Do you know of any coffee shops that offer this type of service?

by Bev Campbell
(Edmonton Ab Canada)

QUESTION:

Coffee shops have become a way of life for meeting places.

Many times we are meeting friends and we can just sit and read or think, knowing the party we are waiting for will come to us when they arrive.

However, what about when you are meeting a new contact. You describe what you're going to wear, then sit down, order your coffee and take off your coat. Surprise, the black coat with a red toque becomes a blue sweater with a green scarf, and no hat. You tell somebody you are 5'6" but you are sitting at the table, so unless you are 7' tall height is irrelevant. You can carry a specific book and leave it on the table. This used to work when I was selling advertising in an international directory. But I don't carry that big red book around with me any more.

And what happens when you arrive early, but the person you are meeting arrived earlier (so they wouldn't miss you).

You think you've looked at everyone already there, but somehow you miss the person you're looking for. You sit near the front and ask every person coming in, are you xyz?

No - not them! After about 20 minutes you begin to think how long do I wait in case they are detained and still coming.

Well, I have a solution for the coffee shop management. Clear plastic brochure holders are the answer. When you arrive and you are waiting for someone you ask the staff for a Table Topper Hello. I'm sure I can come up with a better name as time goes on. Also, I ask them if there are any Table Topper Hello's out. This would be quite easy if they were numbered.


The people meeting each other would be able to use a code, a logo, but not actual name. So if 2 Table Toppers are out, you check to see if those people are the one you're looking for. If they aren't the people you're looking for, then you put the Table Topper on your table, knowing the person you are looking for hasn't arrived. That way you can order your drink, use the rest room, or possibly read without the fear of missing the person. If the coffee shop doesn't have these Table Toppers you could bring your own when meeting someone you haven't met yet. The last time I was to meet someone they texted me, but I don't carry a cell phone.


ANSWER:

If you don’t want to wait for the coffee shops to buy into the idea of Table Toppers, you can always bring your own.

Make a tent card, or something similar, with a logo, company name, or greeting and just place it on the table in front of you.

Maybe I should distribute some Coffee Detective tent cards!

“Coffee Detective Meeting here!”

Nick