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Monday, November 9th, 2009

Is Snappy Auctions a Great Franchise Opportunity?

April 20, 2007 by Sean Kelly  
Filed under Business

While the largest, most celebrated eBay drop-off store franchise concept , iSold It, has closed 60 stores, suspended domestic franchise sales and warned it may be on the verge of collapse, its next-largest competitor remains upbeat and continues to promote its franchise program.

In a company press release, Snappy Auctions celebrates inclusion on the list that made iSold It famous:

Snappy Auctions has been listed in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list for the first time… With over 63 units open, Snappy Auctions ranked 309th in the survey, in only its 2nd full year of operation. The Nashville, Tenn. based franchise enables customers to make money off of items that are sold on eBay…

Snappy Auctions CEO Debby Gordon claims that Snappy Auctions is not suffering the same fate as competitor iSold It. In fact, snappy Auctions is doing phenomenally:

“We are poised for a phenomenal 2007, after an incredible 2006,” Gordon continued, “and this accolade is just the beginning.” In 2006, Snappy Auctions launched Snappy Sales Solutions, S3, which has contributed to its recent success. “S3 is yet another step toward our goal of changing the way businesses get value from retired equipment and inventory.”

Snappy Auction also boasts having been named one of Franchise Business Review’s Franchise 50, which honors franchise systems based on outstanding franchisee satisfaction through owner surveys and comments.

According to a Ina Steiner’s column on AuctionBytes.com, “Despite the challenges, Snappy Auctions CEO Debbie Gordon believes in the concept and says it’s all about execution.”

Can Snappy Auctions really be succeeding while iSold It, with much the same business model, is fighting for survival? Have they successfully overcome the challenges that eBay drop-off store critics contend make the concept unworkable? What do you think?

YOU’RE INVITED TO LEAVE A COMMENT ON WHETHER YOU THINK SNAPPY AUCTIONS IS A GREAT FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY.

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Comments

1,220 Responses to “Is Snappy Auctions a Great Franchise Opportunity?”
  1. Call me Tim aka Flat Broke says:

    Our Royalties Tanked Because of Our Fraudulent Plan

  2. Strapped & want out says:

    I know of another store that is closing. They just talked to their lawyer. I read above where a group wants to take legal action. How does that work?

  3. Who Cares Really? says:

    Nothing juicy recently? This blog is getting boring!

  4. sean says:

    Who Cares Really? said Nothing juicy recently? This blog is getting boring!
    WCR: There’s a whole big blog out there besides the Snappy Auctions post. You need to get out and experience it. There’s nothing boring about a Porn & Pizza franchise.

    Or a Prosperity Prayer Hankie that will make you rich.

    Or the story of a franchisor who released his franchisees when the concept didn’t work (For $2K).

    Or one of the greatest franchise brands of all time selling franchises for a dime.

    Bloggers cannot live by Snappy Auctions alone. Make it a goal to get up, get out, and waste time on other areas of FranchisePick.com. It’s not only educational, but it’s great exercise!

  5. Call me Tim aka Flat Broke says:

    EBay sales for the last 90 days $1,826,891 listed items 21527
    Sell through 76%

    EBay motors last 90 days $135,566
    Listed items 1431
    Sell through 67%

    Total Sales $1,962,457
    Listed items 22958

    Monthly store average gross sales $13083.05

    This data tells the story!

  6. wantsomecheesewithurwhine says:

    re: Call me Tim, if your data is correct, and I’m assuming it is because you seem so proud of it, how did you figure the monthly store average? Did you divide the amount of open stores by the total sales? We’ve already discussed that quite a few stores are getting ready to close because they haven’t been producing the numbers they should to stay open. If you divided your total sales by the amount of stores that actually produced those sales, you might get a different picture. Of course you want your picture to be filled with doom and gloom, so you probably won’t give the accurate figures. Misery loves company. Remove the low producing, soon to be closing stores from the equation and you’ll see….there are stores that are doing quite well.

