ByIt’s one of the most important business decisions you will make. Whether you’re launching a new cart or kiosk business or expanding a successful one, find out how you can invest in a specialty retail concept that will deliver winning results.
Buying into a concept
Choosing the product you want to sell is the most important decision you’ll make. It will affect many other decisions along the way, from the location you choose to the pricing strategy you adopt.
Sometimes the best way to find the right product for your new business is to buy into a fully formed retail concept that’s based on a product that has already racked up a string of successes. Entrepreneurs buy into these concepts for a reason: They want to get into business without having to start one from scratch.
Most specialty retail concepts are structured as owner-operator or independent reseller programs, not franchises or “business opportunities.” The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) defines and heavily regulates those types of businesses, but not owner-operator, independent reseller or certain other retail business structures whose terms and conditions are left to the parties involved to determine as they see fit—within the confines of federal, state and local laws, of course.
Owner-operator or independent reseller programs are usually arms-length relationships where the entrepreneur who buys the business “package” is fully responsible for all retail operations, and purchases inventory at wholesale from the company offering the package. Franchises, on the other hand, usually require the retailer to operate under stringent terms and conditions, such as setting specific retail prices and displaying merchandise as the company dictates and buying inventory only from them. Whether this is an advantage to the buyer often depends on how much entrepreneurial independence that retailer wants. Some cart and kiosk concepts offer exclusive territories. That can be a plus if it’s a good territory and you have no plans to expand, but a minus if it’s a lousy territory or you want to expand into regions that are already taken.
Start-up costs
Start-up costs for cart or kiosk packages (including inventory, but not rent, permits, insurance, etc.) vary from around $500 to more than $45,000—with most of them falling between $3,000 and $10,000.
When you find a concept that interests you, analyze it by reviewing the offering company’s sales record and ask these key questions: Does this product sell well at owner-operator locations? You want a product that succeeds with turnkey operators, not just company-owned locations. How long has the company been in the specialty retail market? Because specialty retail is different from other types of retail, and has its own issues and challenges, experienced specialty retailers can help you navigate these obstacles quickly and efficiently.
Has the product succeeded in some locations but not others? While it’s exciting to hear about top locations with record sales, don’t be so dazzled that you forget to ask about locations that didn’t do as well as expected, and the factors that caused or contributed to it. Companies run by experienced specialty retailers will have answers that will help you zero in on factors that help ensure success—such as identifying the best demographic market for that product.
Does the company/product have name recognition? If the company is well established and its product is well respected, mall managers may be more willing to rent space to entrepreneurs with little or no experience. Investigate the company’s reputation and ask some of their independent retailers about their experiences with the company.
Can the company deliver? Do they guarantee product availability and delivery? There’s nothing more painful than facing a Christmas season or other peak time without enough product. Ask about the company’s turnaround time on product orders, especially during peak ordering periods. If you can, visit company headquarters and while you’re there, ask about their order-fulfillment processes.
When you’ve finished your analysis and picked the product right for you, congratulations! You’ve successfully completed the first and most important step to owning a successful and satisfying specialty retail operation.
To help you launch or expand your specialty retail business, SRR presents its annual listings of cart and kiosk startup packages. Please note that inclusion of a company in these listings does not imply an endorsement from Specialty Retail Report. Readers are advised to do their homework and research before pursuing new business opportunities.
Top Cart and Kiosk Start-ups: A-D
3D Games
Video games
Phone: 281.574.5849
American Apparel & Promotions
Custom apparel, promotional and presentation needs
Phone: 847.854.2670
Amika
Hair styling equipment & accessories
Phone: 866.833.3444
Aqua Massage International
Dry water massage and accessories
Phone: 800.248.4031
Aroma O2
Oxygen bar and heat-in-a-click
Phone: 843.267.9860
Attitude Line
Premium anti-aging Dead Sea products
Phone: 877.428.8833
Avani Dead Sea America Inc.
