Opening a Kiosk: Checklist — Location, Range, Equipment
The kiosk is a local supplier, meeting point and late-night shop all in one. The concept lives and dies by the location — and with the right additional range, it earns significantly more than from newspapers alone. The checklist from the property to the product range.
Step 1: Location & Property
| Criterion | What to watch out for |
|---|---|
| Traffic Magnet | Stops, stations, schools, hospitals, leisure facilities, nightlife neighbourhoods — the kiosk thrives on foot traffic. |
| Area | Often 10–30 m² is enough. Crucial: sales window/counter to the street and enough storage space for drink replenishment. |
| Opening Hours Potential | Evening and weekend sales are the core business — check lease agreement and house rules for restrictions. |
| Electricity & Cooling Space | Drink refrigerators operate 24/7 — plan sufficient socket circuits and good ventilation for the appliances. |
| Special Use | Displays, ice cream chest or standing table in front of the door require permission from the local authority. |
Step 2: Authorities, Permits & Experts
| Office | Responsibility | When |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Office | Business registration | before opening |
| Health Department | Instruction under § 43 IfSG as soon as you offer unpackaged food (coffee, hot dogs, sandwiches) | before the first working day |
| Food Inspection | Operation registration + hygiene regulations | before opening |
| Building Authority | Only for conversion (e.g. sales window) change of use; special permit for displays, ice chest or standing table in front of the door | clarify before contract signing |
| Tax Office | Tax registration; TSE-certified cash register is mandatory | before opening |
| Accident Insurance Fund | Mandatory registration (trade: BGHW) | within 1 week after founding |
| Range Specialties | Alcohol sold by the bottle usually permit-free (strict youth protection!); on-site serving is subject to licensing laws; tobacco with age verification; newspapers via wholesaler contract; lotto acceptance point via application to state lottery company; check state shop closing law | depending on product range |
Who helps with what
- Shopfitter/Joiner for counters, shelves and possibly the sales window — ask building authority before structural changes.
- Electrician: Drink refrigerators and ice chests run 24/7 — plan enough protected electric circuits and ventilation for the units. We advise on cooling appliance selection: Contact.
- Tax Advisor: many small cash sales + newspapers/tobacco with special rules — clean cash register from day 1.
- Wholesaler: Drink specialist wholesaler (often provides loan refrigerators with brand logo — calculate carefully, own units are usually cheaper), newspaper wholesaler, confectionery/snack wholesaler.
Step 3: Budget Guidelines
| Item | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Deposit & Initial Rents | 3–6 months' rent |
| Cooling Technology (drinks, frozen, ice) | from approx. €3,000–10,000 net |
| Shopfitting, Shelves, Cash Register | from approx. €5,000–15,000 net |
| Initial Stock Range | from approx. €5,000–15,000 |
| Reserve | at least 3 months fixed costs |
Step 4: Equipment That Pays Off at the Kiosk
- Drink refrigerators with glass door — see-through goods sell; detail: Buying guide for drink refrigerators
- Freezer chests for ice cream — a margin booster in summer
- Snack equipment: hot dog device or coffee to go noticeably increase the turnover
- Ice cube makers for cooler box sales and summer drinks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a kiosk still worthwhile?
Pure newspaper sales hardly contribute anymore — today's margin lies in chilled drinks, snacks, coffee to go and long opening hours at the right location.
How many refrigerators do I need?
Rule of thumb: as much glass door cooling area as the wall allows — chilled drinks are the core business. A lockable model for after closing time is practical.
Am I allowed to sell alcohol at the kiosk?
Bottle sales for takeaway are generally possible within the shop law framework (observe youth protection!); serving for on-site consumption falls under hospitality law. Clarify with the regulatory office if in doubt.
Proven Appliances for the Kiosk
- Glass Door Refrigerator CD 350 | KBS
- Glass Door Refrigerator CD 350 with Lock | KBS
- Hot Dog Device | Bartscher
- Ice Cube Maker Joy 118 L | KBS
We fully equip your operation
From the first sketch to the ready-to-use kitchen: We plan your equipment, deliver the appliances and personally advise you — also on budget and schedule.
Last updated on 25 July 2026.