  7. Get Real says:

    Ok, then tell us how well the stores are doing. I’m getting tired of asking for numbers and proof. Of course, when you can’t prove your point the only thing you can do is try to disprove the other sides evidence. If the glove don’t fit you must acquit, or if they haven’t closed they must not be hosed.

  8. Call me Tim aka Flat Broke says:

    re: Call me Tim, if your data is correct, and I’m assuming it is because you seem so proud of it, how did you figure the monthly store average? Did you divide the amount of open stores by the total sales? We’ve already discussed that quite a few stores are getting ready to close because they haven’t been producing the numbers they should to stay open. If you divided your total sales by the amount of stores that actually produced those sales, you might get a different picture. Of course you want your picture to be filled with doom and gloom, so you probably won’t give the accurate figures. Misery loves company. Remove the low producing, soon to be closing stores from the equation and you’ll see….there are stores that are doing quite well.

    Re. Wantsomecheesewithurwhine
    It’s great to hear from a stale cheesy breath corporate shill. There is no IF about the numbers, they are what they are. If a store is open it is open, all stores WILL CLOSE sooner or later when the money is gone. Unlike you, I have real numbers to post to allow fruitful analysis and discussion, unlike you who can not produce anything except annoying mouth music!

    It is hard to respond to your torturously convoluted, spin laden, fact deficient, condescending quasi question and factious allegations pointed at the franchisees.
    Once again some shill is trying to say it’s the stores that failed when really it is Debbie, Adrienne and the goons in Nashville that FAILED the stores!

    Are you saying that the data from terrapeak is biased? The only questionable data used in the analysis is the number of open stores. You seem to have an insider’s insight (Snappy corporate?). All stores listed on the corporate web site were used in the analysis. Are you saying that all of these stores are not open? Or is it that you know they are not open and it would look very bad to remove them and expose the true state of Snappy? With your obvious knowledge of the state of the stores would you agree the 10% to 20% of the stores listed on the web site are closed or will close in the next fortnight?

    I will grant you that if we remove the stores that are still listed (pickup only, which is light years away from the proven tested drop off store concept) and stores that have closed in this time period, the results would change but not in a materially significant manner. The majority of stores are not making enough to cover operating expenses.

    Please put the cheese log down and answer one simple question. How would you quantify doing quite well? Actual numbers would be a good start. It’s really cheesy of you to say that we have discussed anything. Do not use “we” until you bring something to the table, until then we have nothing to discuss.

    If I look at the data real hard I can find three sellers ID’s the are over $30,000 a month Gross. I discount the numbers from the corporate store as I cannot verify that the items sold through this store were consigner sourced. The remaining two ID’s are for multiple stores, the only surprised here is that their numbers are so low! Give the location, demographics, and population, they should be doing $100,000 + a month per store.

    Yes, 3 out of all open stores are doing ok. Many of the stores that look like they are doing ok are 2 or 3 locations, reporting under one ID. 40k a month looks good, but let us look closer.

    Three locations and $3500 in rent for each location is $10,000 a month rent. $40kx.335(commission after royalties) =$13,400.WOW $3,000 before insurance, LABOR, advertising, fess and PAYING BACK STARTUP COSTS. Stores that do between 30k-45k are STILL losing money. The concept doesn’t work.

    Do you have any proof otherwise?

    Didn’t think so.
    Snap! Meow!
    Take your cheesy argument away.

  9. Strapped & want out says:

    wantsomecheesewithurwhine:
    I too want to know about stores that are doing well. Please post sales for the existing stores so I can see what you ‘re talking about. I know I rarely saw any real sales and none of the stores I talked to did either. I would like to know how these other stores are doing.

  10. wantsomecheesewithurwhine says:

    Call me Tim aka Flat Broke said: Once again some shill is trying to say it’s the stores that failed when really it is Debbie, Adrienne and the goons in Nashville that FAILED the stores!
    Give us a break. YOU failed, and I’m really sorry for you. You are the Weakest Link, goodbye! Now take your walk of shame.
    This is the last post I’ll be making. I have a profitable business to run. Ciao.

