Newspaper and magazine kiosk

Commuters, hospital visitors, shoppers and office workers who buy on impulse or as part of a daily routine.

You earn a margin on each sale. Newspapers and magazines usually carry a modest margin, while snacks, drinks, cards and accessories often earn more. Takings depend heavily on footfall.

• Friendly customer service
• Stock ordering and cash handling
• Early starts and reliable opening hours

• Lease costs and terms, which can take a large share of takings, so check them carefully before signing
• Supply arrangements with newspaper and magazine distributors, including returns and minimum orders
• Selling newspapers, magazines and general goods usually needs no special licence, but if you sell packaged or prepared food or hot drinks, check with your local council whether you must notify or register as a food business
• Tobacco, lottery and similar products need separate state or territory licensing or agency approval, so check with the relevant regulator before deciding to sell them
• Long, early hours and falling print sales, so don't rely on papers alone

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on your location, fit-out and opening stock. Lease costs can take a large share of takings, so check the terms carefully before signing.

Selling newspapers, magazines and general goods usually needs no special licence. If you sell packaged or prepared food or hot drinks, check with your council about food business rules. Tobacco and lottery products need separate licensing or agency approval.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on foot traffic, your product mix and lease costs. That is revenue, not profit. Print sales are falling, so don't rely on papers alone.