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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I think the only reason some stores hang-on is because of the leases. I was lucky enough to ‘buy out’ my 5 year lease for my store front by paying the landlord $10,000. I held on for over 2 years thinking business would build – which it never did and kept paying the landlord out of personal money.
Thank God they took the $10k or I would have been on the hook for $4000 per month for the next 3 years – and, well, no real income coming in. In fact, over 2 years I never cleared the rent + expenses in any month. The thought that I was on the hook for $4k per month for the 5 year lease is the only thing that kept me going. I did speak with an attorney that helped me with the lease.
I would recommend to any stores reading this if their afraid of walking out on their lease to speak with an attorney and see how they can break it or buy it out and move on with their lives. To hang on is financial suicide.
Chance, the reason the press does nothing, at least in the Nashville area is because the local paper is as corrupt as Snappy. I know they have been contacted, provided with links and useful information, but they refuse to print any retractions about faulty information they printed in articles about Snappy nor will they write an article about how they are going down the tube. Maybe the comment about a reporter from the Tennesean having a personal relationship with DG is true. If so, it goes to prove the Tennessean is literally “in bed” with Snappy.
You’ll need to get an article posted in some publication other than Entrepreneur Magazine, The Tennessean or the Nashville Business Journal. None of them will print facts and none of them are concerned with the truth. Maybe that’s why the Tennessean is losing sunbscribers and the many in the business community in Nashville only sees it as a way to get free press.
E-cycling: Firm announces Nashville recovery facility
By: Milt Capps – 02-01-2008 10:16 AM
NashvillePost.com has learned that AERC/Com-Cycle will soon open an electronics-recycling and data-destruction facility in Nashville, employing at least 50 and partnering with S3 Consulting for business development.
S3 is a Nashville-based e-commerce software and marketing company owned by Debbie Gordon, the founder and CEO of SnappyAuctions, the eBay reseller and franchisor.
Com-Cycle CEO Peter Jegou told NashvillePost.com yesterday he is negotiating for office and remanufacturing space within seven miles of Nashville International Airport. Com-Cycle is a New Jersey-based division of privately held AERC Recycling solutions, based in Pennsylvania.
Com-Cycle recently introduced technology and services for customers facing HIPAA mandates to protect patients’ medical information and similar regulations, pushing the company deeper into the hot and politically sensitive ‘end-of-life’ asset management sector.
During the past two years, Nashville-based Richland Ventures and other VCs have made investments totaling $50 million or more in a Mississippi-based Com-Cycle competitor, Intechra Holding Corp. In addition, both Congress and the Tennessee General Assembly have been considering new legislation to address electronic-data security, recycling, remanufacturing and waste disposal for electronics products and similar goods.
Typically, such legislation – a Tennessee push stalled last year – requires manufacturers and retailers to ensure that consumers know how to recycle or dispose of their products. Some laws provide manufacturers incentives in exchange for such commitments.
“What is the alternative for the individual store owners?”
The “alternative” is simple…
Why not use the experience, skills, and reputation gained as an Internet commerce specialist and respected member of your local community? Why not use your current drop store as a launching pad to a new career and your confidense building base of operations… To start or add to your current business and become more than what you may see yourself as now.
Become recognized as the “expert” that you already are in your community and use your “expert” status to promote yourself as an Internet Business Mentor…
There is more to life than processing consignment items…
You have the skills and knowledge why not profit from them?
Use your drop store and eBay experience and become the empowered and profitable independent business person you always wanted to be… All while helping your local community business owners to succeed in online sales.
That is what I am doing…
Scott Pooler
Well it is interesting that Ms. gordon has enough money to set herself up in another business while her franchisees bankrupt!
Scott: The expertise you speak of is far from “internet commerce” and more accurately only in “eBay” commerce, and eBay keeps changing the rules. The franchisees are starting out in a big hole. They haven’t enough money to carry on in their own businesses, they have no benefits, and they owe lots of $$$! It’s all a nice thought, but they have already been there, and done that! Be specific, maybe there is something they haven’t tried!
