05-05-2007, 07:56 AM
Quote:FACT #1 People buy things, use them, retire them, and potentially replace them. This is nothing new, and will continue as long as we are called consumers.
FACT #2 The internet is the broadest medium in existence, so if you market something on the internet, it will have the widest reach (this statement is platform neutral).
FACT #3 People are busy and are willing to pay for a valuable service. Similar to people that go to a car wash, there are a large percentage of people who are busy and are willing to pay for convenience. Keep in mind,...it's a lot harder to successfully sell something on eBay than it is to get out the hose and a sponge and wash your own car.
These three facts are the principle reasons why the drop-off store industry has such a large future...
full article: http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abn/y07/m05/i04/s05
Another point of view:
Quote:EBay drop-off stores rethink business model
As growth of eBay drop-off business slows, stores rethink their models
The get-rich-quick fantasy is fading for the eBay drop-off store business. The recent years' explosion of grand openings by independent operators and franchisors ready to help consumers sell the stuff in their attic online appears to have slowed as experience proves how hard it can be to make a profit.
California-based franchisor iSold It recently announced it would stop selling new franchises so it could focus on helping existing franchisees. The move came as the company faced complaints from ex-franchisees who set up a Web site to air their concerns that iSold It painted a too rosy picture of the prospects...
full article: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07123/782951-28.stm