If you’re an aspiring small business owner, competing with large corporations and big box stores can make it seem like a difficult task. Many people are combatting these challenges and finding great success by starting a shopping centre kiosk business. Low overhead costs and short term lease commitments make this a great way to jumpstart your career as an entrepreneur. However, it is important to know how to run your business in a way that ensures it is profitable. Here are five tips that can help you create successful shopping centre kiosk business.
Sell a Great Product
The key to running a successful kiosk business is to sell a product you have confidence in. Once you’ve decided on a product, find a wholesaler who specialises in selling the product, who is trusted, reliable and well-priced. For instance, if you want to sell handbags, you will want to cut out the middleman find a direct source for wholesale handbags, saving time and money.
Choose a Busy Location
Once you have your product and supplier sorted out, you need to sort out a location for your kiosk. Aim to place your kiosk in a high traffic area, especially if you are setting up your business in a shopping centre. If you can’t land a high-traffic location, ask your employees to advertising your business in a high traffic area and direct people to your kiosk.
Create an Inviting Display
Shopping Centre Kiosks are becoming increasing popular, so you need to create a design that makes you stand out from the others. Your kiosk display is the first thing your potential customers will see. Passers-by will decide whether or not they want to check out your product within a matter of seconds. It is paramount that your kiosk clearly displays your product. If people don’t know what you are selling they will keep walking by.
Having a lively and attractive display is crucial, because most kiosks are in locations surrounded by other shops and businesses. Try adding clear and attractive graphics, lighting to your display, engaging passers-by with music and offering seating to create an inviting and comfortable environment.
Spread the Word
Be proactive in advertising your kiosk business. Use print media to send out a press release, get an ad into the yellow pages and contact a local newspaper or magazine. Use a website to sell your products online, and don’t forget to link it to social media pages, such as facebook and twitter, which are inexpensive and highly effective. Local television and radio are always happy to promote new businesses, don’t be shy in introducing them to yours. Word of mouth is an extremely valuable tool. Tell everyone about your kiosk and give out business cards whenever the opportunity arises.
Provide Amazing Customer Service
Good customer service is a key element in any business venture, but when you are running a kiosk, it can either make you or break you. Kiosk business owners in particular are faced with the challenge of attracting customers without being pushy. Hire friendly staff with outstanding customer service skills. Your staff should be knowledgeable about the product and willing to share that knowledge with your customers, without putting pressure on them. This is the kind of customer service that keeps people coming back again and again.
A shopping centre kiosk business is a fabulous way to get your entrepreneurial career off to a great start. Make it a quality and profitable kiosk by following these steps for a successful business venture.