Starbucks, and other cafes, have spent a great deal of energy in trying to make their businesses as comfortable and welcoming as possible. Those that offer free Wi-Fi end up attracting people who intend to use that free service for hours. A survey found that there are four categories of what could be called “Wi-Fi Hogs”. Which of these types describes you?
How many times have you walked into a Starbucks, (or other cafe), only to find that the majority of the tables are occupied by people who are typing into their laptops while listening to their iPods? Personally, I have seen this a lot.
A survey found that there are four different types of “Wi-Fi Hogs”:
Type One: “FIRST!”
This group believes that by virtue of having found an open seat, or empty booth, that they are now entitled to sit there for as long as they want to. They got to it first. They will sprawl across the table or booth, scattering their stuff all over it, so no one else can sit next to them. They might have bought something when they first came to the cafe, but, this is not necessarily true all the time.
Type Two: “I’m renting this space – forever”.
This group feels that it is perfectly acceptable to occupy a table or booth for as long as they like – but only if they actually bought something. After all, if they made a purchase, then it means that they are, officially, a customer. They will proudly display their empty coffee cup on their table, signaling to the people who are looking for a place to sit that they do, in fact, have a right to stay put.
Type Three: “I’m not done yet.”
This group feels that it is perfectly okay to take up a table in a cafe if you are actually eating or drinking something that you purchased from the cafe. They will get refill after refill, until their bladders cannot take any more. They might eat or drink very slowly, so they can take up the table for a longer span of time, without feeling bad about doing so. Once they run out of product, they will get up, and let someone else take their seat.
Type Four: “I paid for an hour.”
This group believes that buying a drink or a pastry entitles them to take a seat, or a booth, for about an hour. When that hour is about to end, they feel that it is acceptable to stay, but only if they buy another drink, or another pastry. This gives them another hour that they take up space at that table and continue to use the Wi-Fi that the cafe offers for free.
Image: Office Coffee by BigStock