Knowledge is power, everybody needs information and knowledge. And the fastest and easiest way of getting knowledge this days is through the internet.  The popularity of using computers for everything continues to increase; business travelers, students and other class of people needs to use the world wide web more often to access information.

An Internet café business provides internet services to clients at a lower cost. It gives opportunities for researchers and seekers of information to access the internet for their answer with just little money. With internet café business you will automatically be your own boss, create employment for others, and you will eventually make more profits.

Now lets get down to steps you must take before you can start an internet café business.

Steps needed to achieve success in internet café business 

1. Create your own idea of how you want to run your internet café business. Imagine  how you want to run       the affairs of your business. This includes time management, how to make profit, and to make the business     a huge success.

2. Create your  business name, keep your name simple and short.

3. Create a business plan. This will help you know what amount  you will need to run this business.

4. Your investment capital. How do you want to source for your capital? Your capital could be a loan facility     from  any bank (micro finance bank or commercial bank), it could be your personal savings too.

5.Obtain a license for your business from the regulatory body.

6.Consider choosing a higher grade of internet service provider (ISP).

Steps needed to achieve success in internet café business 

1.Create your own idea of how you want to run your internet café business. Imagine  how you want to run the affairs of your business. This includes time management, how to make profit, and to make the business a huge success.

2.Create your  business name, keep your name simple and short.

3.Create a business plan. This will help you know what amount  you will need to run this business.

4.Your investment capital. How do you want to source for your capital? Your capital could be a loan facility from  any bank (micro finance bank or commercial bank), it could be your personal savings too.

5.Obtain a license for your business from the regulatory body.

6.Consider choosing a higher grade of internet service provider (ISP).

 Invest your start-up capital on… 

Rent  A shop

An ideal location should have the required demographic i.e. youth, students, working class and some other people who needs internet facility but can’t afford to get one in their homes. Establishing your business in a good location can directly lead to successful business while a bad location can mean otherwise.

Buy Good Sets of Computer

It is better to buy directly from the company or recognized dealers because it is the best assurance of getting good computers from source,

Get A Generator

It is important to include alternative means of power generation that can power the number of computers and other equipment in your shop. This is necessary because power supply can fail at any time, instead of disappointing your customers you can easily switch on to your generator.

Comfortable Chairs and Tables

Your customers needs to be treated like kings and queens, there should be chairs for them and tables for your computers to be placed upon. The main issue here is about comfort. Customers that come to your shop should be given a good reason to come back another time. Having repeat customers is all about creating a great user experience that will compel them to make another trip to your café.

Choose your internet service provider (ISP)

It is advisable you choose a wireless router from ISP, a fast, stable and efficient internet connectivity is advised. Reliable connectivity could be the biggest factor that can make or mar your business. Customers patronizing you will only do that and recommend you to others if they find a form of reliability especially with regards to connectivity.

Internet management system

Install time tracker i.e. automatic shutdown, anti virus to protect your computers from crashing.

Air conditioning system 

This will help keep the café  in cool temperature and protect the life span of the systems. This is part of creating a comfortable environment for your clients.

Having purchased all equipment needed for your business, you need to promote your business by following the simple steps below

1. Your customers are your priority so please treat them right.

2. Always give your customers the utmost attention needed this will make them always want to come to your     cafe.

3. Evaluate your business performance and always keep records.

4. Hire and train your employees.

5. Advertise your business in your neighborhood through fliers, newspaper and any other marketing strategy     you know.

6. Consider expanding your business, you can include typing and printing for customers, computer games,         wait and get passport photographs, photocopying, laminating, spiral binding and so many others.

Cost of Equipment

Annual Rent   cost  N84,000

Set of a computer     HP pro intel cor N80,000

Generator  Haier thermocool tec 2.8kw/ 3.5kva N59,000

Chairs and tables cost N30,000

Router  D link wireless gigabit router 655 cost N22,000

Air conditioner Samsung split 1 hp N59,000

Soft ware prices varies, it depends on the package you want.

Laminating machine  N24,000

Printer Samsung ml-2165w N16,500

Internet cafe business is lucrative, you charge your customers based on the minute they spend on the computer, minimum time should be 30 minutes. What your competitors charge for their services will determine what you will charge your customers.
In everything you do, always consider what your mind says cos it never fails! Wish you success in your business .