Debate: Should you tell a client when you're working from a coffee shop or just fake it?

Last month I took a Zoom call from a Starbucks in Denver because my apartment had no power. The client asked if my background was a frosted window and I lied, said it was a new co-working space. But now I'm wondering if that was dumb. On one hand, being honest about your setup might make you seem less professional. On the other hand, maybe clients don't care as long as the work gets done. Has anyone else dealt with this - do you disclose your actual location or just let them assume?

3 comments

3 Comments

margaretc429h ago

Figured my cat walking across the keyboard during a client call would be a dead giveaway, but a Starbucks background is somehow worse... Guess I'll just tell them I'm in my "mobile office" next time. Honestly, if the power's out and the internet works, they probably don't care as long as you're not ordering a Frappuccino on mute.

dakota_miller937h agoMost Upvoted

Nah, @margaretc42 you’re right. I had a client call where the fire alarm went off. Told them I was testing a new safety feature. They bought it. Starbucks background is genius.

dakota_miller9358m agoMost Upvoted

Tbh your cat walking on the keyboard is way more believable than a Starbucks background. At least the cat thing is honest chaos, pretending you're in a coffee shop when you're clearly not just feels like we're all living in some weird corporate fantasy. I've had my dog start barking at a delivery guy mid sentence and just said "sorry my neighbor's dog is losing it again" and they totally bought it. It's wild how we all just make up lies on the spot and clients never question it. Honestly though I'm stealing the "mobile office" line next time my wifi dies.