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I work in cafes a lot and have my own code of conduct: - Don't work in a place that's really busy. If it becomes busy, I'll wrap up and move somewhere else.

I work in cafes a lot and have my own code of conduct: - Don't work in a place that's really busy. If it becomes busy, I'll wrap up and move somewhere else. - Buy something at least every 2 hours. If I've had too many coffees, then decaf at least, or a pastry. Spend around $5 each time. - Tip! (Where appropriate). I like to add $1 for each purchase. - Get to know the employees. Learn their names and greet them.

ar0 9y ago
I like the way it works in France: There, many coffee shops have set-up co-working rooms, which are separate rooms where you can rent a place by the hour. Yes, it is a bit more expensive (usually ~20$ for a day), but you get the same "coffee shop experience" and don't have to feel guilty or obliged to eat/drink (often not so healthy) stuff all the time.
- miketery 9y ago
  This is great evolution! I like it.
kilroy123 9y ago
Buying something every 2 hours seems excessive and expensive. I agree about the tipping well part.
- lifeformed 9y ago
  I don't usually stay at a place more than 3 or 4 hours anyways, so it's just a midway refill point for me. I usually work the rest of the day at home, or switch to a new place if I want to stay out. Also, the amount to spend can scale with your budget; it seems more important to just to get up and buy something, just so you don't appear completely cut off from the rest of the world. I normally get espresso drinks, but sometimes I'll get a normal drip coffee, which usually has a cheaper refill ($3 for the first, and $1 for a refill), and I'll tip on each refill.
- lap2 9y ago
  Try to ask how much is the rent and you'll see what's expensive.
lolsal 9y ago
I like your tips. I also take the approach of just awkwardly asking when I'm buying my first coffee for the day: "Hey is it alright if I work here and mooch your internet?" - I've found that the staff seems to appreciate acknowledgement that I'm mooching. I've only seen one or two coffeeshops that have paid wifi access, which I appreciate even more! Once you've worked from a few coffeeshops you can recognize the places that welcome remote workers - they go out of their way to provide lots of outlets and lots of 1/2 person tables. If a place has bright lighting, loud music, very few outlets - it's polite to find somewhere else.

ar0 9y ago

I like the way it works in France: There, many coffee shops have set-up co-working rooms, which are separate rooms where you can rent a place by the hour. Yes, it is a bit more expensive (usually ~20$ for a day), but you get the same "coffee shop experience" and don't have to feel guilty or obliged to eat/drink (often not so healthy) stuff all the time.

miketery 9y ago
This is great evolution! I like it.

kilroy123 9y ago

Buying something every 2 hours seems excessive and expensive. I agree about the tipping well part.

lifeformed 9y ago
I don't usually stay at a place more than 3 or 4 hours anyways, so it's just a midway refill point for me. I usually work the rest of the day at home, or switch to a new place if I want to stay out. Also, the amount to spend can scale with your budget; it seems more important to just to get up and buy something, just so you don't appear completely cut off from the rest of the world. I normally get espresso drinks, but sometimes I'll get a normal drip coffee, which usually has a cheaper refill ($3 for the first, and $1 for a refill), and I'll tip on each refill.
lap2 9y ago
Try to ask how much is the rent and you'll see what's expensive.

lolsal 9y ago

I like your tips. I also take the approach of just awkwardly asking when I'm buying my first coffee for the day: "Hey is it alright if I work here and mooch your internet?" - I've found that the staff seems to appreciate acknowledgement that I'm mooching. I've only seen one or two coffeeshops that have paid wifi access, which I appreciate even more! Once you've worked from a few coffeeshops you can recognize the places that welcome remote workers - they go out of their way to provide lots of outlets and lots of 1/2 person tables. If a place has bright lighting, loud music, very few outlets - it's polite to find somewhere else.