Mr. Pooler has obviously attended a number of Tony Robbins events and can really tout the “you can do it” philosophy. Once again, he’s reiterating the well worn B2B philosophy that Snappy tried to push on the stores 2 years ago only to see if fail miserably.
The reality is that businesses will only give you their old crap. Snappy hired a full time salesperson only to let him go after almost a year of not making any substantial sales.
Can you make it work? Sure. But the reality is that the odds are against you and unless you just love a fight, you’d be better off getting a job. Why not get a franchise that actually works instead. eBay is on the downward spiral. Don’t let it take you with it.
Times of London
looks like eBay are determined to shoot themselves in both feet anyway, time to start building one of the rivals, QXL anybody? (old CB joke!!)
Ha! my second piece of public html!!!!! And it worked!, look out world, I’ll be hacking soon!
Actually I have never been to a Tony Robbins event and I am not speaking about asking businesses to let you sell junk and overstock on consignment.
I am talking about becoming a real business consultant and if a positive attitude is not your cup of tea, you may not be interested.
If you think I am not familiar with the problems associated with straight eBay drop stores you may want to read this article I wrote: http://allbusinessauctions.wordpress.com/2008/01/27/top-10-ebay-trading-assistant-drop-store-reality-checks/
It details all of the problems with the drop store scenario.
If you doubt my veracity concerning the changes in eBay, just take a look at my posts in the eBay Trading Assistant discussion boards.
What I am talking about has nothing to do with consignment but can be very effectively launched from a consignment background. And it is a way to possibly save what been a very long and difficult struggle for many who joined the drop store industry.
I know it is a viable option and I know it can be sold. The question is not if, but how?
I am not selling any franchise as I have done that before and I saw for myself from a first hand viewpoint how this industry would fail long before the first store shut down…
My idea does not depend upon eBay. eBay is an option and it does attract many listeners (prospects), but all of the other eCommerce options are available. And I am speaking of eCommerce
So Scott, what exactly are you selling?
http://internetbusinessmentor.wordpress.com/
You did get the part about eBay drop off stores not working, but please excuse me if I don’t buy into what your selling but when I see …”will lend credibility to your local clients who view your eBay store and …” it makes me think you are just trying to sell failing eBay drop of stores more hype.
Listen, all of the franchisors tried all kinds of tricks to make the stores profitable but with a few exceptions, it doesn’t work. The overhead is just too high.
You think we didn’t try …”Press releases, your own local contacts in the Rotary and Chamber …” and that we didn’t try all kinds of business relationships leveraging our eBay expertise? Here’s the bottom line. The overhead brick and mortar stores have to pay keeps them from being competitive with eBay stores. No walls, low overhead.
Like we said to anyone coming to this site with claims of success: PROVE IT.
Have a nice day.
I am not claiming to show anyone a better way to run a consignment store. I am not offering marketing advice for that business model. I am offering a way to make all of the experience, both good and bad, gained while running a drop store possibly pay you back. I am not promising you can do it, I am not offering a get rich quick or guaranteed money making system…
I am offering a way to transition from being the owner of a eBay drop store, successful or not, to another way to make a living which does not depend upon the public bringing in their used cast off merchandise for you to sell.
What is the biggest goal of eBay sellers? To find a supply of new Niche products. Successful eBay sellers concentrate on a Niche and they locate a source of supply.
No, I am not selling a drop ship program, or Doba, or Worldwide Brands. I am not telling you to buy a containerful of junk from China or Taiwan and try to sell it like 1000 other eBay sellers are doing at the same time…
What I am doing is developing a new program which has the following criteria.
Leverages all of the experience gained as an eBay consignment professional.
Finds Niche Products to sell and they are everywhere…
Offers a Subscription based monthly income
Allows you to transition from a store owner into a business consultant, coach, mentor, whatever you wish to call it.
Think about your friends at the chamber and their businesses, retail, wholesale, does not matter. Most businesses have products to sell, specifically Niche products. Those products may do well on eBay, or they may not. The business owner usually does not have the experience or time to find out on his own, so he has ignored eBay as an option.
When we as consignment specialists speak to that business owner, all he hears is that we want 40% of every item sold. He backs away because he knows he does not have that much margin.
