How to Start a Kiosk Business

So you've decided to quit your job because you are tired of the long commute, nagging boss, and worst of all, working for somebody else. Except now, you're just not sure what to do. One of the fastest growing trends in America is opening a Kiosk business. With little overhead, you can soon become your own boss, and build the business the way you feel it should be built!

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• thing

1. Search your soul. While it sort of seems like an odd first step, it's actually the most important thing when opening a kiosk business. Most successful entrepreneurs will give the same piece of advice, "love what you do." So in opening a kiosk business, you must truly love the product you are going to sell. Even if you plan to hire somebody to "mind the shop," your passion and knowledge must supersede your employee's. Because if you don't care enough, it will show through to your work force and ultimately the consumer as well. So think long and hard, try and spot trends, but ultimately pick a product or products that you are going to love to sell.

2. Pick your location, location, location. The second step, nearly as important as the first, is finding a location for your business. Most kiosks are set up in malls, airports, or outside stadiums. Essentially you are looking for high traffic areas. Once you've found your product, check out several potential locations at different times of the day, to make sure of a couple of things. First of all that your product isn't already being sold, and secondly that the "foot traffic" stays consistent and will give you access to thousands of potential customers each day.

3. Inquire about a Lease. Once you've found your business and a location you like, inquire about how to open a kiosk business with the leasing manager of the building or premises. Make sure the terms seem reasonable, especially if the products you plan to sell are fads. Tie in your potential sales to the cost of the space. This way if you start slowly, your kiosk business is not underwater. Also try and leave some flexibility with your products, so if suddenly the new "hot item" falls out of favor, you can sell the next "hot item." Also, try and exclude others. If you're opening a cell phone booth, try and ask for a limit as to the number of other cell phone booths they lease within your area. (Preferably zero).

4. Introduce yourself to the supplier. In the same way you negotiated terms with the landlord, try and do the same with the supplier. Tie in your costs directly to sales. Also inquire about a "return program" if the items don't sell. The less out of pocket expenditures you have when you open your kiosk business the better.

5. Organize your kiosk. Once you've received your merchandise, organize your kiosk in a way that is user-friendly to people passing by. Remember you are relying entirely on foot traffic, so the kiosk should entice people. Bright colors and playing music are ways to get people to look in your direction.

6. Promote. Don't be afraid to advertise. Just because you have a kiosk, it doesn't mean you're different from any other business. Hand out coupons or free samples of your product in other areas of the mall, being sure to tell the customer where you're located.

7. Keep a friendly open attitude. Nobody wants to do business with a grump. Always be polite and well informed about your product. Even if somebody doesn't purchase from you, they'll remember the experience, and be willing to stop by your kiosk again.

Tips & Warnings

• Start with low-priced items. Most people who buy from Kiosks are looking for quick gifts. T-shirts, hats and trinkets are all things that are easy to purchase. If somebody wants a video-camera, they're going to go to an electronics store. Know your market and sell to it!