  11. Ben Rippedoff says:

    wantsomecheesewithurwhine:
    Run away! Run away!
    Still nothing tangible. Big surprise. Only corp-babble. Guess you can’t prove it so you’re taking your ball and going home to Mommy…wah wah. It only proves out point: it doesn’t work. The only thing you have to run….is away. You never showed one thread of evidence to the contrary, so we win.

    The truth hurts, don’t it. Meow!

  12. Who Cares Really? says:

    I think you all should back off of winecheese. Obviously that store is not effected by the corp. issues and are likely doing ok. There is nothing that has been said here at all for anyone to want to post numbers…you all are acting like children and jumping over anyone who has anything positive to say.

    I am not defending corporate, but if a store gets on here and says they are doing ok then so be it. Other stores should ask why/how. Numbers won’t explain that.

  13. BEEN THERE says:

    Hey wantsomecheesewithurwhine, what are your store numbers? Show us how it works. Give us your last 6 months of sales and expenses. Or, you can concede defeat and leave. Your choice.

    You guys (Snappy HQ) must be really getting nervous if you have time to post here.

    And BTW, the only single store that has shown something near to consistent sales is the Snappy owned store (the only hq owned store left) in Nashville. I’m just wondering is wantsomecheesewithurwhine is the manager of that store. Hmmmmmmmm

  14. ORTBOFP says:

    Who Cares Really I want to to party with you! Who cares if the cheeseman doesn’t want to show any numbers. The rest of you make me sick. Wah wah wah. Tim’s numbers are probably pulled out of his butt.

  15. Chance says:

    It appears that there are NO successful stores at Snappy, Isoldit, Quikdrop, Auction4U or any of the other insignificant franchises. $30K to 50K in total ebay sales a month will NOT pay the bills. Two or more stores are closing each week. Which doesn’t look good (unless you are wearing rose colored glasses like wantsomecheesewithurwhine). Obviously there are no positive success stories to tell. With as high an attrition rate as these franchises have, only an idiot would blame the franchisees. The franchisors failed these people, and still continue to sell new or preowned stores. What big fat lies are being told to new franchisees, to keep them believing the corporate bull?

    Been there: Stores are still open because
    A) they have deep $$ pockets or a rich daddy
    B) their ego will not allow them to close gracefully
    c) or they are newbies who haven’t worked the numbers yet (of course when you can’t get any real numbers from your momma, you ain’t gonna see the problems).
    d) they keep hoping for a miracle!

    Right now until about a week before Xmas is the hottest market for retail sales (including ebay) and the numbers are still the pits for these stores…they need at least $100K per month right now to carry them the rest of the year (this is normal for any retail business) what is it that these drop off stores don’t get!?! Some common sense would be a good start!

    We will be watching the REAL numbers this season…and continually adding to the graveyard list! Welcome to real life Debbie, Ken, Adrienne, and Maury!

  16. GET REAL says:

    “…you all are acting like children and jumping over anyone who has anything positive to say.”

    Define positive. We didn’t ask for positive. We asked for proof. How is “YOU failed, and I’m really sorry for you. You are the Weakest Link, goodbye!” positive information on a successful store.

    It’s veeeeeeery simple. Show us a successful store and provide examples. That’s it. To date, we’ve shown failing stores data, but no one, I repeat NO ONE has shown a tangible, definable example of a continously successful store.

    Oh and by the way, the Nashville store is really the Bellview store and the Green Hills store combined. Just call the Bellview store to learn more.

    And another thing, Snappy owners were told there is no seasonality for eBay drop off stores. You may have a decent Q4, but you’ll be in the crapper again next year.

    Store owners, get out before you lose everything.

  17. Where 2? says:

    I’m an outside observer whose been following this sad soap opera for some time. As the conversation has plateaued, I thought I’d offer some observations and a suggestion.