But, if we offer that same business owner an opportunity to test his products on eBay via our already set up operation. We offer him the ability to get specific research on his inventory, will this compressor sell? Will that commercial hair dryer? What about these Harley Davidson accesories?
We give him or her a way to explore online sales like no other service offered before.
Then we offer that client more… We offer the business owner a way to market with eBay or his own web store or both. But lets just talk about eBay…
Now lets say you have the Harley Dealer interested… He says, but I cant pay you 40% and you then are left with cutting your fee? Not with my plan… You are offering your local Harley Dealer your services to set up an eBay Store (Custom designed) and he can either have you teach him or his employees how to run it, or he can ask you to run it remotely from your location.
You can do this because I can offer you web based industry leading software (I named it AuctionLogic) which allows you to operate multiple locations with multiple sets of inventory and multiple levels of access. All from the web and all on one console.
Ok, so… You set up the Harley dealer and he asks you to manage his eBay store. You now earn money by charging photo fees, and description fees, or you give him a flat price per month to manage the whole thing. You have that flexibility because I am not a franchise and whatever you earn from your clients is our own business. The trick is your clients will most likely have new merchandise to sell. You will only have to set up each listing one time. The biggest job is setting up the inventory the first time, after that everything is almost on auto-pilot except shipping and you can train one of his employees to do that.
So once you set up the Harley Dealer, you move on to the local heavy equipment dealer or auto dealer and so on… Each one will have his own eBay name, his own account and you do not touch his money. You get paid up front whether his products sell or not. Hopefully they will sell because you have done the research and listed his best products with attractive listings, but even if he does not sell a boatload of items you can tell him about all of the SEO and Advertising benefits of having an eBay store, you can show him his listings ranked in google, you can custom design him an eBay me page which drives traffic to his existing website (or one you design for him with our help).
This is a new service business, and you can give it your own name if you like.
I can provide you with the tools to do it, the eBay store designs to make each client see value in your offering, the unique software product which allows you to manage multiple clients and the additional services and solutions you need to keep selling your clients in the future.
I can offer you a way out of consignment and into a business which can provide monthly steady income and commisions in addition to your own direct fees for services. You have the skills and the knowlege to make this work in your community. I have the tools to make it happen. I am not charging you a franchise fee or a royalty and I am not telling you what name to use. I am giving you an opportunity to be what I assume you wanted to be in the first place when you purchased or built your eBay consignment store, the opportunity to be an Internet or eBay or eCommerce Expert and Professional who actually makes money.
I don’t think any of that is Snake Oil.
Scott
So you are really trying to sell Auction Sound software with a mask-on it under the name of AuctionLogic in a tread about Snappy Auctions.
And this is a new idea? Are you a newbie or something?
Scott, these folks and many others have bigger problems than ebay sales, due to the franchisors. Leases, food, family, payroll, health, and MANY many other expenses are beyond salvage. They need to work out something with their landlords (and many have) and close down. Two steps that AmITheOnlyOne.org have been helping with. Maybe then, they can focus on ebay selling from another point of view (if they are not completely burned out). At that point perhaps you can help them, but when it comes to drop shops, your facts aren’t accurate and you are WAY off base!
PS. What “former” franchisor did you work for? (You stated in one article “As a former franchise representative for an eBay drop store chain, I can tell you the numbers were not looking good nationwide back in 2006. “)
Hey Hugh, welcome back!
And Happy Valentines Day to ALL!
Why would a method to make money, which is not a franchise, and uses skills learned in this industry be a bad thing Chance? Either people are looking for a better option or they are not…
Do you suggest it is better to just give up? Because I don’t look at it that way at all.
You can help them to close up all you like, in fact that may be a very good option especially for Franchise stores. But why should the business people who spent all of this time and effort learning the workings of eBay and online sales and all of the other details pertinent to the process not look for a different opportunity which would build upon those skills?
I think I said in my article that the Franchise business was sick before 2006, in fact I said I would not sell Franchises any longer after I determined for myself how sick it really was and is…
Thats why I set out to find a better way…
No bad facts there.