Dead Sea cosmetics line
Phone: 866.99.AVANI
Awesome Specialties Int’l
Multiple concepts – toys, music, gifts
Phone: 949.460.9192
Beach Essentials-The Saress
beach and poolside dress)
Phone: 403.398.3703
Bear Sentiments
Plush bears with sentimental expressions
Phone: 480.686.4960
Bearhands & Buddies
Unique mittens, scarves, hats, recycled denim
Phone: 877.805.9898
Bears In Chairs
Personalized bear-themed gifts
Phone: 866.MY.BEARS
Behind The Frame
Personalized photo mats and frames
Phone: 888.949.4443
Bellapierre Cosmetics
Mineral makeup and accessories
Phone: 888.982.3552
Bellezza
Hairstyling equipment & accessories
Phone: 877.726.7839
Belt Stop
Custom-made belts & headbands
Phone: 617.953.4361
Better Buzz Coffee Co.
Gourmet espresso, coffees, pastries, teas
Phone: 866.512.6911
Bico Australia
Fashionably unique tribal inspired jewelry
Phone: 877.781.9988
Big Apple Card Co.
Sports collectibles and memorabilia
Phone: 800.883.8090
Bling Strands
Fashion hair accessories
Phone: 801.759.4291
Blue Heron Bags
Fashionable handbags and accessories
Phone: 888.257.2033
Bodytime Wellness
spa and massage products and gifts
Phone: 866.826.3984
Boogie Heads
Personalized green-screen videos
Phone: 800.808.5989
Booster Juice
Fresh squeezed juice and smoothie bar
Phone: 503.675.7511
Bra Straps
Designer bra straps
Phone: 954.315.4793
Brow Art 23
Makeup, hair removal, skin care
Phone: 847.772.7577
Buckletown.Com
Hip-hop jewelry
Phone: 213.626.1572
Buddytops
Unique and adorable children’s plush hats
Phone: 347.612.3520
Butterfly Massager
Personal massage product
Phone: 800.573.8171
Buy4Store.Com
Jewelry, hair accessories, belts & belt buckles
Phone: 213.626.1572
CA Giant
Multiple concepts – RC toys, watches, jewelry
Phone: 626.307.8927
CA Trading
Multiple concepts – jewelry, fashion accessories
Phone: 877.412.9696
Calendar Club
Multiple concepts – calendars, games, gifts
Phone: 888.422.5637
Calliope Designs
Personalized Christmas ornaments
Phone: 707.527.7178
Candy Bouquet
Candy bouquets
Phone: 877.226.3901
Cart Planet, Llc
Artificial snow, makeup, skincare, hair products
Phone: 818.654.5256
Casi/Qlt
Innovative photo finishing products
Phone: 800.221.9832
Cellairis
Mobile phone accessories
Phone: 678.513.4020
Cellularum
Mobile phones and accessories
Phone: 800.578.8662
Celluphone
Wireless phones and accessories
Phone: 800.367.8822
Cereality
Cereals and snacks all day long
Phone: 480.362.4800
CJ Products
My Pillow Pets
Phone: 760.724.7225
Clear Protector
Clear film for protection for electronic devices
Phone: 801.671.6997
Coast To Coast Kiosks
iPod and mobile phone accessories
Phone: 866.226.1528
Coffee Cart Biz
Coffee shops, carts & kiosks
Phone: 888.239.9155
Coffee Expressions
Coffee cafes
Phone: 877.477.2507
Color Me Beautiful
Nationally known cosmetics and skincare
Phone: 800.606.3435
Comfy Feet
House slippers for kids & adults
Phone: 888.515.6677
Concessions Manufacturing
Kettle popcorn cookers, concession trailers
Phone: 888.POPCORN
Concord Toys
Factory-direct toys
Phone: 781.441.7018
Corda-Roy’S Originals
Patented bean bag beds
Phone: 352.332.1837
Coriollis
Hair straighteners & accessories
Phone: 323.852.0052
Cortex International
Hair styling equipment & accessories
Phone: 877.7.Cortex
Cottage Mills
Craft accessories & photo gifts
Phone: 800.322.1270 x6
Country Club Bed Sheets
Sheet sets
Phone: 908.352.5400
Crepemaker
The fresh alternative to fast food – crepes
Phone: 866.4.CREPES
Deb & Co.
