SFBM /// SALES & MARKETING
How To Start a Kiosk Business
Advertise Today! Tammy Beintema
605.553.1900
tammy@siouxfallsbusinessmagazine.com
siouxfallsbusinessmagazine.com
1
Decide whether you will be purchasing a kiosk or leasing one. If you want a kiosk in a mall, you will likely have to lease it. The fee will depend on the season and volume of traffic at that time.
2
Obtain the necessary license and registration for your kiosk start-up business. A mall kiosk will probably set you up with the necessary license and permit. If you lease or buy a portable kiosk, you may need a special vehicle license for hauling it. If you will be working with food, you will need an additional permit.
3
Make sure you are covered appropriately by insurance. You will need to be covered for property damage. Depending on what you are selling, you may need further coverage. Meet with your insurance agent and determine what coverage is necessary for your business.
4
Establish a line of credit if you need financing. Not only will you need to lease or purchase a kiosk, but you will need to stock up on inventory and necessary equipment. You will also need to set aside a marketing budget so you can advertise your business.
5
Decide on the size and features of your cart. When selecting a cart, you should also consider storage space.
6
Identify your target customers, and find out where they are on a regular basis. For example, if your target customers are motorcycle riders, then consider setting your kiosk up at a motorcycle rally or show. Just make sure you get the necessary approval by property managers or city officials.
7
Choose a permanent location for your kiosk. A permanent location is less of a hassle because you don’t have to move it. Additionally, current and potential customers will become familiar with your location.
8
Understand the rules and regulations that are expected of you when leasing a kiosk. Read your lease carefully and make sure that you are satisfied with the conditions. For example, your lease may include a percentage of your sales, you may be asked to participate in a loyalty or gift certificate program or a community service event.
9
Make good use of the minimal space a kiosk offers. Don’t create a cluttered display in an attempt to get all your goods out for customers to see. Pull out your featured items, and present goods that give a good indication of what you have to offer as a whole. source: wikiHow.com
achieve our mission of bringing a great product like ours to the broadest possible number of people in the Sioux Empire. We will evaluate further after our holiday experience as to the long-term plan with the mall.” As the nation’s largest owner, developer and manager of high quality retail real estate, Simon Property Group, which owns the Empire Mall, provides an excellent incubation program through which fledgling businesses like Olive Destinations can develop and expand. Morrison shares an example of Teavana, a unique tenant offering over 100 different teas. “It started its first boutique shop in Atlanta, Georgia in 1997. A short time later, Teavana worked with Simon Property Group to expand their business into Phipps Plaza. Today, Teavana has expanded their brand across the continent, now operating over 100 tea emporiums in North America, a number of which are based in Simon properties.” Morrison says with a strategic business plan, Simon Property Group can work with small business owners to make their dreams a reality. “The Empire Mall is always looking for quality retailers that will enhance their customers’ shopping experience,” she says. n