Scott – “leverage’s all of the experience gained as an eBay consignment professional.”
I can see what you are trying to do, and if you’re making it work for you – so much the better and congratulations. But (and it’s several buts including a big one).
1) Most people do not have the depth of experience and/or; contacts and/or; time (they’re going bust NOW) to get the thing running the way you have/you propose.
2) The service you are talking about trying to convince people to sign-up for is already covered by the old-school Law/Accountancy firms and similar advisory and business consultancy set-ups.
3) Most men-in-the-street think eBayers are farty geeks, collectables-chancers, Hong Kong spammers or bottom-feeders (even though most are not), to convince them otherwise is going to be a hard-sell uphill-struggle, particularly when more and more people now know that hundreds – if not thousands – of these businesses have gone futt.
4) As the whole pc/internet/interoperability thing improves and the general level of computer skill rises, the people you are seeking as clients will be doing it for themselves. your client base will get smaller?
5) We will all need this software of yours will we? and how much is that going to cost?
That last one is a cheap-shot I know, but hey; good luck to you dude, you’ll do no selling on this site…
A further point;
When it became obvious I was on the way out, someone who would want me to call him friend, was counselling me thus “you must promise me you won’t go back to van-driving, to blue-collar work, you’ve been head of a department, you’re an eBay expert now” the conversation then went on along the lines you have laid out above.
I can assure you he was talking out of his arse, to assuage his conscience as – I have subsequently learnt, due to another’s conscience!! – he was upstairs trying to get rid of me (probably because I was making waves over staff conditions, which was his job!!) along with another. There; got my ‘I know what you did’ dig in!!
The fact of the matter is I have very few skills to ‘market’. It’s not rocket science.
Finally;
One area where I sometimes differ from other posters on this site (and agree with one of your points above) is the niche thing; A drop-off store can work if it’s independent and knows what it’s doing, works hard – really hard – and/or finds a niche. It’s true that a lot of independent stores have gone to the wall like the franchises, but A) lots of new businesses got bust all the time & B) it’s an untried concept that requires a lot of graft, some people have set these store up in unlikely settings like New England fishing villages, as if they are second-hand book shops, provincial galleries or tea shops. Seasonal semi-retirement businesses; They aren’t!
Get out of the Franchise Contract and you stand a fighting chance…
I actually love what Scott is talking about and would personally love to hear more of what he has to say. How can I get in touch with you Scott??
My husband and I own an independent REDOL (as we’re now called) and pulled over 300,000 in gross sales our first year – we’re lined up to do even better this year. We have 7 employees and run a pretty tight ship. I don’t feel like we are anywhere near the need to jump ship – as a matter of fact, we just renewed our lease this month.
However, we are seeing the fact that our line of work is extremely labor intensive and regardless of how many items we get in and no matter how efficient you are running – there is only so much opportunity for financial gain.
This is why we are exploring other options to enhance our business – such as what Scott has been talking about. We have been getting some questions from people regarding this type of service and haven’t really been able to figure out how to capitalize on it.
It’s honestly been quite disturbing to hear all of the horror stories on this and several other sites. We’re not sure if we’re doing something right or just getting lucky – anyway – we certainly don’t want to sit back and wait for this same fate to overtake us. We’re taking the time now to think outside the box! Thanks for listening – and seriously, Scott, I’d love to talk – even if you don’t have the exact solution – it’s this line of thinking that could save us all.
Purple,
Thanks for the nice comments.
I know there are consignment professionals out there just like yourselves who have done well and have a lot to offer the local business owners in your community. Business owners who are either tired of the standard stand alone website developers who know little about marketing -and build a business or eCommerce website that nobody can find… or they just don’t have the time to start learning about a new phase of business on the Internet.
There is a gap in the services presently available, web developers know little about eBay or eCommerce options and eBay sellers know little about web development. I am simply trying to fill the void and bridge the gap.
You and many other drop store owners like you are perfectly positioned to help those kinds of business owners. You just need a few tools to market your services with and some credible products to offer.
To contact me, just follow the link in my name above and fill out the contact form. I would be happy to set up a telephone meeting or simply chat on yahoo messenger or Skype.