Personalized Christmas ornaments
Phone: 866.478.6425
Deep Sea Cosmetics
Dead Sea cosmetics products
Phone: 866.539.DEEP
Deja Vu Cosmetics
Health & beauty products for face & body
Phone: 866.99.DEJAVU
Del Sol
Clothing & gifts that change color in the sun
Phone: 800.884.5815
Delightfully Yours
Christmas ornaments
Phone: 715.379.3491
Dippin Dots Franchising
Unique beads of ice cream yogurt
Phone: 270.575.6990
Domeskin
Protective skins for iPod, iPhone & Blackberry
Phone: 714.376.4682
Top Cart and Kiosk Start-ups: E-N
Elya Deals – Super Shammy
Absorbent towel
Phone: 800.416.9193
Embroid Now
Hats, shirts, towels, bags, etc.
Phone: 513.300.4114
Embroidery Station
Turnkey embroidery franchise
Phone: 866.394.4417
Emirimage Corp.
RC Cars, helicopters, boats, motorcycles, novelties
Phone: 866.628.3090
Enchanted World Of Boxes
Secret boxes, books, cats and fairies
Phone: 888.245.3233
Energy Inc.
Small steam iron for clothing
Phone: 915.873.4040
Enwrapture Vintage
Vintage silk wrap skirts from India
Phone: 951.302.7251
European Body Art
Airbrush temporary tattoos
Phone: 800.991.4322
Ez Refillable Candles
Personalized & easy-to-refill candles
Phone: 850.575.0921
Fanmats
Collegiate and professional licensed floor mats
Phone: 800.525.5923
Fifty-one
electronic cigarettes and accessories
Phone: 888.SMOKE.51
Filthy Rich Celebrity Jewelry
World famous historic jewelry replicas
Phone: 407.256.2565
Flagclothes.Com
Patriotic Clothing & Gift Line
Phone: 800.955.2456
Fotoquick
Black-and-white instant photography kiosks
Phone: 877.FOTO.QUICK
Friendly Folks
Personalized cartoon products
Phone: 800.963.6557
Friendly Songs
Personalized children’s music CDs
Phone: 800.963.6557
Fun Friends
Plush cellphone, iPod, computer mice, access.
Phone: 877.203.7185
G.S.I. Global-Mr. Fuzzy
Magic toy
Phone: 877.MR.FUZZY
Gigapals
Adoptable online collectible plush toys
Phone: 888.808.4442
Ginalli Milano
Hair styling equipment & accessories
Phone: 949.293.0895
Gito One Concepts, Inc
Phone Accessories
Phone: 877-411-gito
Glass Gallery
Glass home décor and gifts
Phone: 800.466.4527
Grandma Pants
Fleece and terrycloth clothing
Phone: 866.644.4973
Great American Cookies
Gourmet cookies
Phone: 770.514.4500
Guard-A-Kid
Child I.D. and safety products
Phone: 800.679.4256
Hair Diamond
Hair extensions & accessories
Phone: 877.846.6688
Handbag Express
Handbags & accessories
Phone: 800.616.1044
Happy Hippo Bath Co.
Epsom salted unique bath products
Phone: 888.877.7178
Hardcore Watches
Watches featuring original artwork by Steve Soffa
Phone: 951.694.1311
Heat In A Click
Innovative heating pads
Phone: 800.961.4950
Heat Makes Sense
Natural healing and beauty products
Phone: 866.833.3444
Heavens Therapy
Herbal therapy pacs & massage products
Phone: 561.901.2324
Hermit Crab Vendor
Turtles, iguanas, betas, hamsters, hermit crabs
Phone: 972.548.0688
Hi-Dow
Multiple concepts – slippers, massage mouse
Phone: 314.569.2888
His Witness Enterprises
Faith-based fragrance, bath & body, gifts
Phone: 866.820.6868
Historical Research Center
Coats of arms/family name history
Phone: 800.985.9956
Hobbytron
RC toys, mini helis, cars, planes & more
Phone: 818.675.9000
Hollywood Smiles
On-site teeth whitening
Phone: 87.SMILE.4US
Image Sunwear
Sunglasses and accessories
Phone: 866.625.8901
Imuse Accessories
Digital library systems and accessories
Phone: 800.709.5459
Inch Of Gold
Gold by the inch
Phone: 800.854.3434
Indo Imports
Bali & beach accessories
Phone: 866.706.0597
Initials By Joseph K.
