Читать книгу Start & Run a Gift Basket Business - Mardi Foster-Walker - Страница 26

During the busy December holidays, you may want to consider taking a kiosk space in a shopping mall, produce market, office, or public building. This can be as simple as setting up a table of sample gift baskets, handing out brochures, and taking orders, or a more elaborate portable structure that you have designed and built. If you run your business from your home, renting a kiosk can provide valuable added exposure to your business during this busy time. Even if you are renting office or studio space, which provides more exposure, you can attract new “walk-by” customers by setting up a seasonal kiosk.

However, keep in mind that renting a kiosk can be a large undertaking, and I do not suggest you try this the first year of your operation. Instead, during your first December of being in business, take a day or two to research locations for the following year. This will give you the opportunity to observe how others run this type of seasonal business and let you choose a location that seems to generate the most traffic.

If you decide that it is a viable option for you, start planning a year in advance. Find out who is in charge of leasing at the site you decide upon, and contact them in early January. Ask the following questions:

(a) How long is the period of operation?

(b) What hours are you expected to keep?

(c) What is the rent?

(d) What special licenses or permits do you need?

(e) What type of insurance do you need?

(f) What type of security is available?

(g) Is there a locked storage area available?

If you decide to try this type of venture, it should be because your business is successful and you are at a point where you can afford to hire someone to work the kiosk. If you cannot afford to hire a student or temporary employee to run the seasonal kiosk, then you should concentrate your efforts on running your already-established business from your home or office. The December gift-giving period is too important a time for a gift basket company to risk having you away from the office or workshop.

If you decide to have a custom-made kiosk, have a cart on wheels built. This can be rolled away at night and put in a secured area. It will also be useful throughout the year because you can use it for display and at craft shows and trade fairs. Depending on how elaborate you want to get, you should be able to have a mobile cart designed and built for around $1,000. Don’t forget to have a professionally designed sign made so your potential customers know what you are selling.