Neighborhood call shop with phone booths

Immigrants and international students who want low-cost calls home, and people whose relatives have no smartphone or reliable internet.

Per-minute charges on calls, plus a margin on calling credit sold at the counter. Your cost per minute depends on your VoIP or carrier supplier.

• Friendly customer service
• Basic bookkeeping and cash handling
• Speaking the languages of your neighborhood

• Many people now use free calling apps, so check that real demand exists on your street before you commit to a lease
• Telecom rules and fees can apply to calling services, so check with your supplier and your state about what you must register or collect
• Sales tax on telecom services varies by state, so check with your state tax agency
• Offering money transfers or similar services usually needs separate state licensing, so don't add them until you've checked
• General liability insurance and a suitable lease, including any rules on signage and opening hours
• Thin margins per minute, so keep rent and equipment costs low

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on the storefront lease, the number of booths and the equipment you buy. These are estimates. Keeping rent and equipment costs low matters because margins per minute are thin.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on location, foot traffic, your per-minute prices and any calling credit you sell. These are estimates. Check that real demand exists on your street before you commit to a lease.

Check telecom rules and fees with your supplier and your state, including what you must register or collect. Also check sales tax on telecom services, separate state licensing before offering money transfers, general liability insurance, and lease rules on signage and opening hours.