Posted by Bubba/CA on 2/27/08 3:04pm
Msg #237412

Convenient Location

When signing at a convenient location such as starbucks or Mickey Dee’s should you purchase something? I did a signing at a starbucks & I didn’t purchase anything (no drinks near docs for me). The signing was a favor, so no travel charge just not. fee $10.00. When I set up at a table, I got some stares by employees but no one ever said anything. I was only there about 10 minutes…Just wondering do I tip or buy something? TIA

Reply by Linda Juenger on 2/27/08 3:07pm
Msg #237414

In this case, I would have left a couple bucks on the table and be done with it. Other times, I have purchased soft drinks, coffee for all after we're done.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 2/27/08 3:10pm
Msg #237415

I don't purchase anything, but often times the people I'm meeting there do.

Reply by christiSocal on 2/27/08 3:28pm
Msg #237417

If I'm in a restaurant, taking a tablespace, I will leave a tip for the waiter/waitress.
At Starbucks most people tip at the register when they buy their drinks.

Reply by LKT/CA on 2/27/08 3:30pm
Msg #237420

I usually buy a bottle of water.

Reply by Laura Vestanen on 2/27/08 3:33pm
Msg #237422

Buy something AND tip generously. I always do.

By using these places, you are avoiding paying up to $20/sq ft per month for office space.

That's what the Starbucks near me pays for rent. If you had a tiny 10ft x 10ft office that would be $2K a month for rent alone.

LauraV

Reply by Les_CO on 2/27/08 7:33pm
Msg #237464

I usually order something (like coffee) and ALWAYS tip the server well, We take up their time and space (sometimes an hours worth) we should pay for it. GENEROUSLY!!!!

Reply by Bubba/CA on 2/27/08 9:29pm
Msg #237476

Thanks to all for the input. Next time, I will make sure I tip.... :-}

Reply by ZeeCA on 2/27/08 11:23pm
Msg #237491

there is weinerschnietzal by my house and we usually meet there during off hours... they don't care if you order or not during off times as they like people in there so it is safer for them but we always order something ... usually a drink after we are done and thank them and they say no thank you for being here to keep us safer

Reply by Rick_NY on 2/27/08 11:42pm
Msg #237494

I don't want to spill coffee all over documents (and I know I will) but I buy a bottled beverage and leave it on the side until I'm done.

Don't be a cheap suit.

Reply by Joan Bergstrom on 2/28/08 12:22am
Msg #237496

Starbucks

I like to meet at Starbucks because they are on every street corner and don't care is you take a table.
.
Last night I meet at a Starbuckts in San Bernardino (borrower's choice) and when I bought a cup of coffee they gave me a free cup because they hadn't brewed a pot when I ordered.
Nice company.

Reply by MonicaFL on 2/28/08 9:19am
Msg #237508

Re: Starbucks

I received an e-mail about a week or so ago about Starbucks. Here is what it said (in summary): A GI in Iraq wrote Starbucks and asked if they would donate some coffee to his troops in Iraq - He told them that they all really liked Starbucks coffee. Well, Starbucks wrote him back and said, sorry, we don't support the war and therefore we are not going to send you any coffee. How about that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

Reply by jba/fl on 2/28/08 9:39am
Msg #237510

Re: Starbucks--False

an urban legend, the myth debunked repeatedly over the past several years.
Snopes.com says so

Reply by TRG_wy on 2/28/08 9:58am
Msg #237512

I try to meet at the library if at all possible.
Plenty of tables, quiet, and people tend to be less interested in what it is you are doing. - also no sticky tables, don't have to worry about docs getting something spilled or dripped on them and there are no additional out-of-pocket expenses.

Reply by jba/fl on 2/28/08 10:18am
Msg #237513

I like library too. If crowded, I take to children's area, as more noise is expected there and usually during day not busy in their room. Yes, we sit lower, but very private and we can use our bigger voices. lol.