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"Some of those Trading Assistants are operating their own retail stores." He declines to offer any definite number, saying only, "It's an industry still in an early stage." While eBay lists drop-off store Trading Assistants on its Web site, it is quick to point out, "Trading Assistants are not employees or independent contractors of eBay, nor do we endorse or approve them." The designation is useful to consumers, however, in that it indicates middlemen who have received 97 percent or better positive feedback from sellers and buyers. If you're thinking of taking this easy route into the online auction world, compare commissions and fees and make sure you understand what services you'll get and for what period of time. Services include photographing the merchandise, writing the descriptions, researching the value, handling inquires, listing the item, packing, shipping and collecting money. Most auctions run seven to 10 days. Buyers generally pay for shipping. Some drop-off stores accept vehicles and boats as well as antiques, electronics, sporting equipment, cameras, artworks and collectibles. Most assisters know what sells and what doesn't and claim a 90 percent or better success rate. Most charge the seller nothing for items that don't move, so long as they are not listed with a minimum opening bid. Basic plan is for items valued at $50 (minimum) to $125. Auction starts at 99 cents. No fees up front. Commission is 38 percent of first $200, 30 percent of next $300, 20 percent of next $500, and 10 percent for any amount over $1,000. If item doesn't sell, client pays nothing. With enhanced listing, recommended for items valued at more than $100, customer sets opening bid price. There is a $20 fee upfront, plus commission of 25 percent on first $200, 20 percent next $300, 15 percent on the next $500 and 10 percent on anything more than $1,000. If the item doesn't sell, client is out $20. Everything is listed for a beginning bid of $9.99, though it's possible to have a reserve. Lists up to 20 photos of the item, which must have an estimated auction value of at least $50. For shipping, item should weigh less than 150 pounds and have a combined length and girth of no more than 130 inches. Commission is 38 percent of the first $200, 30 percent of the next $300, 20 percent over $500. In addition are the eBay charges: listing fee, final value fee and money processing fee. An extra upfront fee of $20 is charged for reserve items (auctions listing a minimum opening bid). That charge jumps to 2 percent on items valued more than $1,000. That fee is credited back if the item sells. If item doesn't sell, the client forfeits $20. There is no charge on unsold items posted without an opening bid. This is cache, read story here
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