Personalized childrens furnishings & home accessories
Phone: 800.459.9627
International Art Assoc.
Art distribution
Phone: 888.278.4009
Iris Impressions
Women’s clothing
Phone: 866.920.4577
Iron Stop
The Original Wind Spinner
Phone: 866.IRON.363
Ismart Massager
Mini Ismart and XP3 massagers for use anywhere
Phone: 800.881.8155
Iso Beauty
Hair straighteners
Phone: 818.771.9359
Italsteam
Light steam irons
Phone: 888.357.8326
Itti Bitz
Cryogenic ice cream
Phone: 800.322.9566
I-Wrapz
Electronic device skins and accessories
Phone: 973.759.0162
Izone Sunglasses
Sunglasses, eyewear and accessories
Phone: 888.883.4878
Jewelry Queen
Fashion jewelry
Phone: 800.830.6595
JJ Accessories
Belt buckles & accessories
Phone: 610.253.0921
Joseph K & Company
Christmas ornaments & gifts
Phone: 808.593.2883
Judson
Sterling silver jewelry
Phone: 866.615.8247
Just Oxygen
Oxygen
Phone: 800.889.6828
Kachina
Sunglasses, fashion accessories
Phone: 800.550.1231
Kariza Designs
Multi-wear apparel and accessories
Phone: 305.830.2900
Kernal Korner
Gourmet popcorn toppings
Phone: 888.877.7178
Kerusso
Christian T-shirts, hats, apparel, gifts, access.
Phone: 800.424.0943
Konad Usa Distribution
Konad stamping nail art
Phone: 714.736.0707
L.A. Wholesale Dist Inc.
Premium & luxury eyewear
Phone: 866.457.3937
Levy Trading
Global Whitening teeth-whitener
Phone: 323.582.6222
Linx & More
Exclusive line of personalized jewelry for all ages
Phone: 818.224.4050
Live Pos
Turnkey retail solutions
Phone: 866.800.5767
Looxis
3D portraits in crystal)
Phone: +49.0.571.590.4000
Macjac Art
Gallery without conventional walls
Phone: 416.272.0535
Magic Hair Combs
Handmade hair accessories
Phone: 877.641.2662
Magic Plant
Magic bean plant
Phone: 877.801.9733
Magic Rice
Personalized rice jewelry
Phone: 800.376.8791
Magic Spinbee
Magic Spinbee floating toy & more
Phone: 888.42.MAGIC
Magic Worm
Magic worm toy
Phone: 800.498.8003
Mass Vision
High fashion sunglasses
Phone: 877.609.9968
Maui Wowi
Hawaiian coffees, smoothies and more
Phone: 877.849.6992
Mediak
Personalized music and videos for kids
Phone: 800.797.7420
Melco
Embroidery and print solutions
Phone: 800.799.8313
Micabella Cosmetics
Mineral makeup
Phone: 888.640.MICA
Miche Bag
A handbag with interchangeable covers
Phone: 800.988.0813
Mini Masseuse
Portable professional hands-free massage unit
Phone: 888.840.5295
Mini Melts
Cryogenically frozen ice cream
Phone: 860.889.7300
Miracle Incense Company
Premium incense, oils and accessories
Phone: 800.777.8018
Moda Collection
Sunglasses
Phone: 888.308.6632
Montana Artistic Impressions
Personalized jewelry & porcelain art
Phone: 866.961.3353
Mrs. Fields Cookies
Gourmet cookies
Phone: 801.736.5737
Murano Market
Murano jewelry
Phone: 800.303.5526
My Design Paintable Boots
Paintable and erasable children’s boots
Phone: 646.257.2145
My Very Own Adventure
Personalized green-screen cartoon DVDs
Phone: 866.505.MVOA
Name In The Frame/That’s Me Sports
Personalized framed art
Phone: 888.389.5437
Natural Bed Co.
