How to Start a Specialty Retail Kiosk
Retail kiosks are most commonly associated with shopping malls, airports, subways and bus stations. These types of stores sell products that are often impulse buys, or things people purchase that they likely didn't intend to when they decided to travel to their destination. Starting a specialty retail kiosk can be quite profitable, and is less expensive than opening a traditional brick-and-mortar storefront.
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Instructions
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Target a niche of products to sell in your kiosk. For example, you can sell sterling silver jewelry, pet costumes and outfits, licensed baseball caps, purses or custom belt buckles.
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Obtain the business permits needed to run a retail outlet in your city. You may need a resale permit, state tax identification number, assumed name certificate (DBA) or employer identification number (EIN). Your local small business development center can tell you what documentation is required.
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Make a list of the shopping malls in your area, as well as subways, train stations, bus depots and airports. Contact the venues on this list and ask whether they have any kiosk space available, the cost to rent, and any requirements vendors must meet.
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Pick a kiosk to vend from based on which offers the best foot traffic, visibility within the venue, and monthly rental price. You may also want to consider how close the venue is to your home if commute time is a big issue for you.
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Open wholesale accounts with product suppliers in your niche. In order to keep a steady supply of inventory and to add variety to your product offerings, buy from more than one distributor.
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Promote your kiosk business. You will be heavily relying on foot traffic for business, so use colorful signage, offer gift packaging and products samples to passersby, if applicable. Try launching a promotional website and blog to spread the word about your kiosk as well.
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