So, Cowork Gloucester VA is rolling along, and we're doing great so far (open since November and have 3 private offices leased, 1 dedicated desk, 2 part-time members, and 6 community members). However, we're still very green and have a lot to learn.
The main thing I am hoping you can give me feedback on is the issue of member access when you or a community manager is not on-site.
Because we're so new and don't really have capital behind us, we haven't been able to (and still cannot) afford hiring anyone to be a receptionist or community manager. This leaves me to have to be there pretty much every day from 9 to 5.
We allow our Private Office members to have the keypad combo and to come and go as they please, 24/7. Even that is somewhat of a risk, but we felt like we needed to limit liability in not giving that same unfettered access to the lower rungs of membership.
Are we being overcautious? Is there another way we could/should approach this? How do you handle it at your space?
Thanks in advance!
You confirmed what I was already feeling. We decided that we're going to just make sure we have an in-depth interview with everyone who signs up moving forward (more detailed than we have been), and we'll rely on the security cameras, the other members and our guts. We have lability insurance, and honestly, we don't have a ton of money invested (very much bootstrapping), so there isn't a ton anyone could steal that we couldn't replace in short order.
It's just all new to us.
Thanks again for the advice. It's truly helpful to hear from those who have walked the road we're just starting to walk.
Thanks all! We definitely feel better about moving forward with allowing 24/7 access to all. It helped to be reassured by those of you who have walked down that road. Input appreciated!
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