Neighborhood newsstand kiosk

Commuters, office workers, hospital visitors, tourists and neighborhood regulars who want a quick purchase.

You earn a margin on each item sold. Newspapers and magazines usually earn a smaller margin, so snacks, drinks and sundries often make up much of the profit. Steady foot traffic matters most.

• Friendly, quick customer service
• Basic stock ordering and cash handling
• Choosing a location with steady foot traffic

• Rent and lease terms: foot traffic must cover rent, so negotiate carefully and check for short trial periods
• Local business license, sales tax permit and any city or county vending or kiosk rules
• Lottery, tobacco and vape sales usually need separate state or local licenses, check before you plan to sell them
• General liability and property insurance, plus workers' compensation if you hire staff
• Print sales can be slow, so do not rely on newspapers alone for income

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on the location, the kiosk or unit you take on, lease terms and how much opening stock you buy.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on foot traffic, your product mix and your rent. Print sales can be slow, so do not rely on newspapers alone. Plan on at least about 35 hours a week.

Check for a local business license, sales tax permit and any city or county vending or kiosk rules. Lottery, tobacco and vape sales usually need separate state or local licenses, so check before you plan to sell them. Also check insurance needs.