By The Way, Hugh… No, you don’t HAVE to purchase my software to do this… But it sure makes the job a lot easier. And if you help just one client/business, the software is paid for and you make money on it!
Really, I am not a Snake Oil Salesman, and I am not offering a franchise, or a long term contract of any kind. I just want to work with people who believe they can help other business owners with good products and services and do it with a positive frame of mind. I am a former TA (former due to the “new” TA agreement…) But I don’t see the end of the World either.
Try to have an open mind Hugh, OK?
Okay Scott & Hugh, couple of mout points:
1. Niche selling negates the whole drop off concept, and major retail frontage is not needed.(It can be done from home, garage etc-it is a different concept).
2. Those zees not operating under the guise of franchise Gods, are not doing much better. Remember the “concept” (varied items of crap) itself does NOT work.
3. Becoming consultants requires more than eBay expertise. (Although Hugh you can talk a better blue streak then anyone I know), and some of us have already done this. In fact, most good ideas have been tried by the franchisees, they are pretty smart people from all walks of life.
4. And finally, one persons success (luck) does not prove the concept, nor show that they can acheive repeatable success. (We have all learned that toowell). Remember Purple, SAYING you are success does not mean a *@$&* thing, it needs to be measurable proof!
Like I stated above, I started looking around for ways we could “think outside the box” because we have been successful *but* can see the MAJOR limitations in potential future financial gain.
Yeah we’re making money and paying off our debt but we went into this to make a lot more money – I’m not trying to STAY a “small business owner” – I have bigger aspirations.
I originally felt that I had a great source of information in Chance. He seemed extremely knowledgeable and I was hoping to glean some information that we could use in growing our business.
Unfortunately, all I’ve found in him and others on this site is extreme negativity and an actual “hope” for others to fail. I find myself respectfully removing myself from reading these posts further and moving forward. Scott, I will contact you – thank you.
My motto has always been – when you’re in an industry that is failing – find a way to change the process and pull ahead. It’s what we intend to do now. I fully expect the rest of you to wish me bad luck – that’s alright, I wish you well. Goodnight.
Yayayayayayay
Yes, I am a newbie – I came here because someone here quoted one of my articles and posted a link to it here, the link produced a trackback and here I am – Hi
No, I am not simply selling software –
Software does not make for a business plan, but some business plans need software. So I found what I and many others thought was the best available software for my intended use and I put my money where my mouth is and bought the rights to re-name and re-market that software.
Why?
Because my plan involves making money, making money for myself and for anyone who wants to work with me. If you were to be presented a plan which included an opportunity to sell AuctionSound software with absolutely no markup, you would not work hard to make that happen, would you? But if the software in the plan is AuctionLogic and is just as reliable and efficient as Auctionsound and you can make regular, monthly subscription money by including it in a package you offer a Harley Dealer or Chevrolet Dealer or Hardware Store in your community… Well then you might just be a tad bit more interested in that plan, wouldn’t you?
I also have purchased the rights to exclusive and as yet unseen in this country specialized eBay stores design software.
Why?
Because my plan involves making money and if you are going to make money on eBay you need to understand how the eBay stores work to your advantage, if they are not set up correctly, they don’t do much – I am sure you will point that out… But these customized and unique stores designs are set up correctly to cross sell product, standardize branding plus draw traffic from eBay to any website you choose and do it within eBay rules and guidelines.
I have also secured the rights to re-sell Quickbooks and Sage and Palo Alto Software -Why?
Because without proper accounting no business on the street will trust you. I have a Certified QuickBooks Pro Accountant in my offices full time so people will trust what I tell them about their payouts.
I also have an entire website development project underway which, when finished will be capable of delivering cutting edge customizable, e-commerce or informational easy to update and use CMS based business websites within weeks instead of months to any client anywhere.
Why?
Because a business needs a modern website to compete these days. Simple 5 page static websites do not work any longer. Features like blogs and forums and ecommerce are now essential to any business on the web. Tying these features in with the traffic and marketing power of an eBay store makes them work for the client even better.
There is more, but I am sure you have developed your rebuttal by now.