Kiosk & inline organic bed stores
Phone: 330.945.6438
Nature Creation
100% natural hot/cold herb packs & more
Phone: 888.250.2010
New Concepts/Moda Cocoon
Shape enhancing undergarments for women
Phone: 786.351.2728
Newave
Home and garden ornaments, windspinners
Phone: 214.205.1965
Next Innovations
Multiple concepts – in/outdoor art, spinners, gifts
Phone: 877.725.7404
Nys Collection
Sunglasses & accessories
Phone: 800.430.4211
Top Cart and Kiosk Start-ups: O-Z
Obey Your Body
Dead Sea skincare products
Phone: 888.902.OBEY
Occasionography
Personalized candy bars, mintbooks, water & more
Phone: 800.306.3552
Onsen
The future of skincare powder technology
Phone: 877.77.ONSEN
Ornament Central
Ornaments to personalize…or not
Phone: 800.584.4008
Outback Sheepskins
Sheepskin slippers, rugs, hats, toys
Phone: 800.468.9665
Painted Ladies Garden Art
Original garden artwork
Phone: 208.777.8724
Papaya Entertainment
Personalized eco-themed children’s videos
Phone: 800.680.1379
Peace Frogs
Peace frogs in family oriented apparel
Phone: 800.44.PEACE
Personal Touch Products
Personalized gift software and supplies
Phone: 877.593.1249
Personalized By Santa
Personalized Christmas ornaments
Phone: 888.GIFT.GIANT
Phantom Skinz
Clear protection film for cell phones & PDAs
Phone: 480.497.2965
Pizzas Of Eight
Unique turnkey pizza program
Phone: 314.454.1384
Pleasant Dreams
High-quality bedsheets
Phone: 571.285.4902
Post Card USA
Books, placemats, calendars, etc.
Phone: 954.680.1771
Premier USA
Dead Sea beauty products
Phone: 866.594.SKIN
Pretzel Time
Fresh soft pretzels
Phone: 877.NEXCEN.1
Pretzelmaker
Fresh soft pretzels
Phone: 877.NEXCEN.1
Puka Creations
Jewelry & accessories
Phone: 323.233.2010
Pur Element Cosmetics
Mineral makeup
Phone: 213.353.4835
Pure Colors
All-in-one 100% pure mineral cosmetics
Phone: 303.688.8310
Puzzled, Inc.
3D wooden toys
Phone: 888.789.3533
R/C ARE US Co Ltd.
Remote controlled toys
Phone: 323.908.6894
Relax Oasis
Spa Capsule dry massages and accessories
Phone: 561.688.1413
Relaxus
Wellness products, toys, slippers & more
Phone: 604.879.0899
Rhinestone Ruby
Personalized flip-flops, accessories with rhinestones
Phone: 212.290.7699
Rita’s Water Ice
Fresh Italian ices
Phone: 800.677.RITA
Roommates
Decorative peel-and-stick restickable room décor
Phone: 800.236.4520
Royale
Hair-styling equipment
Phone: 800.965.0302
Rudolph And Me
Best-selling resin personalized ornaments
Phone: 866.827.1400
S3B Capital LLC
Hair thickening technologies
Phone: 310.433.4822
Santa’s Pen/Joseph K.
Personalizable Christmas ornaments, holiday gifts
Phone: 800.459.9627
Savemypix.Com, Inc.
Bulk scanning of photos & slides
Phone: 888.749.4383
Sea Of Spa America
Dead Sea body and face products
Phone: 866.799.7672
Seacret Spa
Dead Sea minerals skin care line
Phone: 866.700.PURE
Seamless Wraps Llc
Vinyl wraps for vehicle & indoor/outdoor advertising
Phone: 508.345.0253
Shapes Brow Bar
Eyebrow threading, makeup & body art concept
Phone: 877.SHAPES.0
Sheepskin Gifts
Sheepskin slippers, rugs & accessories
Phone: 818.399.9710
Shoe MGK
Shoe MGK shoe care products
Phone: 877.444.7463
Shylaa Creations
Original sari wraps, direct from India
Phone: 916.342.5317
Simpson Specialty, Llc
Toy ping-pong ball shooter
Phone: 415.686.3790
Skin Kits
Protective, personalized decal vinyl skins
Phone: 877.SKIN.987
Sky Gifts-Murano Mall
Jewelry & accessories
Phone: 714.612.8879
Smoke Free
electronic cigarette
Phone: 800.653.8594
Smoking Everywhere
Electronic cigarettes and accessories
Phone: 800.613.0337
Smooth Legs
Hair removal system
Phone: 714.540.5595
Snow In Seconds
Instant artificial snow
Phone: 866.640.7605
Snow Powder
Instant artificial snow
Phone: 818.654.5256
Solar
Personalized holiday ornaments & gifts
Phone: 888.GIFT.GIANT
Solarx Eyewear
Sunglasses and eyewear accessories
Phone: 866.298.0433
South Mill Design
Makers of Phubby, wrist cubby for cell phone
Phone: 877.466.0273
Specialty Retail Sales
Personalized and collector card sport frames
Phone: 888.949.4443
Sunfeather Natural Soap Co.
