Non-paying patrons
I have a dilema that I'm not sure how to handle. I have encountered some people who will come into my Coffee House, take up a table and use my bathroom facilities but not make a single purchase. How do you handle these people???
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mike McGinness on
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Depends. If it's slow and you have plenty of seating available for customers at least it gives the illusion of a customer. Maybe bring over a cup & saucer (empty or with water) and say something like we don't mind you using our space to do (insert homework, business etc.) but we'd like it to look like you're a customer. If it's busy and you need the table for customers "Excuse me can I get you something?" If the answer is not an order "I'm sorry we need the table for customers."
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Permalink Reply by Danny Heiss on
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If you have time, observe them. See if they are indeed "stealing" from you. Then approach them and ask them if they need anything. If they say "no", then tell them that if they don't get anything then they need to leave. Then try to sell them something you're trying to move that will also be something that has a high likely hood that they will like. They will either buy something, or walk away feeling offended.
If it's a patron who80% of the time buy's something, then they are family, and your shop should be a place they go to and feel safe at. Maybe they left their wallet at home, or they just need a place to slow down before going home after work. That's cool. But people who continually mooch your facilities should be kicked out if they aren't willing to conform.
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Permalink Reply by JULIE on
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I meant to say people that come into your coffee house and take up tables etc. but don't purchase anything. Not even a 75cent cookie. Didn't mean to imply that they are stealing anything. I understand that people in an establishment make it look appealing but I also don't feel like I should be used as a place to hang out for random people or a public restroom facility. Paper goods cost me money and how you make money to supply goods are by selling product. Not by providing an air conditioned hang out.
I had a man and woman with a small child in my place this past friday during lunch, etc. I finally asked them if I could get them something because we would be turning off the grills, etc. and they said no, they didn't want anything and just came in to enjoy our air conditioning and go over their paperwork at one of our tables. They were here for over 2 Hours and we finally had to ask them to leave so we could close.
I feel in that situation in particular....they should have gone to the Library. I feel that's what a Public Library is for, not a business.
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Sign "Restroom for Customers Only".
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Permalink Reply by John P on
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The first thing you need to clearly understand is there is no such thing as a non-paying customer. If a person comes into your establishment, and doesn't pay, they are not a customer. And the thought that "Maybe they will order in the future" is pure naivete. They are beings with absolutely no care or regard for you or your business.
How many bars have you been to that you can just take up a seat and not get a drink?Lay down the law. Your customers will thank you, and the as*holes who are trying to take advantage will stay away.
You are a business, not a charity.
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Look. customers pay your rent by buying stuff. They pay your staff. They pay your utility. They pay for your utilities. They pay for their right to be in your store when they buy stuff. If they don't do that, then they are stealing from you. It's not different then me going into your house and taking a beer from your fridge, drinking the whole thing, take a huge dump in your bathroom, and walking out without even saying hi. Don't tolerate moochers.
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I know I worded that incorrectly but struggled with what to call them. lol I appreciate the feedback. Wanted to know if it was just me. Getting really tired of it though. I will be bolder next time and say if they aren't in my shop to do business then the Library is down the street. Hard to be rude to people though cause I always worry about the negative backlash that may occur. They are the ones that should be ashamed of themselves but they are obviously too self centered to care.
John P said:The first thing you need to clearly understand is there is no such thing as a non-paying customer. If a person comes into your establishment, and doesn't pay, they are not a customer. And the thought that "Maybe they will order in the future" is pure naivete. They are beings with absolutely no care or regard for you or your business.
How many bars have you been to that you can just take up a seat and not get a drink?Lay down the law. Your customers will thank you, and the as*holes who are trying to take advantage will stay away.
You are a business, not a charity.
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