, procuring the equipment as per your financial budget.
9. Setup The Cafe
The interior of the cafe plays an important role in customer retention and thus the long-term success of the business. You must provide a cool, quiet, and comfortable ambiance to your clients. Additionally, plan for the sitting arrangement carefully so that you can use every inch of the space effectively.
Moreover, you must provide furniture that is comfortable for long periods of time but also easy to clean and maintain. It is advisable to talk with an interior designer for preparing a floor plan prior.
Apart from the sitting areas, your cafe must have a billing counter and waiting area. Provide high-speed internet and sufficient light inside the room. If it is a load-shedding-prone area, then you must have generator support for providing uninterrupted service.
Fix broad signage on the outside of the store. Additionally, prepare the billing system properly. You must provide the bills to your customers. In addition to that, fix the rate chart of your various services.
10. Promote Your Cyber Cafe Business
you must promote your internet cafe business both online and offline. Nowadays, GoogleMyBusiness plays an important role in hyperlocal promotion. Additionally, list your business with the local online classifieds. Having a website for your internet cafe will not only fetch you more customers but also enhance your internet cafe brand.
For long-term, sustainable success, you must pull the new customers and repeat customers both. Hence, you must consider the offline promotion too. Additionally, some sales promotion strategies work wonderfully in this business too.
If you want to start an internet-related small retail business, then the internet cafe is the best business to start. Even, it is a great self-employment opportunity for the youths also.
About the Author: 99businessideas.com led by Rupak Chakrabarty is committed to helping beginners, entrepreneurs, and small business owners in starting, managing, and growing their business. Our aim is to educate the entrepreneur on the various stages of entrepreneurship.
