Security and the first meeting.....

Interesting enough I just read, a couple of months ago, that buyers often prefer meeting in a non opffice, the survey used coffe shop as an example, setting. They feel less pressured. So who knows maybe the coffe shop isn't so bad after all

You should go with your gut feeling after hours...either wait for a time during regular business hours to meet you at the office, or try the coffee shop===or work via phone & email until they can come by the office during business hours. Good luck!

After hours, I would meet at the coffee shop.

First off, your instinct is correct.  Never meet a new customer after hours unless it is either a public place, you bring a fellow worker with you, arrange for a friend to meet you at your location about an hour after your meeting with the customer.  Always, keep your cell phone charged and on your person.  Also,  ideally you should google your potential client and get their background info which may be helpful in your meeting.  Stay safe!

I like meeting new customer in a 'neutral' location.  We work out of our home so this is what we do!  A cup of coffee or lunch time is a good time to get acquainted.  Because of the remoteness of our market, we have usually communicated with a new customer for a while and talked with them several times so we have an idea of what they are looking for.  The 'neutral' location puts everyone at ease and gives us time to become acquainted in person.  We also work as a team so that is added security.  It always pays to take that extra measure of precaution!