The Newsstand Association of Philadelphia offers introductory answers to frequently asked questions about the newsstand business and getting started. Links throughout the answers will guide you to further information on our website or from other sources. Should you have any other questions, please use our "Contact Us" web page.
"How do I get started?"
Well, let me begin by asking do you have good credit and revenue easily obainable? If yes, great! If no, if you do not have good credit and revenue easily obtainable, then maybe you should start to look for something else.
"How much do I need to get started?"
Many first starters believe that you can get into the business with virtually no money; that is furthest from the truth. As in any new business venture you need capital in order to get started. The first thing you need to ask yourself is, do I have the necessary capital (minimum between $10,000 and $100,000) to start a business?
"How do I purchase a newsstand from someone?"
If you are purchasing a newsstand license from someone who has a newsstand on a specific corner you should first and foremost negotiate with the existing owner and come to an agreement. Once you come to an agreement on the price, you need to go to Licenses and Inspections at the Municipal Services building at 15th and Arch street, ground floor. You can also call 215-686-2490 and speak with an License & Inspections Service Representative. You should have the seller accompany you to change the License in your name. We believe it would be more effective and you would accomplish more if you visited. If you need NAP assistance, we urge you to join our association and we would most readily help you throughout this process.
"What if there are no Newsstands for sale?"
If you are trying to establish a new location where there isn't a newsstand on the particular corner, you need to contact a License & Inspections Service Representative at the number below or go to Licenses and Inspections at the Municipal Services building at 15th and Arch street, ground floor. A License & Inspections Service Representative will give you a sheet of paper that will list the four steps that you must achieve for you to be successful in acquiring your location. You can also call 215-686-2490 and speak with a License & Inspections Service Representative. If you need NAP assistance, we urge you to join our association and we would most readily help you throughout this process.
"Inside the Newsstand, are you cold in the Winter or hot in the Summer?”
The answer to both questions is a resounding no!!! 90% of all newsstands have electric to heat and cool the premises. The notion that we are suffering from the cold and heat is foolish and misrepresentative of the facts.
I hope this page was helpful and we have clarified the process so that you can proceed.
- John Rocco, PresidentNewsstand Association of Philadelphia