Calling booth inside a grocery or convenience store

Shoppers at ethnic grocery stores, laundromats or convenience stores who want to call relatives abroad, plus people buying credit to use elsewhere.

Per-minute call charges and a margin on credit sold. You usually agree a rent or a share of takings with the store owner.

• Friendly customer service
• Negotiating a simple deal with a store owner
• Basic cash handling and record keeping

• Your own business registration, sales tax setup and any local license, which may not be covered by the store's, so check with your city, county and state
• Telecom rules and fees that may apply to calling services, so check with your supplier and your state
• Insurance, including whether the store's policy covers you or you need your own general liability cover
• Weak demand as free calling apps spread, so test with one booth before spending more
• Dependence on the store owner, since a lease change or closure can end your spot

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on how many booths you install, the equipment you buy and the deal you make with the store owner. These are estimates. Test with one booth before spending more.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on the store's foot traffic, your prices, calling credit sales and your weekly hours. These are estimates. Demand may be weak as free calling apps spread, so test first.

Check your own business registration, sales tax setup and any local license, since the store's may not cover you. Also check telecom rules with your supplier and state, whether the store's insurance covers you, and what happens if the owner changes the lease.