Mall or shopping center kiosk

Passing shoppers, tourists and gift buyers making quick impulse purchases.

You buy or make products and sell them at a markup. You pay the mall monthly rent, sometimes plus a share of sales, so product choice and a good location decide your margin.

• Friendly, confident selling
• Choosing products that sell on impulse
• Basic stock and cash tracking

• Mall leases can have minimum terms, deposits and rules on kiosk design and hours, so read the lease carefully
• Check your state's sales tax registration and your city or county business license rules
• General liability insurance, which most malls require, often with the mall named on the policy
• Slow seasons and weak foot traffic, so don't commit to a long lease before testing a spot
• Some product types (such as vapes or certain cosmetics) have extra rules, so check before stocking them

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the kiosk design, your lease deposit and the range of stock you buy. Read the lease carefully for minimum terms, deposits and design rules.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on foot traffic, your product line and the season. Slow seasons and weak traffic are a risk, so avoid a long lease before testing a spot.

Check your state's sales tax registration and your city or county business license rules. Most malls require general liability insurance, often naming the mall on the policy. Also check extra rules for certain products, such as vapes or some cosmetics, before stocking them.