Natural and organic body care
Phone: 315.265.3648
Sunrayzz Imports
Wholesale, discount & replica sunglasses
Phone: 877.733.1266
Sunshine Innovations
Wind spinners
Phone: 954.678.6708
Swisa Beauty
Dead Sea skincare products
Phone: 866.794.7252
Swyrich Corporation
Coats of Arms and name histories
Phone: 800.265.7099
Tat International
Temporary airbrush tattoos
Phone: 800.280.8198
Team Heads
Unique sports-team plush hats & more
Phone: 888.554.1350
Tees For Fun
Great t-shirts with fun sayings
Phone: 832.257.9422
Temptu
Airbrush body art, stencil paints
Phone: 888.9.TEMPTU
The Back Rubber
Vending massage chairs
Phone: 866.919.8363
The Carriage Works
Designer/manufacturer of carts & kiosks
Phone: 541.882.0700
The Coffee Beanery
Coffee cafes
Phone: 800.441.2255
The Jewelry Factory Of America
Spirit, teams and themes jewelry
Phone: 918.369.5030
The Next Hot Toy
Hot toys
Phone: 323.230.5573
The Old Orchard Potpourri Pie
Potpourri pie, real dough, Michigan-made
Phone: 269.646.9823
The Orginal Butterfly Comb
Hair accessories
Phone: 210.451.0371
The Secret Of The Himalayan
Himalayan skincare products
Phone: 866.794.7252
The Sports Scene
Sports collectibles and memorabilia
Phone: 570.881.4814
The Sunglass Co./Holiday Prod
Sunglasses
Phone: 443.421.0485
The Water Beads
water beads
Phone: 954.632.0747
Tickers Watch And Clock Co.
Fashion watches and clocks
Phone: 866.669.2604
Tol Products
Etre, Jose Eber, Institute of Instant Beauty, more
Phone: 818.504.0057
Tooks International
Hats with built-in headphones
Phone: 888.820.3220
Toy Town
Remote controlled & battery operated toys
Phone: 713.783.1001
Triple Image Cosmetics
All-natural nail and skincare products
Phone: 800.987.9999
Unique Skins
Custom mobile phone gel skins
Phone: 248.225.3799
UJ Trading
Toys
Phone: 800.536.2691
US Jaclean
Health & wellness, massage & fitness products
Phone: 310.538.2298
We’re Rolling Pretzel Factory
Hand-rolled soft pretzels
Phone: 888.549.7655
What A Smoke
Electronic cigarettes and accessories
Phone: 877.288.9120
White Science
Teeth whitening service and products
Phone: 866.709.4483
Wild Creations
Eco-aquariums and accessories
Phone: 843.448.8880
Winner Wireless/Diva
Cell phone covers with bling
Phone: 888.239.5864
Wood Roses USA
Wood roses and accessories
Phone: 888.949.4443
World Of Soccer
Licensed soccer jerseys from around the world
Phone: 888.827.0325
Wow Smile Xpress
Cosmetic teeth-whitening products
Phone: 561.381.5115
X8 Body Hardware
Body piercing supplies
Phone: 800.716.4626
Zikzok USA
Collection of fashion jewelry
Phone: 305.652.3555
Zippy Rides
Animal ride mall play areas for children, parents
Phone: 866.739.3947
