Anything wrong with using Starbucks as meeting place with clients?

5 years 1 month ago #634106 by Jennifer Krueger
I'm not sure where to post this question, moderators if this is wrong place, please move.  Thank you.

So, what I would like to know is if you don't have an office, is there anything unprofessional or sketchy if I'm always meeting my clients at a Starbucks to conduct business for which I'll be paid for?  I always buy myself a coffee and offer to buy my clients a coffee, in case that matters.

I had another photographer tell me yesterday that this wasn't professional.  Once or twice is OK, but to continuously use Starbucks was wrong.  I argued the point as it's public space for their clients, and I'm not spending all day there, generally speaking, just an hour, maybe two hours at most.  I always buy something while there as well.  So, Starbucks is making money off me.  

Is this OK behavior? What do you think?

Please be brutally upfront with me, you won't hurt my feelings.   


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5 years 1 month ago #634168 by Mark T
First off, that isn't public space.  You are in Starbucks space.  Now moving forward, I don't see anything wrong with that. I know companies that will use lobby's of hotels as meeting spaces, while they aren't even staying at that hotel. 


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5 years 1 month ago #634192 by Carry
Not in my book.  I'll meet clients at a Starbucks as well.  Why not?


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5 years 1 month ago #634207 by Jennifer Krueger

Mark T wrote: First off, that isn't public space.  You are in Starbucks space.  Now moving forward, I don't see anything wrong with that. I know companies that will use lobby's of hotels as meeting spaces, while they aren't even staying at that hotel. 


Yes, wrong choice of words on my end.  Not public space, but common area for patrons would have been better words.  

:)


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5 years 1 month ago #634279 by ThatNikonGuy
It's my opinion that as long as you are buying something, and being respectful, you're OK.  Nothing wrong with what you are doing. 


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5 years 1 month ago #634383 by KENT MELTON
Not only have I met clients in Starbucks, I know and see so many others doing it too.  Starbucks is happy to be a meeting zone that brings people together.  


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5 years 1 month ago #634468 by Barbara Fite
Put me down as another faithful Starbucks fan and one who will use Starbucks for meeting with people.  Especially meeting for the first time.  

+1 Nothing wrong with it. 

Need more convincing, here's a page directly from Starbucks page:  stories.starbucks.com/stories/2018/no-of...eet-me-at-starbucks/


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5 years 1 month ago #634510 by coupe
The company I work for actually have the Asian franchise for Starbucks (as well as a few other American brands)
We have no problem whatsoever with people using our seating etc for conducting business, there is no difference with a customer sitting there for an hour and reading a paper while drinking coffee as opposed to a business meeting.
Id imagine it is the same with all starbucks outlets around the world


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5 years 1 month ago #634619 by Pete Franko

coupe wrote: The company I work for actually have the Asian franchise for Starbucks (as well as a few other American brands)
We have no problem whatsoever with people using our seating etc for conducting business, there is no difference with a customer sitting there for an hour and reading a paper while drinking coffee as opposed to a business meeting.
Id imagine it is the same with all starbucks outlets around the world


Plus, having more people shown in these places creates social proof that makes more people consider coming in.  


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5 years 1 month ago #634710 by George Winters
Nothing at all, just buy a coffee or drink of some sort and you'll be welcomed.   


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5 years 1 month ago #634720 by Nikon Shooter
The only meetings I have at my location is when the client
wants to see if the studio will fit the need.

Otherwise, coffeeshops and parks or else is all good!

Light is free… capturing it is not!
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5 years 1 month ago #634783 by Ian Stone
Visit the Big Apple and you'll be surprised how many meetings you'll see taking place in Starbucks and other coffee shops.  I always meet clients in Starbucks to show my portfolio and sign contract.  


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5 years 1 month ago #634864 by Tim Dordeck
I meet clients, we have meet up group meetings there, and just about anything I can think of.  Matter of fact I'm meeting a colleague on Wednesday at a Starbucks after work!


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5 years 1 month ago #634966 by Chris Grimm
I meet 7 photographer friends every Saturday morning for coffee at local Starbucks.  To add to that, like so many others here, I have no problem meeting clients in Starbucks for meetings.  Business is business for Starbucks.  


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