    Seems there are three groups involved here. There’s corporate, which obviously can’t dispute the complaints or they would. They probably figure the failing franchisees are too far gone or negative to make amends with… especially those who are posting here. They’ll just wait til they go away and make them sign a gag order on their way out.
    The franchisees who have already failed or about to have proven their point that the concept doesn’t work. They are compassionate, but don’t want Snappy Auctions or iSold It to get away with what they did to them. So they are convinced the chains are doomed and are eager for they day to come. So while they think they’re the franchisee’s friends, all they can offer is take your losses quick as possible and get out.
    I was just reading this story about a failing franchise that just released their franchisees and let them go independent. Maybe the franchisees could survive without the FRs fees and restriction. Why don’t you guys organize and go independent, or form a co-op. come up with your own system. Move in to your houses if you want. Don’t you think they’ll let you go to be rid of you… and if you fail later, it won’t be on their record? Just a thought.
    http://www.franchisepick.com/cuts-fitness-franchisees-bought-their-way-out-ex-owner-claims/

  18. Death by Franchise says:

    Where 2?, you sound like a reasonable sort. We have discussed your option on how to operate your store without Snappy:

    http://www.franchisepick.com/is-snappy-auctions-a-great-franchise-opportunity/#comment-10933

    http://www.franchisepick.com/is-snappy-auctions-a-great-franchise-opportunity/#comment-10924

    However, you will need to change the model. The number 1 issues stores have is leases. Snappy insisted on high rent retail space. Once you get past that and use a system like Auctionsound, you can make some money, but not much of a living. However, the model is still fundamentally flawed and I seriously doubt you can make a living unless you specialize (ex. only high end clothing). Taking in all the stuff they throw your way does not work.

    The truth is, the franchisors can be forced to let you out of the UFOC: you terminate the contract (contact amitheonlyone.org for more info). But, you still have those darned leases to deal with. You can move into your house, but very few landlords will let you out of your lease.

  19. sean says:

    …You can move into your house, but very few landlords will let you out of your lease.
    I will put up a post and solicit input from some attorneys and commercial real estate professionals others on the best way to try to get out of leases. If you’re an atty or know one willing to share, they can email me a info[at]ideafarm.net.

  20. Who Cares Really? says:

    So Death, could you update your website? We want some Snappy stories!

  21. Chance says:

    Where 2, You made some good points, but once a former franchisee closes and moves home, continuing to sell, they are NO LONGER an ebay drop off store, they then become ebay powersellers (provided they do the $$ volumes needed). That is not the issue here, it is the franchised unproven concept that is still being sold as a supposedly successful concept that is the problem, and NO ONE has yet shown that the concept works. There are ways out of a lease, and other things these folks can do (contact Amitheonlyone.org personally for help), but the issue comes back to the fact that these same franchisors are still selling franchises on misrepresentations, and every time one is sold, thats one more familily that will eventually go belly up. Despite those with rose colored glasses, NO ONE out here has shown ANY concrete evidence that an EBAY DROP OFF STORE can work! Not paying franchise fees will help, lowering rent helps, working it all by yourself for no pay helps, having no start up loan helps, but there are NO successful stores, independant or franchised that have made it work for more than a month here or there. A bunch of franchisees from Isoldit have tenatively formed a franchisee association, but without a proven concept, what is their purpose? As previously said “no more franchise fees” are not the answer. Most of these store owners are putting far more than $1000 a month into it them to just keep them going, which eventually strips the family and friends down to the bone. The advice out here is to get out before everything is gone so that they can try another business, or keep from bankruptcy, or pay for arbitration or legal action, if that is what is needed. Waiting until you can’t pay your phone, feed your family, or piss off your customers is NOT the answer, but unfortunately is all that will be left for many. Your objective comments are well appreciated, and a bit of magic would be nice too, but even with a prayer, one, two or three more stores will fold this week, just like last week!

  22. Death by Franchise says:

    Who said I was a Snappy owner? They did copy a certain first to market company.

  23. AmITheOnlyOne says:

    A customer of ours from another business (non-ebay), and a customer of one of the Atlanta Snappy Stores, was told today how the store had just laid off their oldest employee, and that they were close to closing. She was also told that there were many more problems than people were aware of! Considering the fact that she has read our website, is a highly respected business person, and well aware of AITOO and the issues, she made a comment to us about how RIGHT we were on the whole concept! And this was one of Snappy’s flagship stores … imagine that! Like Chance said, there will be a couple more every week shutting down. We are contacted every day by folks in this business, and we have yet to hear ANY positive stories, and some are far too gruesome to post. The facts show that NO stores are making it. We will gladly post the ebay store stats of this year and last year for the 4 highest volume weeks that are coming up. Last year’s are bad enough, and we are seeing much worse numbers this year (and we DON’T use TERAPEAK!). There were 495 stores to track last year, and there are less than 200 this year, that says alot! Get out while you can!

