Journalist Emily Watkins is a staunch defender of WFCS (Working From Coffee Shops) though she thinks a lot of laptoppers abuse the coffee shops' indulgence by misbehaving in various ways.
She says they often linger for far too long (sometimes several hours), they spend the least amount possible, they talk on their phones, they use Zoom, and they stay put even when the coffee shop is full to bursting.
Whenever we go to our local Caffè Nero, there are always two or three people busy on their laptops and acting as though they're perfectly entitled to be there. And yes, it can be hard to find a vacant seat.
Some coffee shops, like Starbucks, are clamping down on the laptop workers and either banning them altogether, or imposing a strict time limit for being there, and charging them if they want to stay longer.
Most coffee shops lose out financially to laptop workers, as they tend to spend the bare minimum and usually a lot less than other customers.
Personally I think they should be banned from coffee shops altogether as they're not bona fide customers and wouldn't be tolerated in other shops. That may seem draconian but it's very simple - coffee shops aren't offices.
I don't think I could work in a coffee shop - I like privacy when I type.
ReplyDeleteMaybe these lap toppers simply haven't got anywhere else to go - no spare room at home, screaming children, etc. Maybe someone is missing a trick - there's obviously a need for cheap desk space in a warm environment with a coffee machine.
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Ms Scarlet: There are offices offering desk space, but obviously at much more than the price of a coffee. As you say, maybe they have nowhere else to go.
DeleteNick, I have no problems with persons in coffee shops who use their laptops and work. They consume as others and Starbucks should better improve their quality (the coffee is a pain). You find no free seat , well is there a law that one must find a seat in your favorite coffee shop ? People should be a bit more relaxed.
ReplyDeleteHannah
Hannah: No law, but you do expect to find a seat and not have to go elsewhere because of the laptoppers. I don't think being relaxed is the issue here.
ReplyDeleteNIck, I looked up your Caffè Nero which seems to be a vaste place. I'm surprised, I imagined you in a more intimate and cosy place. Style little French cafés.
DeleteHannah
Hannah: Different branches are different sizes. The one we go to near our house isn't very big - room for a few dozen people at best.
DeleteWe are seeing a lot of dedicated laptop seats at the newer coffee shops (including Starbucks) being opened. They are set up at long tables. The more casual and comfy seats are for the rest of us!
ReplyDeleteBijoux: An interesting arrangement. I'm glad there are plenty of casual and comfy seats.
DeleteI don't drink coffee so don't go to coffee shops. But, when I lived in a conversion van every winter, I used to go to McDonald's to charge my electronics. The one I used had a corner near the bathroom with outlets at each of four tables. Most people didn't like being so near the bathrooms so no one fought for those seats except other people wanting the outlets. I ate lunch then stayed and worked until everything was fully charged. Maybe only having outlets in less desirable corners would help other places.
ReplyDeleteLinda
Linda: That's an ingenious way of recharging your devices! Convenient that nobody wanted the seats near the bathroom.
DeleteI don't go to coffee shops so I have no input. I think the designated places is perhaps a good solution.
ReplyDeleteSandra: Yes, a dedicated area sounds like a good idea.
DeleteI've never understood spending hours in a coffee shop on your laptop anyway. I sure wouldn't want to be doing that.
ReplyDeleteMary: I'm surprised people can concentrate properly on their laptops with so much hubbub all around them.
DeleteI agree. It's very antisocial.
ReplyDeletePeople can go to libraries to work.
It's also noisy being on a laptop.
Liam: Indeed, there are plenty of libraries to choose from.
DeleteA coffee shop is in general a noisy place or is it forbidden to speak ?
DeleteHannah
Nick please please stop to be a crumpy man. Outside life needs all sorts of situations, so let the laptop guys work whereever they want and may be you can find a new little shop to drink your coffee or tea.
DeleteHannah
Hannah: I'm just voicing my opinion. I'm not stopping anyone from having a different opinion, and I'm not stopping the laptop workers from using coffee shops. What harm am I doing anyone?
DeleteNick no harm at all , but you seem quite upset. Maybe I'm wrong.
DeleteHannah
Hannah: I'm just irritated that you keep challenging me for no good reason. I'm only expressing my opinion.
DeleteSorry Nick, it's not my intention. I was just surprised because I see you as such a free spirit who is not troubled by small concerns.
DeleteHannah
I've no problem with coffee shop workers. After all, it got us Harry Potter. Coffee shops need only impose a minimum charge, say the price of a dozen coffees, if it truly interferes with their profit.
ReplyDeleteJoanne: The price of a dozen coffees would be about £42! Maybe a charge of £10 would be reasonable.
DeleteThis is an abuse of the business. If these people are occupying seats for hours and buying very little, they're depriving the shop of revenue. Coffeeshops aren't in the business of providing free office space. If they don't do something to get this problem under control, they might even have difficulty making enough money to stay open.
ReplyDeleteInfidel: It is an abuse of the business. I think coffee shops are way too indulgent.
DeleteI think as long as there are a couple of available tables, it's ok to stay long and buy little. I don't take a laptop to a cafe because if I'm at a cafe I want to enjoy it but i'm the same kind of customer. I think it is good for a business to look popular but the qualifier on all this is: if there are no tables left or a measly corner table, it's time to leave or spend big
ReplyDeleteKylie: Our local Caffè Nero isn't very big and if several laptoppers are taking up seats that may mean no seats available for new customers. As you say, they should either leave or spend big.
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