Last week we met with the leasing agent at the mall and filled out our application for a kiosk. Let’s pretend that we heard back from the mall and our application has been approved. Yippee!

Now we will begin asking for the sun and the moon before we sign the final contract. Let the leasing agent know that you have not yet decided if you will be going into their mall or the other mall in your city. Use the other mall as one of your negotiating tools.

Ideally, you do not want to sign a three or four month contract with the mall. Since the mall makes money by charging its customers for rent, it is in their interest to lock you in to a contract. Let them know that you really do plan on staying for three – four months but In view of the economy, the fact that this is your first time spraying tats in a mall, and you are just a small business person, you don’t know what to expect, therefore, you feel very uncomfortable committing to any long term contract. You may have to pay a little extra in rent for going month to month but I do believe it’s worth it.

You will want to negotiate on the amount you will be paying for rent. Like I said last week there may not be any wiggle room from the mall on the rent but it’s worth a try. If you cannot get them to budge on the rent, you may be able to get something else from them, like setting up one or two weeks early, rent free.

Walk the mall with the leasing agent and select your spot. Remember, the area by the food court is the best location for spraying tats. This is where you need to be. If that location is not available, your second option would be to locate close to the food court. Since this is not prime time for the mall, you have a pretty good chance of getting the location you are requesting.

Getting insurance is next on your agenda. As I said previously, check the article by Kirk on our website for agents. You can also check the Forum to see who other customers are recommending and ask the mall leasing agent for referrals. Get a few quotes and search for the best price on insurance.

If you have our Starter System, then you have the basics you will need to get started. You will have to purchase a cash register. The mall requires a cash register and will want to see proof of your weekly sales totals. Before purchasing a new cash register, check around to see if you can find a good used cash register. In addition to the cash register you will want to get a small stool for applying ankle tats. The mall usually supplies one tall stool for the cart, request two for your cart, one for you and one for the customer, at no additional cost, of course. You will also need to supply your cart with your own waste basket and hand mirrors. You already know that you will need to supply your own cotton balls, make-up squares, rubbing alcohol and powder as well as simple cleaning supplies to keep the cart looking neat and inviting.

Take a good look at the cart your mall is offering and think about how you will be setting it up. Next week I will be addressing the issue of designing your cart. See you then.

Bonnie