  24. Lone Texan says:

    AM I,

    If you are going to post store numbers, I would ask that you actually break the sales down according to 33.5, 23.5, and 13.5 commission levels. Earlier posts assumed 33.5% of sales went to the stores and that isn’t correct. And, remember all stores charge at least a $6-$8 handling fee on each item they ship which is mostly profit. Corp also gets 4.5% of this handling fee and 4.5% of whatever the buyer pays for shipping.
    I think when you calculate the profit according to the sliding scale things get even worse.

  25. Chance says:

    Lone Texan: I don’t think the numbers need to be that specific, in fact, by using lets say 35%, the numbers will actually appear bettter than the reality. Remember, we have all been accused of naysaying, however, if we used 20% (which is probably closer to the truth), these stores would look horrible, and we don’t want to be THAT negative, so we will just show how bad it is IF they were making 35%. And its bad!

    If you check the Isoldit blog, you will see that one of their corporate coaches just closed down. Novi Mi #4. That’s one more for the graveyard!

  26. Who Cares Really? says:

    Actually Death, you state on your glorious website some Snappy facts. Besides the fact that you would have posted your “story” on the other blogs if you were not a Snappy owner. Doesn’t take a genius to figure that one out. ;)

    So, we’re dying out there…please tell us some horrific franchiser stories!!

  27. Ted says:

    I’ve opened two independently owned stores. One moderately successful the other not so successful (but, we had a one year lease on our second store, so we closed it). Anyway, my first store is going on two years. We sell anywhere from $15K to $30K a month, plus shipping. These businesses can be profitable, but you have to work hard at it. Buying/owning any business is a risk, I encourage you to take responsibility for your decisions and stop blaming Snappy.

  28. Death by Franchise says:

    Tell you what, Who Cares, I’ll show you mine if you show me yours. Show how well your store is doing and why it is doing so well. Give us examples of what you’ve done to get soooo many people into your store and tell us why it didn’t work anywhere else (including Atlanta).

    We’ve already told you about the franchisor horror stories. You might need to read thru the first 300 or so posts on here as well as on the iSoldIt site and on Amitheonlyone.org. They’re all there. Mine are nothing new.

    Oh, and if the wunderkids (oops they sold out before everyone learned the truth, smart boys) at flagship Atlanta can’t make it work, how do you expect to stay alive much longer?

    Ciao!

  29. Bill Clinton2 says:

    Dang if you ain’t good Who Cares. I could’ve used you when I was in the White House to deal with those pesky French. You almost had me fooled. Then you threw in that “tell me your horror stories” and I realized you were just R. reincarnated to get more legal info out of us.

    I can still use you if you want to help me with some on those pesky law suits that are doggin me.

    And by the way, don’t tell Hillary about those pesky law suits. She’ll kill me.

  30. Who Cares Really? says:

    No not R., I’m on your side. Just think that website is pathetic, that’s all.

    I would love to hear some specific dirt, but it’s likely your too afraid the Snappy law will come down upon you. Oh well, as long I Bill is happy then that’s all that matters.

    I read something a while back about recorded phone calls. When are those coming out?

    I saw that another store has zero items up, ouch.

  31. TROLL WARNING says:

    Death by Franchise: I agree.

    Who Cares Really = R.

    I am a noted trollologist and know these things. Troll linguistic cues: “I’m on your side.” “I would love to hear some specific dirt” “I read something a while back about recorded phone calls. When are those coming out?”

    The lame pseudo-palsy walsy tone indicates it’s just a baby: “I saw that another store has zero items up, ouch.”

