Internet cafe in Cali?

Robert Jorge says on Oct 29, 2009, 17:58:

If Cali is like any other city that I have been to in Colombia, the market is already over-saturated.

"You can not take the barrio out of the girl you really can't." Oneforamillion

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sloopskipper says on Oct 29, 2009, 18:01:

Robert, thanx, but I sorta expected that (but also in the poorer barrios? He comes from a poor family. Or it's too dangerous there?).

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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Paisa/Calena/Luver says on Oct 29, 2009, 18:01:

Unless you can offer something else besides just the internet cafe.. People are getting banda ancha at home now.. even in estrato 1's and 2's

"PAY ATTENTION! I wonder if that person knows that when we push the FUNNY button, its because we are reading something outrageous, trying to be cynical, derogatory, sarcastic and/or obnoxious!"

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sloopskipper says on Oct 29, 2009, 18:06:

Ahhhh, thanx PCL & Robert.

I didn't know that, and I expect my friend didn't either. He's only visited back home a couple times in the last 3 years, although he claims he has a friend being successful doing this for maybe 2 years, in Cali.

And "something besides" might be?

When I was in Perú a couple years ago, the internet cafes were jammed with young people.

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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Paisa/Calena/Luver says on Oct 29, 2009, 18:12:

Maybe make it similar to a starbucks with tintos, empenadas and postres..

"PAY ATTENTION! I wonder if that person knows that when we push the FUNNY button, its because we are reading something outrageous, trying to be cynical, derogatory, sarcastic and/or obnoxious!"

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makopp5 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 29, 2009, 18:13:

sloopskipper says on Oct 29, 2009, 18:14:

Good God, PCL, that's not a minimal investment. But, thanx!

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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sloopskipper says on Oct 29, 2009, 18:19:

Makoop, that is really chump change, maybe 60¢ U.S. per hour?

That is about what I saw in Perú, 4 years ago (was maybe 50¢US then)!

Seems not a way to get rich, or survive, but thanx all! You'all confirmed what I thought (of course).

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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Paisa/Calena/Luver says on Oct 29, 2009, 18:23:

Make sure you have some private rooms so the Calenas can do private shows for their Gringos back in the states.. These webcam shows for the gringos make all the difference on how large the Western Union will be that week.

"PAY ATTENTION! I wonder if that person knows that when we push the FUNNY button, its because we are reading something outrageous, trying to be cynical, derogatory, sarcastic and/or obnoxious!"

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sloopskipper says on Oct 29, 2009, 18:31:

Yeah but PCL, that sounds like a completely different venue!

Can one get a dip on the Western Union?

But, we're looking at a possible demotion, OR, deletion, even though we're only joking!

BUT, we don't discuss these things anymore. Yes?

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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Robert Jorge says on Oct 29, 2009, 18:41:

The ex and I lived around estrato 2 barrios. There was an Internet cafe every 2 blocks. Her mother lives in estrato 1 or 2, but even farther out in a pueblo called Porfia, and she has banda ancha in the house.

"You can not take the barrio out of the girl you really can't." Oneforamillion

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sloopskipper says on Oct 29, 2009, 18:43:

Thanx, Robert.

But that doesn't really surprise me. That is in Cali, or everywhere?

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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Robert Jorge says on Oct 29, 2009, 19:05:

Nah, Villavicencio, but Cali has to be just a bigger version of the same deal.

"You can not take the barrio out of the girl you really can't." Oneforamillion

1 funny, 0 helpful.

njc (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 30, 2009, 05:13:

CharlieTheOwl says on Oct 30, 2009, 06:18:

a recreation center with video games and large HDTV screens is a good idea. You could also throw in some internet. Another good thing to add to your internet cafe is private booths with a curtain to each computer. People like that and will go to your cafe instead of the ones without privacy.

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sloopskipper says on Oct 30, 2009, 07:08:

I just read that Elmo:



Thanx Charlie. Good ideas for later, but the deal must be absolute minimal start-up costs and initial running expense (which is probably not do-able).

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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davidyamiga says on Oct 30, 2009, 07:39:

Tell your young friend to quit thinking and get to work in the USA. Once he saves LOTS of money, he can move to Cali and look around where he can invest.

Otra vez en casa...Cali!

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sloopskipper says on Oct 30, 2009, 07:41:

Sure, a good idea David but he is Colombian, with no U.S. family, and his chances of getting any kind of visa are slim to none.

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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tannedincali (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 30, 2009, 12:11:

sloopskipper says on Oct 30, 2009, 12:52:

Pretty much what I expected, but the guy seems to think he knows better than those who live there.

He's convinced that everyone who has commented is a either rich gringo, or a Colombian who never goes into the poorer neighborhoods.

