Table of Contents

FACTS ON PUBLIC INTERNET ACCESS TERMINAL (PIAT) BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY. IS IT A REAL OPPORTUNITY? CAN YOU MAKE MONEY IN THIS BUSINESS? SHOULD YOU BE IN THIS BUSINESS? 5
Abstract 5
Have you recently heard these statements? 5
These quotes from trusted sources are commonly used to support the idea that Public Internet Access Terminal Business is an opportunity you should not miss: 6
ABOUT THIS REPORT 6
Why I wrote the report 6
Who are the readers? 7
Why one must read it before making decision 7
Disclaimer 8
Copyright information; copying and publishing without permission is prohibited 8
INTERNET KIOSK BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY MARKET OUTLOOK 8
Competing industries, do PIAT have a bright future? (August 2004 update) 9
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY COMPANIES 9
Who are they? 9
Are they legal? If they legal, can I be sure I'll make money as they tell me? 10
Typical sales techniques used by business opportunity sellers 10
Signs of trouble. What warning signs can mean that there are problems with the opportunity? 11
You are provided with references, can you trust them? 12
What business opportunity sellers tell you 12
What they do not tell you 13
Questions you may want to ask them, and their possible answers 13
What other lies you might hear 14
Typical proposed business plan 14
Written sales contract vs. what they tell you 15
From FTC.gov website. What information they must provide according to the law. 15
Beware of scams (August 2004 update) 16
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS WITH PRODUCTS SOLD THROUGH PUBLIC ACCESS TERMINALS 16
Internet Time 16
Wi-Fi products 17
Phone Cards 17
VOIP 17
Pre-paid Wireless Products 17
Advertising revenue. They promised nationwide advertisement… 18
NEGOTIATING A DEAL 18
How much do they ask? 18
How much can you actually pay? 18
OTHER WAYS TO BUY AN INTERNET TERMINAL 18
Buying from a manufacturer 18
Buying a used Internet Terminal (August 2004 update) 19
WHAT YOU MUST DO BEFORE MAKING A DECISION 19
What you must ask the business opportunity seller in case you are still interested to buy from them 19
What you need to do first. These steps are absolutely necessary. 20
Are Better Business Bureau, Business opportunity bureau, etc... helpful? 20
Is it a good Idea to visit other locations? 21
COMPANIES AND PERSONS YOU ARE GOING TO DEAL WITH 21
OTHER REQUIREMENTS AND POTENTIAL PROBLEMS 22
Do I buy a terminal first or find a location first? 22
PIAT insurance 22
Technical knowledge you will need 22
Do I need storage space? 22
Physical help 23
LOCATOR COMPANIES 23
How much will it cost? 23
What they offer during sales process: 23
What service you might expect in reality: 23
Do you actually want a locator? 24
PROBLEMS WITH LOCATIONS 24
Hotels 24
Truck stops 25
Airports 25
Malls 25
INTERNET ACCESS 25
Is DSLavailability.com report enough? 25
How do you check DSL availability? 25
DSL real prices 26
Alternatives to DSL and the cost 26
MERCHANT ACCOUNT SERVICES 26
THE COST OF GOING INTO BUSINESS 27
Registering a new company 27
Internet terminal price 27
Shipping costs 27
Locators 27
Location Space Rental costs 28
Internet access 28
Merchant account services 28
Add-on/required services 28
Accounting 28
Total costs for the first year 28
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS WHILE OPERATING A PUBLIC ACCESS INTERNET TERMINAL 29
CASE STUDY 1 - INTERNET KIOSK IN A CONVENIENCE STORE 29
Sales process 29
References 29
Locator company 29
Shipping cost 30
Internet access, installation 30
Product quality 30
Marketing materials 30
Fixing problems, manufacturers' support 30
Sales report 30
Seller's Support 30
CASE STUDY 2 - INTERNET KIOSK IN A 140 ROOM HOTEL 30
Sales process 30
References 31
Locator company 31
Shipping cost 31
Internet access, installation 31
Marketing materials 31
Product quality 31
Fixing problems 31
Sales report 31
Seller's support 32
FEEDBACK AND COMMENTS FROM OTHER KIOSK OPERATORS 32
Kiosk at a truck stop 32
Kiosk scams and how much money a kiosk might make in reality 32
Kiosk at a hotel 32
Kiosk at a large supermarket 32
CONCLUSION 32
What you can expect if going into business 32
Is This a Real Opportunity? What are the problems with it? 33
What can be the safest way go into this Business? 33
Mistakes to avoid 33
We need your feedback 34