    What’s a Comment Troll? From wikipedia:

    “Trolling is a game about identity deception… The troll attempts to pass as a legitimate participant, sharing the group’s common interests and concerns… A troll can disrupt the discussion on a newsgroup, disseminate bad advice, and damage the feeling of trust in the newsgroup community. Furthermore, in a group that has become sensitized to trolling… many honestly naïve questions may be quickly rejected as trollings.”

    My advice: Do not feed the Trolls. And to Who Cares Really?: Go back to posting as R. Your contempt for franchisees shows through either way… At least R. was more direct about it.

    The Troll Hunter

  32. Who Cares Really? says:

    Troll Hunter? Is that like Crocodile Hunter?

  33. Troll Hunter says:

    Who Cares Really? Is that like I’m Pretending Not to Care, But Do?
    Or maybe: Claim This Blog is Pathetic, But Keep Coming Back?
    Or perhaps: R.?

  34. Who Cares Really? says:

    Never said the blog was pathetic, just Death’s website. For the record, I have quite enjoyed what I’ve read of this blog.

  35. Chance says:

    Ted, these people have been responsible since the beginning, it is the franchisors who take NO responsibility. Read the last few comments on the Isoldit blog here @ http://www.franchisepick.com/is-isoldit-a-great-franchise-opportunity/ and you will have a much better idea of whats happening with these people before passing judgement.

    And we are sorry to hear you closed one store down, but you are in good company. A number of powersellers have quit selling in the last year as well (as evidenced by the poor turnout at this years convention). And more stores (franchised and independant) close weekly!

    And Who really cares, why don’t you tell us your story, and back it up with some true facts (good or bad), you might find there are others in a similar situation.

    Troll Hunter: Be careful of Trolls who try to to change the subject instead of dealing with the real issues!

    PS: Good websites take time to develop, so Kudos to those running Death by franchise, AmITheOnlyOne.org, and franchisepick.com!

  36. ORTBOFP says:

    I’m a troll, I’m a troll…..Debbie rocks…..Adrienne rocks…..DBF….loser…..Ted….go home….wah wah wah wah

  37. Death by Franchise says:

    Who Cares Really? I care. That’s why we have created these sites. We care enough to let potential franchisors know the truth. What DO you care about, Who Cares Really? Do you care about franchisees (or potential franchisees) or about Snappy HQ or what?

    I’m more than happy to keep dealing with your tripe since it feeds the hits to this site and keeps it high on Google searches.

    Oh and by the way, my site has received a lot of questions from store owners and potential franchisees. And now they know about this site and others. And they are making educated decisions. It works.

    Remind what you are doing to help the existing stores??

  38. Who Cares Really? says:

    You’re right, these stories do need to be heard. I was merely digging at your website.

    I am doing nothing to help the stores, I’m not in a position to do so. I just think everyone here is arguing the same point over and over, nobody is making any suggestions.

    Do you have any for the stores?

  39. Chance says:

    Hey folks, we do care! Please take a minute to say a prayer for the many fellow franchisees (and exfranchisees) in the path of the fires. We hope that they and their families will be safe!

  40. BEEN THERE says:

    Here’s my short list of suggestions for the stores:
    1) Close down, sell or give away your store before you run completely out of money
    2) Don’t listen to HQ. It’s in their best interest to keep you open even when you’re losing money, not yours. They’ll tell you anything to keep you open.
    3) If you love doing eBay, do it at home, get out of the high price retail locations and dump the franchisor. You can get and do everything you need on your own.
    4) Ignore the threats of the franchisors.
    5) Visit http://www.amitheonlyone.org to get some help

    Good luck

  41. Snapless says:

    I went to the Death By Franchise web site. I didn’t see any “Snappy facts”. Just eBay drop off store info. I think “Who Cares Really?” is just trolling (pun intended) for more legal info. I did a WHOIS search on the site and it doesn’t say who registered it. If the site helps stores get the info they need, any old site will do. Does Who Cares Really Care have a site?

  42. R. says:

    Actually, if you look at the franchise links again on DBF; two of the three are spelled wrong. If they are afraid of getting caught by the franchiser, I would think they already know who they are and don’t lose sleep over it. Just had to chime in.

