FAQs
It is important to us that you are able to make the most informed decision possible with regards to opening an Internet Cafe. In an effort to be as upfront as possible we’ve put together this comprehensive list of questions and answers. If there are any questions you have that are not listed below please do not hesitate to contact us.
- What makes Sweepstopia software different?
- How much will starting an Internet Café cost me?
- How long will it take to get setup and running?
- What is the minimum cost per workstation?
- Is this gambling?
- How do I install your software?
- How much do I pay for use of your software?
- Is internet better than an in-house server? Why?
- How much will I make? On average? Per machine?
- Can I accept credit cards?
- Where can I get a cash register?
- What kind of desks/chairs do you recommend?
- How many employees will I need?
- How much cash should I keep in my location?
- How do I purchase new credits when I need them?
- Are there any legal concerns regarding Internet Cafes?
- Is there a chance that a law will be passed in your area?
What makes Sweepstopia software different?
We hear from store owners all the time that they are surprised to be able to actually talk to someone when they need to. So many promise great customer service but so few deliver it. It’s so important to us it’s the first thing we mentioned.
Sweepstopia offers an optional customizable progressive system.
Sweepstopia has a great back-end that allows you to easily see all of your stats for the month.
Most software providers require you to purchase an expensive Point-of–sale (POS) machine. With Sweepstopia no such POS system is required. We have a fast, Easy set-up process and can have you set-up in less than 24 hours. It’s really that easy.
How much will starting an Internet Café cost me?
The answer to this question depends on many factors. Once you decide your budget we can assist you in opening within your budget. You can open a location with less expensive rent, fold out tables, a few decorations and minimum machines. To contrast this you may decide to open a larger location, with more computers, a sitting area, big screen TVs, soda fountain and more.
How long will it take to get setup and running?
From the software perspective, because there is minimal setup time, it only takes a few days to get you setup once you have the computers. From an operational point of view you can be ready to go once you have a location, computers and any staff that you may hire.
What is the minimum cost per workstation?
Although costs change all the time most likely you’ll be able to purchase a workstation for under $300. This includes a PC and Monitor. You’re always welcome to provide your own machines as well as set-up is easy.
Is this gambling?
While we can’t give legal advise specific to you or the state you reside in, and laws are changing all of the time, we don’t believe sweepstakes constitute gambling because it does not meet the 3-prong test for gambling:
- Prize
- Chance
- Consideration (payment)
You are selling a product or service of your choosing (such as Internet Access or telephone cards). The customer received free sweepstakes reveals for their purchase through you. The customer can then utilize the software and systems that you provide them to reveal their sweepstakes entries and see whether they have won. This is similar to the Monopoly Game from McDonalds where you get entries with each purchase. As with all legal questions the ONLY way to determine the restrictions of any business is to check with your local city, county and state authorities. If there is a limitation please don’t hesitate to share this information with us as we are willing to work with you.
How do I install your software?
Our software is all Internet based. This provides you with the quickest setup possible. The setup is almost as simple as setting the home page in the Internet Browser on each computer.
How much do I pay for use of your software?
Our software is FREE. We only charge you for the credits that you need to use in our system. Please call or contact us for rates. There are volume discounts that we can discuss once you get started. No up front costs or ongoing maintenance costs. You only pay us as you use the software and when you succeed. We think that’s the way it should be.
Is Internet better than an in-house server? Why?
All our games are web-based, which means you don’t have to house and maintain a server on premises. Our servers are located in the world’s best data centers with some of the best technology behind them keeping your business online and working all the time. Does your local IT guy take calls to fix things at 3pm on a Saturday? Ours does. If you go with a local server based system and that server goes down, then you are out of business until your IT guy can get out to your store and fix whatever is wrong. And what if that server dies and you need a replacement? With us, we worry about keeping your games running and you worry about running your business.
How much will I make? On average? Per machine?
This is not easy to answer as it really relates to the number of machines, population, demographics, location, and number of competitors.
Can I accept credit cards?
Yes. There are 3rd party merchant account providers that we can put you in touch with.
Where can I get a cash register?
The merchant account provider mentioned above frequently runs deals where they give you the register for free, but you can also purchase one at most office supply stores. You don’t need anything intricate.
What kind of desks/chairs do you recommend?
This will depend on your location, but we recommend going with inexpensive laminate tables with no dividers. You can usually get whoever is creating your front desk to use a similar material and create long tables where stations will sit side by side. For chairs, we can provide recommendations, but the available chairs are always changing so there is no set chair we can point to as a recommendation.
How many employees will I need?
Depends on how busy you are, but you can mostly get by with 1 employee during slower times and 2 when you are busy if you are strictly selling Internet time.
How much cash should I keep in my location?
This depends on the amount of business you are doing, but in all cases we recommend a safe bolted to the foundation as well as camera’s clearly visible to all patrons. Deterrence of trouble is half the battle. Really big winners are usually more than happy to return at a later time to pick up a check or cashier’s check for their winnings so they don’t have to walk out with thousands of dollars in cash in their pockets.
How do I purchase new credits when I need them?
A common question that many new stores have is how can they purchase new credits if they run out at midnight (for example). We have a great automated system for adding credits. You just login to your store accounts, purchase the credits using a credit card and credits are automatically added to your account. Simple!
Are there any legal concerns regarding Internet Cafes?
As with any business we recommend that you check with your local laws regarding sweepstakes cafes. Most cities, counties and states don’t have a ban on sweepstakes cafes.
Is there a chance that a law will be passed in your area?
Yes. There is always a chance of this happening. There has been this chance for years now and only a few places have been successful in passing any legislation. And, even then, changes are usually made so that sweepstakes cafes still stay in business.
Sweepstopia is committed to creating software that meets the legal standards of most districts.
Lastly, get in now! Some areas are trying to limit the number of new locations going up. You want to be up and operating before this happens in your area!
We were just reviewed by Sweepstakesreviews.com.
See SweepstakesReviews.com for a good writeup on Sweepstopia.
