Big Box stores stock only minimal and generally low quality items in the "outdoor gear" sections, typically only one or two brands line. Most hardware or other small stores have nearly nothing of any quality or utility. Mail order is costly, and you have to take a lot of time to research and identify tools/equipment that provide the best value. Some items are VERY hard to even locate, and many would not think of looking for them. "Outfitters" and Military Surplus stores, WHEN they are available, offer good selection, but again the time involved in determining what to purchase becomes a factor. Unless you one of those "Survival Nuts" , you likely will never set foot in one of these stores, much less spend time picking out equipment.

Most people are very UNprepared for even a typical weather related incident. My thoughts are to assemble various "modules" priced and packaged to become an "impulse" purchase at the routine mall visit. For example: core signaling, fire, and water treatment supplies; personal safety and shelter; trauma first aid; household preservation; specialized tools; and others. The modules would not be duplicitous, and could be easily purchased over numerous visits to provide a complete disaster preparedness solution. The kiosk display will create a mental "need" with images of Katrina and other ordinary citizens caught unprepared, and play to the natural instinct of people to protect their families.

MRE's and other specialized long shelf-life food/drink products could be sampled, and orders taken for drip-shipping. Free food samples ALWAYS attract a crowd...

A kiosk would easily provide adequate space and excellent visibility to a large potential market that would otherwise not be actively looking for the type of product; selling "modules" will increase the per transaction price (vs. selling all items individually); Modules will also provide the opportunity for families to plan future purchases over time (while getting visual reminders every time they visit the mall) creating repeat business. Naturally, sales events would coincide with the local seasonal threats (snowstorms, hurricane/tornado season, etc.), taking advantage of the additional "fear factors" created by the local news media.

Comments?

I think this is a great idea.
As far as the food goes make sure you have the necessary licenses and permits though.

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Beware of selling any government-issue MRE's. Tons of them were sold in the original cartons after the twin hurricanes in Louisiana of '05. Although they have a very long storage life, reselling MRE's that were given away during the evacuations and recovery periods is illegal.

The federal gov't doesn't take kindly to either foreign agencies or US residents who try to sell what they have given free of charge.

The original cartons carry messages that they are not to be sold, but I don't believe the individual bags are labeled. That doesn't make it legal or exempt you from being investigated or prosecuted. You may not have any trouble initially, but it market enough and sell enough, you will likely be visited.

Buying and selling the MRE's from the manufacturer or their distributor would be acceptable, but how can you be certain if you aren't buying direct from the source.

Just a note of caution.

Dennis Bevers

Dennis Bevers
BASSCO, Inc.
Full-time, home-based, self-empolyed since 1987.
Dealers needed-US residents only!