Kiosk / Pod Business advise & Info

[exp121260]

Hi Guys, 

Just wondering if any of you guys on here operating your business from Timpson Style Kiosk/Pod in a retail parks? 

An opportunity to open one has come up near me but I have no much information on these sort of business venture. 

Trying to work out; 

Fixed Kiosk or trailer/ movable - which one is better. 

What source of electricity is best , Diesel generator could be enough to operate key cutting machines ? 

What are the obstacles of having these business and what size/style Kiosks are good. 

Any info/advise would be much appreciated!

 

[Count Muppet]

I think it was @Simes who had a place in a carpark in Carlisle 

 

the timpson pods are fed by electric direct from the supermarket and pay a percentage of turnover for the pleasure

[berty]

I've operated a business from a kiosk-style set up in a retail park, so that I can share some insights from my experience. When choosing between a fixed kiosk and a movable trailer, it largely depends on your business concept and location. A designated kiosk offers a stable presence, while a portable trailer provides flexibility, which can be advantageous for exploring various places.

Regarding a power source, a diesel generator can power essential cutting machines and other equipment, but you should consider noise and emissions regulations, especially in retail park settings.
Regarding obstacles, finding the right location with sufficient foot traffic and understanding local permits and regulations are essential. As for the size and style of the kiosk, it should align with your business concept and the available space in the retail park.

While running my kiosk business, I found tools like AdSpy handy for understanding competitors' advertising strategies. If you plan to market your business, this tool can provide insights into your competitors' ad campaigns on various social media platforms, which can be a valuable asset for shaping your advertising efforts effectively.

[exp121260]

Thanks berty for your advise. 

Location is good with plenty footfall and there is no competition close by. 

I do prefer fixed kiosk as I wouldn't be interested to move around due to the specific rules and regulation each retail park has. 

My biggest issue would be the power supply, the retail park said if we supply the  power , there will be restriction on your kiosk location ,as we need to dig the car park for the power cables ect. they recommended( a kiosk with pre fitted) solar power but I think this would not provide enough power to run all machines and heating in the winter. It would be expensive initial set-up cost all together & rent also more than I expected for a small pod at a busy retail park! 

Thanks for your contribution .. much appreciated ! 

 

[mrkeys]

sorry ive only just seen this post, I do this, its been hugely successful, 

Where is this opportunity? what location

I bought a fully insulated cabin with double glazing and electrics installed, I just had to have the electric supply connected from the warehouse car park that I am in

this was about £800

I bought my cabin from "midlands portable buildings" (cost about £7k delivered) todays prices are unfortunately about £11k

the cabins are prone to attempted break ins every time they have tryed ive upgraded security, they only got in once but that was enough so I now have an alarm, shutters welded over the windows, steel sheets welded over the roof, a shutter fitted over the front door and an extra security bar covering the shutter, also upgraded the lock on the door, this has not changed the look of my shop ive simply covered anything unsightly with more advertising signs, although after 8 years they are now being replaced as the sun has bleached them, but that wont happen next time as I've invested in better signage

[exp121260]

Sorry, I just saw you response to my post on here.

Thanks for all the provided info. 

What size is you cabin please ? 

I was  told that, I need to have Diesel Generator as there is no power source access outside. 

The retail park is based in Nottingham, I am now put off slightly as the annual rent quoted by the retail park operators is considerably high. 

 

 

 

[mrkeys]

My cabin is 8 metre by 3 metre but I don't see how you would make it work with a generator inside the cabin. I'm thinking noise and fumes here, from what I know of generators they need to be outside but who knows?

Not sure how you feel about a mobile unit, but I would say there is less risk with one of these as you can always move with a little more ease, if for instance they put you in the corner of the retail park next to a Morrisons or similar and that retailer chooses to leave then you are stuck there with a cabin with massively reduced footfall. A central location might be safer