|
EZ Money-Maker #4: "Sell Something
That Doesn't Belong To You!"
Strategy: Help others in your area sell
their antiques, collectibles and one-of-a-kind items on
eBay. May also be used to sell large ticket items on
commission.
Timing: The best time to use this strategy is September to
May of each year when antiques and collectible items receive
the greatest interest and highest bids.
When I say,
"Sell something that doesn't belong to you", I'm not talking
about 'selling short' or scamming anyone. NO! Not in a
million years!
I'm talking about selling other
peoples antiques, collectibles or even a businesses' used
machinery or manufacturers' overstock on eBay for a
percentage of the hammer price.
You handle the
photos, descriptions listing the item, collecting the money
and making sure the item is shipped.
My
recommendation is to charge 10% to 20% or more of the hammer
price after deducting eBay fees (see what the market will
bare). It might make sense to try for a 'net listing'.
A net listing is where the owner says to you, "All I
want to get out of this sale is $50. You can keep whatever
you get over that".
The low-minimum bid technique
may not work in this case, you will probably need to make it
a reserve auction or start the auction at $60 ($50 + 20%)
with no reserve. If it fails to sell, make sure you get
reimbursed for eBay's listings fees or get them up-front
from the owner.
A short contract between you and the
owner should be used. An attorney will be more than happy to
help you put one together that you can use. Use it over and
over again by photocopying it and filling in the blanks with
every new client.
Check with your attorney before
doing this to avoid any legal problems later. I don't see
many problems with doing this and I personally know someone
in my area of New York State that is doing it and making a
lot of money for himself and his clients.
It's a
win-win situation. You have the technical expertise, they
have the merchandise.
Search eBay Seller ID= topcat
to see his listings (99% of the items he's selling are on
consignment). | |
Entire Contents © Copyright 2001 by
David Vallieres. All rights
reserved. |