A post by Bengaluru entrepreneur Bhavya Arora on X (formerly Twitter) has ignited a lively discussion about the ethics of using café space without making a purchase. Arora, who is involved in sales solutions for e-commerce, sought recommendations for cafés in HSR Layout with specific criteria: strong Wi-Fi, no immediate requirement to order, and comfortable seating.

Her post read: “Need suggestions for cafes in HSR Layout which have 1. strong Wi-Fi 2. don’t expect you to order 3. (optional) – comfortable seating.” This request prompted a backlash, leading Arora to address her critics with a more detailed explanation. She stated, “Folks, why all this rage? Can’t a girl just want to work from an empty café without ordering? I get it if people are waiting for a table, I should and will vacate. But if it is empty—WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?”

Key Points:

  • Arora’s Argument: She believes that if a café is not busy, it should be fine for someone to use the space without ordering immediately. She also mentioned that frequent visits might lead to eventual purchases.
  • Public Reaction: The post has garnered significant attention, with over two lakh views. Responses have been mixed, with some users questioning the ethics of her request.

Responses:

  • Supportive View: Arora suggested that cafés should be accommodating to potential future customers. “Cafes know this and are okay with it. I might not order today or tomorrow, but if I keep coming to the same café every day, I will eventually order.”
  • Criticism: Users like Darshan Ashok and Nayantara Menon Bagla argued that cafés, as businesses selling food and beverages, should expect customers to make purchases. Another user sarcastically questioned if additional services, like massages, would also be requested.

Additional Context: Arora shared an image of herself at Starbucks, highlighting that the staff did not question her despite not placing an order. Her post and subsequent responses have sparked a broader conversation about customer behavior and café policies.

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