Are Popup Office Spaces the Same as Coworking Spaces?

It’s now established that an office is not the only place people can get work done. In today’s business landscape, professionals have options based on whether they want to work at home, in the office, or at a local coffee shop. 

Of course, people have already started altering the idea of what flexible workspaces can be. One example is a popup office space. 

What is a popup office (also called a pop up office), and is it different from a coworking space? Learn more about the difference between these two types of working spaces and which is better for you.

What Are Popup Office Spaces?

While most people are familiar with popup shops, temporary stores that appear for a few hours or days, popup office spaces are a lesser-known phenomenon. Popup office spaces exist when a group of professionals turns an untraditional space, like a restaurant, into an office. 

The “office” would typically be used during a restaurant’s slow time, allowing the restaurant to still make money without a significant disruption. You may also meet in someone’s backyard or even within a coworking space.

While popup stores are a marketing tactic, popup offices are a networking one. A popup office allows entrepreneurs of all levels to interact with other professionals, regardless of their physical location. Using a popup office tends to be more situation-specific, such as for networking or working on short-term projects.

What Are Coworking Spaces?

Coworking spaces often provide space where multiple companies can work. Like popup offices, they are more accessible, allowing entrepreneurs and other professionals to access business spaces and networking opportunities.

People can come and go as long as there is space to work. Most coworking spaces offer amenities, such as printers, office supplies, security, drinks and snacks, and other items.

Which Is Best for You?

If you're a professional looking for a new workspace, both options are appealing, but which is better? The answer ultimately depends on your needs, as each has its own pros and cons. 

Availability 

The concept of availability refers to the accessibility of these working spaces for the average entrepreneur. While popup office spaces are gaining popularity, they tend to only be available in larger cities. You also have to figure out how to find them through local event pages or business groups, as they are workspaces that “pop up.”

Since coworking spaces are part of a more established model, they are more readily available. You don’t need to be in a big city to find one. You can easily search “coworking spaces near me” to locate a space nearby.

Pricing 

For entrepreneurs just starting out, how they spend their money is crucial to their success, so they need to invest wisely. In this area, both types of working spaces can work. 

Overall, popup offices are the less expensive option. There’s usually a small cost of entry, or you may need to pay for a meal to work in the space. Coworking spaces are less expensive than traditional office space, but the cost may not fit into your business budget.

Amenities 

Coworking spaces win this round, as they often come with extra amenities that make running a business easier. Popup spaces don’t offer the same luxury—offering only space, an electric outlet, and internet access. You may be able to get something to eat in a popup office space, if you choose a restaurant or a similar establishment, but it’ll likely come at an additional cost.

Other things, like office equipment and printers, are common in coworking spaces, making operations easier.

Professionalism

While both spaces offer a level of professionalism, popup office spaces are more business casual—which is part of their appeal. The idea of meeting up casually at a restaurant or other untraditional place helps make such events more accessible to a wide range of people.

So, people will be working, but there will also be talking, eating, and general background noise. For this reason, we marked coworking spaces as the winner in the professionalism category. 

Coworking spaces are in professional office spaces. While conversations will probably still occur, most people leave to eat and have casual chats to respect the others working in the space. 

Networking Opportunities 

Both popup offices and coworking spaces provide networking opportunities for entrepreneurs. Because of the problem they’re trying to solve, offering a place for various professionals to work, using either space will give you access to people working in all capacities and fields.

They could be entrepreneurs, company employees, freelancers, or others looking for a professional space to accomplish their tasks. Used smartly, you can foster relationships that grow your business and reputation. 

Commitment 

Since popup offices are far more casual, they win in the commitment category. Participants only have to pay for a single session or a meal. 

By contrast, coworking spaces may charge for an entire day or even every month, depending on the contract. A month can be expensive for an entrepreneur who will use it only for a few days. 

Choose Davinci Coworking Spaces

You can’t go wrong with either a popup office or coworking space. It’s all about your needs as a business and the relationships you want to foster.

If you’re looking for a coworking space, Davinci’s options are accessible and professional. We offer plenty of amenities to simplify daily operations and make the experience more enjoyable overall.

Find a coworking space near you today.  

About Coco Quillen

Coco is the Vice President of Operations at Davinci Meeting Rooms. She manages the strategic development and operational implementation of services for Davinci. She works closely with all teams to ensure customers are well taken care of. Google