I am not simply selling software to consignment franchise owners and telling them it will save the day. Yes, software is part of the plan, but the plan is not based on consignment. It can benefit from the positive lessons learned by the good people who have worked in consignment but my goal is to get those people a way out if they want it… To let them make something out of the situation the find themselves in. If they do not have interest in that idea, I am ok with that.
Any one part of what I have put together is not unique, I will admit that. But no one to my knowledge has put it all together, found the market, identified the niche, supplied the products and given a complete package opportunity. Now I know you guys are hurting, your battered and bruised, and you have had a rough time in the consignment business. I have too…
The difference may be that I have tried to come up with a new plan to make myself and anyone else who wants to hear me a chance to make real money…
What is your plan?
Anyone who wants to may contact me via the link under my Name. Thanks Purple, I will call you soon!
So Scott…..what franchise were you involved with and what was your role?
I was a store owner for Snappy Auctions and I helped test (and disprove) a lot of their unproven concepts like going out into the community to provide services and yes, it even included e-commerce consulting. I spent a lot, and I mean a lot of time testing concepts that I had paid for so you can see I and many others in this forum are very careful about claims coming in here.
And “Purple” you seem have a “if life gives you lemons, then make lemonade” attitude and I respect that. The issue I have is that I PAID for those lemons and no one wants the lemonade. I too planned to make more money off my store and bought it as an investment to sell later. So much for that. The bright side is I had to come up with other ways to make a living during my tenure as a store owner and am better off now earning wise than before I bought my stores. I do still have huge debt to pay off.
Bottom line is you can call us negative and you can say we want people to fail, but the truth is we want people to have the tools they need to survive is they want to stay (with eyes wide open), we want to provide people with a way to get out from under these franchisors, and we want to hold the franchisors accountable.
If you want to hawk your products here, go right ahead, but don’t expect us to sit here doe eyed and believe you. We made that mistake before.
Scott – At no point did I suggest that you were a ’snake oil salesman’ that was someone above my post. I further wished you every success…twice!
Also I have an open mind which is why I came up with several likely flaws/problems in your system becoming a everyday occupation, there is obviously room for some of the sort’s of consultants you are apparently being (I’m murdering the Queens English here, but hey, what the hell!), likewise ‘Purple’ is clearly/apparently an independent going some way to back up my argument?
I guess you haven’t read all the posts on this page, I don’t know how many there are, but added to the other 6 or 7 related pages, we’re over…what?…1,500 posts? If you take the time to read all mine, you will see two things:
1) I’ve only really ever attacked two people; ‘r’ in his various guises of corporate stooge, who’s a retard, and Christian Braun, ex-CEO of Auctioning4u/Auctioning4good/Toymart/ TheToyseller/Clockworx/Clocktronics et al, who’s a re…well I think everybody’s made up their own minds what sort of chap he is!
I try wherever possible to keep things light and post vaguely intelligent points.
2) I consistently maintain that independent stores can work, there is a need for people to sell stuff for other people. There are I’m sure, several ways to make it work, of which I believe specialisation is the best (or most likely to succeed) in the long term.
Therefore – Stop being so touchy, I pointed out the flaws/potential flaws because people need to consider all the angles before jumping on your band-wagon (turn of phrase, not personal insult!), as there is not room for everyone to become what you propose.
For the third time I wish you every success, but are you not doing what just about everybody is doing (including CB)…thinking you can apply 19/20th century business models to a 21st century phenomena?
Just as we use only 10% of our PC’s potential so. I’m sure we only exploit 10% of the internet’s pertential (and at least 60% of thet is porn!!), but this doesn’t mean we will ever use 90%, we’re human we’re best at doing things badly!! And whenever someone comes along to tell me they’ve had the next best idea, I am (perticularly after my dealings with Mr. Braun) bloody cynical.
You and Purple may well make millions, I doubt it? And I’m free to say so.
Scott, give us some concrete numbers not more retoric. An you have yet to answer the questions about what franchisor you were with, and what your role was.
