How to Start an eBay Drop-off Store
eBay drop-off stores are independently-owned storefront locations that assist eBay sellers with their transactions. The stores are operated by recognized eBay Trading Assistants. Sellers generally bring listed items to the store, although store staff may pick up the merchandise as an extra service. Items essentially are sold on consignment, and the drop-off store handles all customer service and shipping tasks. The store retains a percentage of the proceeds for commissions and expenses.
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Things You'll Need
- Local zoning regulations
- Business license
- Sales tax license
- Building signage
- Shelving and fixtures
- Trading Assistant requirements
- Liability insurance documentation
- Bonding documentation
- Selling policies handout
- Ad rates and copy for classified ads
- Fliers
- Brochures for antique and collectible shop owners
- Balloons for eBay Sellers' Bonanza
- Refreshments
- Commission specials flier
- Referral bonus program information
Instructions
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Design your business structure. Visit your local zoning office to obtain zoning regulations. Consult with a certified public accountant familiar with consignment or thrift shop businesses. Meet with a commercial insurance agent with similar experience and with a liability background. Obtain a business license at your city or county clerk’s office. Finally, contact your state department of revenue to inquire about a sales tax license.
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Select a strategic location. Look for a site highly visible from the main road and, preferably, adjacent to other businesses with regular traffic. Ensure your building has plenty of parking even on days when other businesses are bustling with customers. Install exterior signage that readily identifies your building as an eBay drop-off store. Provide plenty of shelving inside for consignment merchandise.
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Meet eBay Trading Assistant requirements. Trading Assistants are experienced eBay sellers who maintain consistent sales volumes and good feedback scores. The Trading Assistants commonly visit clients to obtain merchandise although some Trading Assistants may also operate eBay drop-off stores. All Trading Assistants must live in the United States.
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Satisfy eBay drop-off store requirements. In addition to meeting Trading Assistant requirements, eBay drop-off store operators must maintain a staffed facility and regular business hours. Drop-off location owners also must also obtain liability insurance and bonding for their operations.
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Establish your trading structure. Because eBay management considers your drop-off store an independent business, you are free to set your own service and fee structure. Before you begin accepting merchandise, develop a handout of your selling policies to distribute to customers. Selling policy decisions include commission structures for different types of items, fees for optional services such as item pick-up or extensive research and procedures for items that don’t sell through eBay auction.
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Market your eBay drop-off store. Reach sellers of general merchandise through several methods including placing ads in the “Merchandise for Sale” classified ad section of local newspapers, fliers in popular gathering spots such as coffee shops and local delis, and brochures with owners of antique and collectible shops.
Schedule an eBay Sellers’ Bonanza. Create a festive atmosphere with balloons and refreshments. Institute Sellers’ Bonanza commission specials to encourage customers to bring in their items. Offer a referral bonus program for customers whose friends and family use your eBay drop-off store.
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References
Resources
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