65.KIOSK BUSINESS

So you'd love to start a retail shop, but don't have enough capital to invest in startup costs? Consider starting a vending cart or kiosk business instead. The initial costs and overhead are much lower, the licensing agreements and space leases are usually shorter, and a kiosk or cart can be a great solution for a seasonal business that won't need a year-round address.You can buy, rent or lease vending carts either new or used. And some companies will even give you a cart free if you agree to sell their products.Before you start a vending cart business, you'll need to consider: What product you want to sell, What season and/or location would be most appropriate for your product, Mall, Airport, Outdoor venue, Holiday, seasonal or year-round,The regulations and costs involved with starting your kiosk or cart business.

Compare and contrast vending cart options The vending cart industry is highly competitive, and your choices include dozens of cart and kiosk business options from multiple vendors in various designs. And you can select from new or used carts.Rent or lease your cart This option gives you the opportunity to 'try out” a business without purchasing the equipment up front. You can see how well the local market responds to your product and decide whether to stick it out or try a new approach.

If your cart is in an outdoor or non-permanent venue, consider where you'll store the cart and your products when they aren't in use.If you'll be setting up outdoors, you'll probably need a vending license. Check with your city government to find out about the regulations and fees involved.If your cart will be inside a mall or shopping center, try to negotiate a flexible or short-term lease. You may want to move if your location doesn't bring in enough customers, or if a nearby store starts offering similar products.
Some malls and shopping centers may require that you pay an upfront fee so that the mall can design your cart to their standards.If you'll be selling food, you'll need a permit from the Department of Health.

Outdoor retail kiosks offer high visibility to potential customers and are a great way for merchants to get the word out about their products. Outdoor kiosk designs range from simple booths to elaborate customized displays. Many models are designed to be lightweight and portable, making them perfect for one person to set up and take down. An outdoor kiosk can be set up in front of a store, at a concert or at fairs and flea markets.Many towns and businesses use outdoor information kiosks in places where there are high pedestrian traffic. An outdoor information kiosk can display maps, advertisements or general information about a particular area.