Tips on How to Setup an Internet Cafe

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I am receiving a lot of e-mails recently regarding my internet cafe earnings that I posted few months back and asking what are the most common things to be considered when setting up an internet cafe. To answer all those questions, here are some of my tips based on my own personal experience.

Location

A must. Having it on a highly populated area will definitely increase your chances of having your investment back and at the same time gain more repeat customers. It is best to setup near public markets, schools and residential areas.

The Budget

How many computers would you like to have?

Price normally is at Php12K-Php15K ($250-$350) and typically the ideal number is 10 PC’s. The reason behind this is that the rising popularity of online and LAN games. Kids and young adult will normally play in batches, so the more computers you have the more you’re about to gain loyal players, I mean customers.

Computer Specifications

I will suggest to check first the system requirements of various online-games. You don’t want to purchase a PC that may become obsolete in the next coming months. The demand for higher graphics display, memory and processor speed are the most common specs that your customers maybe looking at. Also, having a reasonable high-end PC will avoid the hassles of upgrading your computer often. AMD computer setup is highly recommended. You can have both speed and quality at an affordable price, unlike with Pentium based PC.

Technical Knowhow, Networking

If you happen to know the basics of installing you’re operating system then you’re good to go. Previously, I am having a hard time connecting all the PC’s together, it’s windows 98 back then that I am trying to hook up. I’ve notice the huge improvement in Windows XP, it is really Plug-and-Play. Just install your OS and during setup, leave the workgroup to it’s default configuration and then plug all the cables to your switch hub and you’re done!

Suggested Freewares

That’s all for today. Feel free to drop me a comment, if you think I miss something.

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Comments (31)

#1 written by phillip
about 2 years ago

hi your link to think!server takes u to think!client and in any case think!server cant be downloaded can u send me a copy to my e-mail address. i hope u can thank u
#2 written by derixc
about 2 years ago

Phillip,

thanks for pointing it out. I have already updated the links.
#3 written by neal
about 2 years ago

how is your rent only $40?

what do you have in each of your pc?
#4 written by Lino
about 2 years ago

hi Derixc,
good day to you. your site is great and very interesting from business to intertainment it helps me a lot i owned a small internet cafe’ here in cavite. keep up the good work. thanks

Lino
#5 written by rambler
about 2 years ago

hi derixc,
i read you article in setting up an internet cafe. i am planning to put one and the location is near a school. can you send me some examples of specs that is ideal and right on the budget in putting up an internet cafe business? either AMD or Intel processors. thanks and i will wait for your reply.
#6 written by rahul
about 1 year ago

its suggestive but initially what are the networking requirements and procedure to be installed in the PC.
#7 written by derixc
about 1 year ago

@ rambler

AMD setup will do. I think price range now for a typical gaming PC is 14-16 PHP. I suggest to go to Cubao in Gilmore.

@rahul

networking requirements? we’ll just a basic hub and router will do. of course, the LAN cables. You can go wireless as well. FOr the PC as long as it is setup br default, meaning the workgroup still remains “workgroup” all should be ok. just plug all the cables and you’re good to go. Just change the PC names of the individual computers.
#8 written by supladodaw
about 1 year ago

Hi Derixc, i just found this forum this morning, and I am glad to read this this coz Im planning to start a small biz like internet cafe,I konw a little in basic problem in regards of computer but poor in networking , i would like to ask help on how to set up a computer server in my cafe, ur help is highly appreciated.
#9 written by patrick
about 1 year ago

Good stuff, i’ve learn’t something
#10 written by krisogbe
about 1 year ago

I am planning to set up an internet cafe. I really dont have much technical IT knowledge other that Microsoft Office application package – Access, Excel, Word, PP, Email and internet.

I need advice and support in terms of all relevant information to enable me start the project.

Could you send information to me through my email and I would like a follow up.

Chris.
#11 written by tikboy
about 1 year ago

hi.. pasend nmn po ng specs n kelangan pra sa internet cafe,,saka how much it will cost?? mga 11 units po.. reply po san..
tnx
#12 written by goms
about 1 year ago

can you send me a copy or diagram in setting-up a internet cafe with a server im planning to put a small internet cafe,tnx
#13 written by jase
about 1 year ago

your site is very nice. i learned so many things. im planning to put up an internet cafe biz.. i learned a lot from here. thanks for that.

have u heard of SoftXpand? nakita ko kasi to sa internet. may gumamit na ba nito jan sa inyo..? ty.
#14 written by marilou
about 1 year ago

i would like to add for those who are interested to start internet cafe buss. you should know how to fix youre computer whenever there is problem or be sure you are a computer technician before you start this buss.
#15 written by afaque ahmad khan
about 1 year ago

can you send me a copy or diagram in setting-up a internet cafe with a server im planning to put a small internet cafe, along with the system cofiguration and the a simple layout diagram.

thank you.
afaque khan
#16 written by Nevetz
about 1 year ago

This site is full of useful info, I would like to know how much do you earn a day if you have 10 PC?
#17 written by derixc
about 1 year ago

before, it was around 500-700 a day. not that bad.
#18 written by WebZorf
about 1 year ago

Before starting an internet cafe business:
1.)You should have knowledge in computers

, like the software and hardware. You should be able to recognize hardware parts (Motherboard, Memory, Hard drive, and more). You should be an experienced computer user, like you know how to install windows on your computer and work on multiple workstations.

