Palmer Retail Solutions Blog

5 Times You Need to Use a Kiosk Cart

Posted by Kathy Heil on Jun 16, 2016 11:21:33 AM

AdobeStock_95267939.jpegSometimes the perfect retail store is actually a kiosk cart. By now, anyone who follows retail trends (or frequents their local mall) knows these small establishments can be just as lucrative as a brick-and-mortar store. And they offer alternatives the bigger options do not. So is a kiosk cart right for you? Here are five times you should answer yes.

1. When cost is a factor.

Getting a kiosk cart business up and running costs a fraction of what you would spend to open a traditional store. Your initial investment is smaller and so is your risk, if for some reason you decide this isn’t for you.

You can buy, rent or lease carts and kiosks. Just remember that’s only one of many costs you’ll have to build into your budget. Can you price the merchandise you’ve selected so you make a profit?

2. When you’re anxious to get going.

From idea to “doors open,” you can be ready to sell with a kiosk cart in just a few weeks. Maybe even sooner. But the key to a grand Grand Opening and ongoing sales is preparation. Don’t be in such a hurry that you skimp on other important details of starting your business.

3. When you need flexibility.

Many carts and kiosks operate only seasonally. That’s not an option with a traditional type of store, where you’ll need a long-term lease. Malls offer short leases – by the month or for just one year – to accommodate temporary as well as year-round businesses. If one location isn’t doing well for you, you may be able to move to a new position within the same mall (or airport or other high-traffic place) later.

Flexibility comes in the form of design, too. You can create a cart or kiosk that is virtually any size, and outfitted specifically for your products, whether you plan to sell food, flowers, or something else.

4. When you don’t want to be “established.”

Portability is one of the key advantages of a kiosk cart. Although you can choose a permanent or seasonal fixed location in a mall or other venue, what if you want to get out and about with your business? Carts and small kiosks can be mounted on a trailer, towed, or outfitted with wheels. You can operate at outdoor events only, or sell outdoors when the weather is nice and move indoors during winter.

Mobility also enables you to use a small kiosk cart inside a traditional store, relocating it in different departments to highlight featured merchandise, sample products, etc.

5. When you’re looking for versatility.

At a quick glance, it may seem most kiosks and carts sell just one product. But look more closely. They actually allow a specific kind of versatility that draws shoppers and boosts sales: deep selection. Most stores stock lots of different products, but not much variety within each line. Kiosks excel when you do the opposite – stock one type of product (say, sunglasses or watches) but a wide choice of colors, styles, etc. that customers can’t find elsewhere.

Download the  Mall Kiosk eBook

1. When you have a limited budget.

Topics: Kiosks

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