Anyone been to a "Quik Drop" Store?

DirtyHarry

Asking for some help. I am looking into procuring territory franchise rights for "Quik Drop" retail outlets. They are one of the leaders in the new segment of "bring it in and we will sell your stuff for a percentage on Ebay" with a retail store front presence. They are currently operating outlets in CA, TX, NY, SC, FL and are currently opening the mid west and central.

In doing my research, I came across an article that says they have a business "partnership" with Collectors Universe that entails, of course, authentication of cards, autos, coins, stamps, et al.....

Has anyone been to one these outlets, and if so, can you share your experience? Also interested in how you may have perceived any marketing tied in with PSA/CU.

Thanks very much. Regards.

kuhlmann

What is the percentage they get? and what if it doesnt sell. i do this at my store but havent advertised it. I recently heard someone doing this with a store front in chatanooga tenn. I like any more info you find on this also.

kuhlmann

I found the info. very interesting read. 38% is what you make.


link

DirtyHarry

Kuhlmann - the fees for both Quik Drop and Auction Drop - who are the leaders investing in growth, are on a sliding scale. Generally, the minimum item value requirement is $50. Based on the average sale price of a particular item, the fees average about 27%. Smaller concerns have different fee structures.

kuhlmann

Way i see it is a Fancy way to run a pawn shop. what do you think? I will be reasearching all of it over the next week. I dont see the need to buy the franchise though. You can build trust out of your own business.

DirtyHarry

Kuhlmann - you're quick. You hit the site while I was in the process of responding. Very intersting reads in the press articles. You will see the one in there regarding Collectors Universe. I've read most of them. Regards. Has anybody been to one?

DirtyHarry

I think if you have the right demographic...it is very viable. Per the data, only about 10% of the total Ebay population are sellers - 90% are buyers. If you already have an on- going business concern - sure, you can glean same type of revenue from your current customer base without any more investment basis your existing credibility. But you will see companies going after this market segment in a big way, establishing their own brand equity/loyalty basis marketing and their store-front banners. People have millions of dollars of stuff sitting around in their homes that they may be inticed to bring in for sale, if they are reached. Most people (us excluded) don't want the hassle of Ebay listings, garage sales, etc..

I find $50k of available capital a drop in the bucket, when it includes all start up costs including franchise fees and sofware royalties if you have a good location in the right demographic. IMO.

baseballcardsonly

I live in metro Orlando and we have 3 or 4 around town. After they opened the local NBC tv station ran a story about selling items on ebay.

The theme of the story was for people who don't know how or doesn't have the time/equipment to sell on ebay.

I watch all of it and what it looks like is a Western Union type of setup. Walk in nothing but a few chair and a large counter that has employees behind it. You bring your stuff in and fill out some forms, discuse your asking price/reserve if any..they take your items from you to the photo room. They have a real nice photo studio set up with shelves and tables where the item is "Displayed" just like in a retail store. They have a photographer who then shoots photos from 3/4 different angles. They download the photo with the company standard format and list it on ebay.

They store the items in a large closet setup with baskets to hold the small stuff, label the product with a receipt. They list the location of your items in the computer and where it can be found in the closet area
once it sells. After the money has arrived, the company mails the original owner the check for payment.

All in all, it was a nice setup, the TV showed several elderly people selling antiques. They all said the same, I don't need this anymore and I don't know how to work a computer. One lady was walking in the door to give them some item to list and she said that this was her 3rd time selling items and it was great.

BUT THEN THEY TALKED ABOUT THE COST TO THE SELLER>>>>>>>>>>>>.

something like 60% to 70 % goes to the store! WOW!

they have a list of items they will not sell, such as, porn, guns, knives, etc.

I just can't emagine this working in areas of the country where the average age is much lower than in Florida. Senior's will have a field day with this, but younger adults who know how to take digital photos and
list items on ebay, will not pay 60% for someone to sell these items.... You would be better off selling them in a yard sale!

Hope this helps!
Mark
ebay (bbcards4me)