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“Laptop hobos” or coffee shop “settlers” are people who sit in coffee shops for hours working on their laptops. These “settlers” are now being discouraged by some coffee shops that are looking to increase turnover. This strategy may make sense financially (maximizing sales and all), but should coffee shops get rid of these “settlers” completely?
These “settlers” vary in background, but for the most part are students or start-up entrepreneurs or professionals looking for a space that has good Wi-Fi, easy access to caffeine and a nice ambience. Although it may seem counter-intuitive to sit in a crowded place, coffee shops make an ideal location to get work done. As mentioned in this article, a study conducted shows that people are more creative when they are around ambient noise (such as in a coffee shop).
In large part, the entrepreneurs or professionals are driven to coffee shops to save costs on renting an office space or access Wi-Fi. The diversity that coffee shops offer allows people to work with a sense of anonymity while still being surrounded by people. However, these “settlers” should exercise some common etiquette when working for long stretches like, buying drinks and food every few hours, tipping well, and having phone conversations outside the coffee shop. Here is a comprehensive list on coffee shop etiquette.
Coffee shops, on the other hand, aim to offer a comfortable place for socializing and nothing more. Some businesses do not entertain the notion of having people camp out with their laptops while occupying a table for multiple hours. Coffee shops have combatted this situation by using two possible solutions: limiting Wi-Fi/outlet usage, or not allowing people to work on laptops whatsoever.
Larger companies such as Panera Bread are limiting Wi-Fi usage and reducing the number of power outlets available. Other companies like Café Jumping Bean, in Chicago, turned off Wi-Fi service during peak weekday lunch hours and on weekends. The owner, who made the decision after complaints from regulars, found that turning off Wi-Fi actually increased his sales by 30%. Both solutions are aimed at discouraging “settlers”, but does this ultimately benefit the business?
Although each coffee shop may vary in the atmosphere they wish to promote, these “settlers” offer a potential source of steady revenue. Their business is assured of their repeat clientele. More importantly, coffee shops that accommodate these people are offering a unique social value to some bright, young and upcoming entrepreneurs. One option for coffee shops to consider would be a designated space for “settlers”. A great example of this is a Starbucks location in Hollywood, CA that has adopted a new partial layout for people who wish to work for multiple hours.