The sales tour is designed to show you the best of a space. Your job is to test the things that actually decide whether you'll be productive there. Tour two or three spaces in one block so you can compare while it's fresh, and go at the time of day you'd really work. Here's the full checklist.
Before you go
- List your must-haves: number of days, call frequency, equipment, team size.
- Shortlist 2–3 spaces from the Austin coworking list and book tours back-to-back.
- Note each space's published price so you can spot what's missing later.
Test the space (don't just look)
- Sit down and work for 10–15 minutes. A real test beats any tour.
- Run a speed test on the wifi and ask whether there's a wired option or a backup line.
- Check outlets and ergonomics at the actual seat you'd use, not the showcase desk.
- Listen to the noise level at your work time. Mornings and afternoons differ a lot.
- Make a test call in a phone booth or meeting room — check the door seal and signal.
- Find the bathrooms, kitchen and exits. Daily friction adds up.
- Check the light. Windows and natural light matter more than people expect.
Ask about money and terms
- What's the all-in monthly cost including deposit, and is there a setup fee?
- How many meeting-room hours are included, and what's the overage rate?
- Is parking included? If not, what does it cost? (Downtown, this is big.)
- Are printing, mail handling and a registered business address included or extra?
- Is there 24/7 access on my plan, or is that a higher tier?
- What's the commitment — month-to-month or a term? What's the notice to cancel?
- Is there a part-time or 10-day plan that isn't advertised?
Always ask: "What would my real total be in month one?" The honest answer — deposit, fees, parking, likely meeting-room use — is often 20–30% above the headline desk price. A space that won't give you a straight number is a red flag.
Red flags that should make you walk
- Vague pricing or pressure to sign today for a "special" rate.
- Slow or flaky wifi on your test — this is the one thing you can't fix.
- Long lock-in with stiff cancellation penalties, especially early-stage.
- Empty space. If you want community and the room is dead, you won't get it.
- No trial. A confident space will sell you a day pass or a one-month plan to try.
Decide
- Start with a trial, not a year. A day pass or one month tells you more than any tour.
- Right-size the tier — review hot desk vs dedicated desk vs private office so you don't over-buy.
- Weigh location honestly against your commute — see coworking by neighborhood.
- Then negotiate the term once you're sure.
For the bigger picture on how coworking works and what to expect, our full guide walks through it end to end.