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Cart & Kiosk Business

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By Dame Scribe



Micro Retail Business Idea

 

A business is not created equal. It is still possible for people to own a business despite the economy. One such operation is the Kiosk and Cart business. They can be highly lucrative ventures. Location is the key to success of this particular business.

You can buy, rent or lease a cart or kiosk and have it custom-built. You can operate your little shop at a variety of locations–such as in a mall, sporting, entertainment events, flea markets, busy downtown streets, tourist spots, or near a location where workers gather for meals or snacks and other creative outlets limited only by your imagination.

The Kiosk/Cart business venture is much less expensive to enter than the traditional retail store. You can start out part time and if business is slow at one location you can pick up and move to another (with a Cart business). Upfront investment for a kiosk or a cart can range from just $2,000 to $10,000 and is part of a $10 billion industry.

Kiosks can be found in malls and will usually require rent and may require a percentage of your retail sales but also already provide a stand for your specifications whereas a cart is mobile. Both types will provide the owner with the opportunity to sell a variety of goods from crafts, wholesale items, or from larger retail stores. Entering this business also offers flexibility and the opportunity to work seasonal times if offering items for a limited time such as from Christmas through to Fathers day.


Key Points to Observe;

  • Make sure you have a Business plan.
  • Ensure you can handle working with the public.
  • Research your location prior to setting up shop and observe the amount of traffic.

  • Design your Kiosk/Cart for eye appeal. AVOID clutter.

  • Set shop up with complementary stores. Stores that will drive traffic to you.

  • Research for required licenses or permits.

  • Review carefully any lease you may have to sign and all rules and regulations if in a mall.

You will need patience to commit to your post for long hours (especially if outdoors), a excellent knowledge of retail management and a flair for designing attention-grabbing displays, a cash register, assistant, and a comfortable stool or chair.

Please feel free to leave your comments or share your experiences with Kiosk and Cart businesses. Read more --> here.

I hope you found this article informative. Please feel free to leave your comments and share your own observations plus give your thumbs vote. Send me a email if you have a request on a topic of interest. It is FREE to join my Fan club, subscribe by Email or my RSS Feed or join me on Hubpages with a click of the mouse.  Shopping

Article(C)2009 Dame Scribe, all rights reserved. Dame Scribe creates articles and posts online. She creates articles on business skills & development, health, science, technology and society and has a strong passion for writing.


Comments and Thoughts

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Rochelle Frank profile image

Rochelle Frank  says:
8 months ago

I live in a very small town (1700 people) even though it is the largest town in this small county. ... well actually I live out of town , but in town we have a few entrepeneurs of this sort-- two hotdog stands, one taco truck and a coffee trailer. They park where there are county office workers and near the post office. Our high school doesn't have a cafeteria, so the kids are allowed to go off site for lunch break. These small business people work hard, but they seem to do pretty well.

Dame Scribe profile image

Dame Scribe  says:
8 months ago

The Cart/Kiosk stand is a low cost alternative to having ones own shop. I imagine they must do well and better if you have tourists coming through. :) thank you for your comments, Rochelle. :)

Rochelle Frank profile image

Rochelle Frank  says:
8 months ago

Actually I think most of their customers are locals-- business people, office workers and high school kids.

Dame Scribe profile image

Dame Scribe  says:
8 months ago

Customers is good for them though. I bet they have super friendly personalities :)

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