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Original poster

Would you pay to enter a coffee shop?

71 replies

Coffeebarn · 15/10/2015 07:20

I am in the process of setting up a coffee shop / play area in my local town. There is nothing for parents and under 5s in my town for miles and the next place is a really big play warehouse about £5 entry each.

My coffee shop / play area is quite small, and will focus on good coffee n cakes with a 25sqm area of toddler toys. I was proposing £3 entry but now in worried parents may feel annoyed at this cost?? All opinions appreciated!!!!!!!

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NickNacks · 15/10/2015 07:22

£3 per family?

No honestly I probably wouldn't.

LurkingQuietly · 15/10/2015 07:23

Would you charge people without kids to enter?

twojumpingbeans · 15/10/2015 07:24

No chance!

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lexigrey · 15/10/2015 07:24

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Plumm · 15/10/2015 07:24

I wouldn't - the play area is an added bonus that will attract people to your coffee shop over others.

TheGirlFromIpanema · 15/10/2015 07:24

No I wouldn't but then there were always other places to go.
I'd leave the entry fee but maybe make a small charge to access play area if that could work?

GladysTheGolem · 15/10/2015 07:25

Most places around here the play area is free but something like a 50p or £1 charge might be enough to cover wear and tear, replacement toys etc?

You could always make a minimum spend per table?

SoupDragon · 15/10/2015 07:26

No I wouldn't have done.

Also, as I have no small children now, I would avoid your coffee shop like the plague.

backinl00p · 15/10/2015 07:27

No!

backinl00p · 15/10/2015 07:28

Sorry no without the exclamation mark.

Artandco · 15/10/2015 07:29

No I wouldn't, as I doubt you want them staying all morning as they have 'paid' but only buying one coffee.

Better to encourage more sales related to the children. Ie coffee £2, coffee with children's hot drink ( mini hot milk/ cocoa) £3. With every adult sandwich bought, they can get a toddler size one for £1. Etc

Also sell toys/ books/craft above play area maybe

Penfold007 · 15/10/2015 07:30

No I wouldn't pay an entry fee but I might accept a minimum spend.

puthyjip43 · 15/10/2015 07:30

Only if entry included a really decent coffee in the cover charge

GiraffesAndButterflies · 15/10/2015 07:33

Sounds a bit like soft play (will put off the non-parents) without the actual soft play (will put off the parents)...

cakeandcustard · 15/10/2015 07:33

Raise your prices slightly to cover what you would expect to earn on the entry charge?

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeG0es · 15/10/2015 07:36

Depends whether you want it to be a soft play place withh good coffee etc in which case yes but you limit your market or a coffee shop with a play area in which case no but you might get a wider customer base.

Sparklingbrook · 15/10/2015 07:40

I would pay that to enter a coffee shop with no toddlers.

Seriously I don't think an entry charge in your situation would be popular at all.

Mehitabel6 · 15/10/2015 07:43

No.

Slugonthewindow · 15/10/2015 07:48

No I wouldn't.

I don't get it either. Is it a soft play? In which case, yes charge per child entry to play. Or is it a cafe with toys? In which case, no make your profit from food and drink.

ByTheWishingWell · 15/10/2015 07:48

No. We've been to coffee shops with play areas, and end up spending extra staying for lunch and more coffee because DD's having fun, but I wouldn't pay an entry fee.

Bishboshbash · 15/10/2015 07:50

There is a play cafe in my city that charges £3ish (less for babies) but it is marketed as a play place rather than a coffee shop and it has a big area in the middle full of toys. It is very popular though. They also do a monthly pass for £10 and you can go as many times as you like,maybe something like that would work for you?

HeighHoghItsBacktoWorkIGo · 15/10/2015 07:51

I think even a small payment would put people off. Just the psychology of it somehow. That said, you do need to find a way to put subtle pressure on people to keep spending on food and drink if they are hanging about though.

BringBackBagpuss · 15/10/2015 07:52

I wouldn't pay for this - there's a local play cafe, which charges similar, but their play area is enormous, the focus is definitely on that, the coffee just a bonus.

londonrach · 15/10/2015 07:53

No. Never heard of this unless its a soft play. Sounds abit daft. Would you charge someone with no children. Shops dont charge you to look at their wares.

poocatcherchampion · 15/10/2015 07:55

Yes if you gave me free hot chocolate with marshmallows and homemade cake.

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