But, thanx all for the comments.

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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sloopskipper says on Oct 30, 2009, 13:11:

Sorta reminds me of:

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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sloopskipper says on Oct 30, 2009, 13:34:

jaja, apparently so.

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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Robert Jorge says on Oct 30, 2009, 14:59:

Actually the AC idea might set the cafe apart from the others. Good idea. Also a cooler with sodas and beer for sale could add to the profitability.

"You can not take the barrio out of the girl you really can't." Oneforamillion

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sloopskipper says on Oct 30, 2009, 15:02:

Good thoughts, or maybe even a small store.

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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sloopskipper says on Oct 30, 2009, 15:49:

Greg, how do you get the low priced utilities TO the wealthy?

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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Robert Jorge says on Oct 30, 2009, 15:55:

The wealthy just set up shop in a low estrato barrio. Estrato 2 seems to be pretty common.

"You can not take the barrio out of the girl you really can't." Oneforamillion

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sloopskipper says on Oct 30, 2009, 16:50:

Swine!

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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Buongone says on Oct 31, 2009, 02:23:

Banda Ancha Sucks. Slower than anything. And they call that an Internet Connection? A Poor excuse for one.

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sloopskipper says on Oct 31, 2009, 07:56:

Isn't Banda Ancha simply Spanish for broadband?

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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Paisa/Calena/Luver says on Oct 31, 2009, 08:11:

Yes... but they really rave over their 1.0 its a big jump from the phone line

"PAY ATTENTION! I wonder if that person knows that when we push the FUNNY button, its because we are reading something outrageous, trying to be cynical, derogatory, sarcastic and/or obnoxious!"

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sloopskipper says on Oct 31, 2009, 10:07:

What does a 1meg DSL or cable connection cost there, and is it cheaper in estrato 1 or 2?

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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sloopskipper says on Nov 1, 2009, 12:45:

You are saying that the more expensive carriers don't offer service there?

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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sloopskipper says on Nov 2, 2009, 09:49:

Thanx Greg!

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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la campiña (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 2, 2009, 19:06:

El Expatriado says on Nov 4, 2009, 04:04:

Sheesh.. You can try it, I think I'd prefer trying to suck farts out of dead wolves arsholes (not that I'd like to do that either).

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El Expatriado says on Nov 4, 2009, 04:06:

PS.. I know Cali and the Internet Cafe's well.

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sloopskipper says on Nov 4, 2009, 04:07:

jaja, not very attractive alternatives.

I am not at all surprised. I saw that in Perú, 4 years ago!

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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CharlieTheOwl says on Nov 4, 2009, 07:16:

Try something new like cafe internet casa de citas.

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Paisa/Calena/Luver says on Nov 4, 2009, 09:27:

Sloop, like I said.. small cafe, internet, private webcam closets, and authorized Western Union agent so the ladies can get their money right there.. It will be a huge success!

"PAY ATTENTION! I wonder if that person knows that when we push the FUNNY button, its because we are reading something outrageous, trying to be cynical, derogatory, sarcastic and/or obnoxious!"

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Robert Jorge says on Nov 4, 2009, 14:29:

Unbelievable.

Anyway, just a brain-storm idea of mine: How about the Internet Cafe with an attached coin operated laundrymat? People pay to do laundry, and then pay to use the Internet while waiting.

"You can not take the barrio out of the girl you really can't." Oneforamillion

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sloopskipper says on Nov 4, 2009, 14:42:

Seems a killer idea if someone could combine all those possibilities, even with an ATM on premise (and selling cards).

I wonder also what the costs/benefits are of having a Western Union (or othe cash transfer service) license/franchise. I have no idea how the WU credit/debit, prepaid cars work.

I have also seen selling minutes on business-owned cell phones (on a cord or chain) done in places.

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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Paisa/Calena/Luver says on Nov 4, 2009, 14:45:

Sloop how about Internet, gaseosas, jugos and phone cards de recarga and to call international/cabina.. thats as cheap as you can get..

"PAY ATTENTION! I wonder if that person knows that when we push the FUNNY button, its because we are reading something outrageous, trying to be cynical, derogatory, sarcastic and/or obnoxious!"

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sloopskipper says on Nov 4, 2009, 14:49:

Some really creative ideas here!



Thanx everyone.

But to make it quickly self sustaining, on a small budget, may not be be so easy.

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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sloopskipper says on Nov 4, 2009, 14:51:

"You know who" likes to be so helpful, perhaps he'll offer?



But, maybe that's only for genuine members.

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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El Expatriado says on Nov 6, 2009, 03:50:

How about a combined internet, Western Union, Latina dating, Aguadiente y cerveza selling, juegos, strip joint, Hooters outlet, whatever, site?

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