2.) Budget
Here in Davao, I would recommend RASI Computers loc. @ Padre Gomez cor. Roxas Blvd., Davao City. They have excellent before and after sales services. You never have to worry for the warranty if you are a regular bulk customer. Php20K per PC is better than 15K PC.

3.) Location
A place near a school would be a perfect spot. If you just about to start, Never RENT..

4.) Experience

5.) Learn how to watch over your business
You should only hire cashier/s who have only basic knowledge about the computer. Never hire cashier’s who are computer studies graduate! You don’t have to be a computer studies graduate if you’re planning

Our Cafe has three branches and the larger one is in davao. We had started October 2007 and by October 2008, bawing bawi na.. We are offering rates of 10 and 7(11PM-3AM)..

Itatagalog ko nalang, nakaka 7500-8000 ang aming sales per day sa 65-70 computers.. Medyo maliit lang pero that’s how business should be parang 70-30 kayo ng customer mo..Overhead is 2300/day kasi 2 cashiers+2 Supervisors+2 Security Guards.. Cost of operating a computer per hour is only 3 pesos..

I’m still 20 years old, Management Accounting student, pero magaling sa computer. hehe.. Nagmamanage ng business ng parents ko pero masaya sila sa return ng investment nila.

Lifespan ng isang internet cafe business 3-5 yrs.., pero sa 1-2 years nito kelangan mong magsipag para mabawi mo na ito.,.

Reminder lang, Magandang maginvest ng malaki basta not later than one year, nababawi mo na ito..

Be a good internet cafe owner, only install free softwares and license your Pcs, windows xp home license is pretty much affordable nowadays. I don’t know if Windows XP starter is now available here in our country.
#19 written by jase
about 1 year ago

hey webzorf, im also from davao. im just starting my cafe biz, but its just a small one here in our place. ako lng ngset-up ng computers ko but still kelangan ko ng mga advices from experienced cafe owners like u regarding whats the best equipment.. and also regarding business stuff.. hope u can give me some more advice in this line of biz.. san nga pla bnda ang cafe mo? tnx in advance
vjason_k@yahoo.com
#20 written by patrick
about 1 year ago

thanks for this wonderful post regarding Internet Cafe business setup. I’ve been searching an article like this that’s why i found your site. God bless!
#21 written by ric
about 9 months ago

free internet cafe set up guide http://www.icafebusiness.com
#22 written by prince
about 9 months ago

if u not handling it yourself how do you keep track of your accounts
#23 written by Marky
about 8 months ago

Hi,
how do you maintain the license keys of your softwares for each pc? Piracy is another key you need to consider since you're putting up the internet cafe. So how do you handle it?
#24 written by suhas
about 7 months ago

hi,
is there any policy for deleting user data which r coming in the cafe for surfing?
usually what happen many user download some unwanted data from net it may contain viruses so it will damaged whole network. in one cafe i seen that policy if system get restarted whole temporary data will be automatically deleted so it will be good thing for cafe users.
If you know abt this please let me knw… becoz i m suffering from so many viruses
#25 written by derek
about 7 months ago

use deepfreeze. check my article regarding deepfreeze

http://yuwoncedric.com/deep-freeze-is-better-than-anti-virussecurity-softwares/
#26 written by killer
about 5 months ago

sir derixc, pa-advice po sana ako sa u ano bang mas ok na processor amd ba or intel kasi balak ko intel dual core lahat bilhin ko para sa cafe ko at ilan memory kailangan /ilan gb ang hard disk /at gaano kataas ang vga card nito thanks..
#27 written by phemolacute
about 4 months ago

i want to knw how u can keep record of your daily income in a cybercafe if you are not there.am sure it will help to know how the business is moving.thanks
#28 written by Pat
about 1 month ago

i learn something from your comments guys, well patungo palang ako mag set up ng internet cafe business, ano ba ang mas maganda, AMD or Intel in terms for multi-tasking?
#29 written by Pat
about 1 month ago

ok na ba yung AMD athlon x64 tapos 1gb, 256 ung video card, 80gb yung hdd? ok lng ba sa mga pc’s na magkapareha ang mga specs? i need your advice for the experts
#30 written by Midou Ban
about 3 weeks ago

Multi tasking mas ok ang Intel jan and for Gaming mas ok AMD… AMD athlon II x64 FX Dual Core ok n yan 512mb Vcard 160 or 250 gig HDD mas ok…
#31 written by uttam
about 3 weeks ago

i want setup net cafe tell me detail reqirment call 09860234880