Consistency is what consumers expect

So my daily life has made it to the blog. Hasn't taken long.

Went to Starbucks to get a break from office life, and use the wi-fi (which, although I am not a fan of paid wi-fi, I was going to indulge).

Now, in the middle of a major downtown, there are three Starbucks (obviously, they think there is a market). Now, of these three, only one has wi-fi AND power outlets (and all locations have ample seating and space for users).

This is a most curious thing, as the idea of no wifi or outlets with Starbucks seems to be against their business model. It's like going to McDonalds and the location doesn't sell Big Macs. It's just odd... and it's not like there are a ton of places with free wi-fi... (yes, there is in some public parks here... you ever used a computer in sunlight? Not very efficient....)

This not only inconveniences the customer, but cuts off a potential revenue stream (Wi-fi and the increased amount of drinks people will buy when they're using their computer). Either way, it is clear to me that I'm going to have to go the suburbs (until they get their act together) to have a satisfactory experience at a Starbucks (as the third has no windows to the outside). Even more painful, is that this could be easily addressed for a relatively small amount by in one case hiring an electrician, and the other getting the same box every other Starbucks has, and then you have brand consistency.

So todays' message is: Deliver consistently, and don't set expectations your service cannot meet.