    Good luck to everyone.

  43. Call me Tim aka Flat Broke says:

    I do have some suggestions for the remaining stores as follow

    1 Stop the bleeding.

    Quit trying to ride a dead horse! Use any monies that you have to get out of your present situation with the least possible damage.

    2. Restore the breathing.

    It is over, there is nothing that you can do to make this failed concept work. Take a deep breath and know that life will go on, make sure that you can go on with it. Breathe through the pain.

    3. Treat for shock.

    Your investment is Gone! You have a franchise that you can’t sell or even give away. When the pain is great, think of the cloud merchants that sold this scam and remember you can ease your pain by giving them some pain through legal action.

    4. Do not ask or look to the franchisor for help

    They only bayonet the wounded as evidenced by the shills, moles, and trolls posting with their compassion filled posts.

    It looks like Red Mill VA, Mt Pleasant SC, and Cartersville GA have seen the light or simply been forced to close their stores.

    It is interesting that when you call the number for Snappy your call is not answered by a live human just the automated machine. Most interestingly pressing 2 takes you to a spiel where it appears they are sell the Snappy software that was a major part of the reason to franchise, as a stand alone product.

  44. Death By Franchise says:

    Oooooooh nice try R., but that’s not the answer. Vanna turn over the letters….. W R O N G .

    Bob, tell them what they won as a consolation prize. They won…..a NEW FRANCHISE FROM SNAPPY AUCTIONS, VALUED AT -$175,000! That’s right. They too can join the growing ranks of Snappy franchise owners who have lost their life savings, homes, marriages and more. But wait, there’s more. They can also live through threats from lawyers, bankers, creditors and vendors (but they can choose door #2 and get out now and lessen the pain).

    Thanks for playing Snappy Jeopardy! (music) And we’d like to thank R. for providing absolutely nothing to this discussion. R. is the Cheetos of this forum: flash but no substance.

  45. Chance says:

    Hey guys, lets look at WHY some people keep these stores open!

    First and foremost, they could have deep pockets, or are using the whole business as a tax writeoff.

    Second, EGO plays an important role. It is just too hard for some to suck it up and close down.

    Third, there is that never ending belief that “this is attached somehow to eBay, who makes millions of dollars with millions of buyers”, so I should be making money too.

    And fourth, there are soooooo many hidden costs, variable costs, and costs you can’t figure (including those furnished by the franchisor-assumption here is that the franchisor tells the truth), that NO ONE can figure the real costs.

    And last but certainly not least, they believe the bull HQ gives them even in the face of adversity!

    Please feel free to add any other reasons you can come up with. Thanks!

  46. Lone Texan says:

    Have I heard this right??

    Merril has left (been fired, sold out (yeah right- plenty to sell -lol)? from snappy??

    I always thought she was a partner…hmmmm

    So, let’s see…the good counsel john went first (a partner?) disappeared earlier this year and now Merrill is gone… so who’s left with the keys -just debbie & adrianne (not a partner)- yikes!!!!

  47. BEEN THERE says:

    Too bad about Merrill. She was the “good one”. But it’s not surprising. Best of luck to Merrill.

    Now, do we need to provide any more proof that the concept doesn’t work????

    Does anyone out there have any doubt that the Snappy model is fundamentally flawed?

  48. GET REAL says:

    Yep, it’s true. When I called Snappy I got an unattended system and when you typed in Merrill’s name she wasn’t there.

    I wonder what’s next. Hmmmmmmmm

  49. ORTBOFP says:

    Bye be Merrill…..bye bye…..

    I’m waiting for some loser to say something else. R….winner…..GET REAL….loser…… AITOO….uber loser….Lone Texan….loser

    Trollers ROCK!!!!

  50. Chance says:

    ORTBOFP, what is it that makes you think anyone is a winner? We have not seen any evidence of someone “winning” in all of this. We do know that you are totally inept at commenting out here! Did you learn these speech patterns in middle school? Is your business sense as mature? Show all of us some of your winning solutions, or are YOU the real loser here?!

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