It is interesting Purple, but you an I have never had any conversations positive or negative, that is unless you are a Corporate Franchisor. You seem to be talking out of both sides of your mouth-”and pulled over 300,000 in gross sales our first year” to “can see the MAJOR limitations in potential future financial gain” only show that you haven’t been in there long enough to catch on. $300,000 is only $25,000 per month gross, and if you are in any retail frontage, with employees, overheads etc—YOU ARE LOSING MONEY even if 50% of that is clear profit (which I doubt). And Scott is only selling one more unproven, non tested idea, with no numbers to back it up! Not every business concept is a good one, and not all people are honest and forthright. Do your homework-if a number of folks are complaining then there probably is a real problem! What we say out here only seems negative to those not in the situation. The rest know that we are trying to help them get out of a losing situation with minimal loss (such as divorce, bankruptcy, heart attacks and the like), or prevent newbies from stepping into the nightmare in the first place. Time to wake up Purple, the real experts are the 100 or so people that have been talking on this blog and others!
PS. Scott – You sound too much like the iSoldit CEO who was selling “Robust, leading software” to all the franchisees at twice the Auctionsound price. And it didn’t work – imagine that! Real numbers based on real “long term” facts count if you are trying to sell your wares here!
Scott……SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!!!!!
Scott:
I’m a marketing consultant, idea & new concept guy and very open minded to new ideas. I also don’t bear the scars and dark moods of those who owned a drop-off franchise (though I have other dark moods for other reasons). Go back a few thousand comments and you’ll see me saying some of the same things you did about negativity and leveraging eBay experience (when life gives you lemons, try to sell the lemonade on eBay). I have found that Chance’s objections and skepticism are rooted in actual experience, not simply negativity. I am, however, a bit more positive about some ideas, and I am with Hugh on the potential of niche trading, even possibly with a c-location storefront.
As to your point about some wanting others to fail, I would agree that many in the group eagerly await the fall of the high and mighty Kings, their feudal overlords, but assure you that none wish anything but the best for their fellow peasants. AITOO and commenters here have done much, for little or no compensation, for those in serious trouble caused by the eBay drop-off hype and nonsense they’ve led the way in exposing.
That being said… I agree with your assessment of the need and potential for counseling businesses on their Internet marketing strategies and went to your site with the intention of defending you. However, I concluded that if you truly do not intend to vend serpent secretions, you are making some fundamental mistakes that will keep your idea from getting off the ground.
First, you cannot be a true consultant to these businesses if your business model depends upon them signing up for your eBay auction software. To be a true consultant, you need to be open to helping them find the best solution to their situation regardless of your self-interest. eBay won’t be it most of the time. In my opinion, you’ve got to decide if you’re a consultant or a software vendor. Calling yourself a consultant doesn’t make you one any more than calling a Subway sandwich maker a Sandwich Artist makes him one.
Second, your marketing must reflect whether you’re a specialized eBay software vendor selling to the eBay savvy or a consultant catering to the Internet-impaired. If you don’t, you’ll appeal to neither. IMHO.
Third, if you truly are not selling a get rich quick scam, why would you create a site that looks like you’re trolling for suckers… a blizzard of dollar bills falling from the sky? Is that what will happen if I sign up for your program? I will be rich beyond my wildest dreams? That approach alienates those who are capable of being consultants, and only appeals to idiots who still believe in a magic money machine, but can’t afford a franchise.
I think that unless you know which you are – a software peddler or a true consultant – a legit guy or a get-rich-quick biz op seller – the program won’t go too far.
Sorry to join the naysayers… but it’s something to think about and certainly worth the price you paid for it.
Sean,
Thanks for your input. I honestly never saw the header on that website in the way you have before. I must admit it just did not occur to me…. and I see your point because I was truly not understanding the tact coming from this group that I was a get rich quick guy, I am far from it.
If the header was a poor choice, I appreciate knowing about it and I will have it changed. Thanks…
On the Software issue…
I never claimed to be a software developer. I am a software re-brander and I have been honest and open about that. That fact may make some here say I am less than what I purported to be… But I will also wager those same people never had to deal with keeping up with the day to day changes of the eBay API. I do not want the headache that goes along with being a software developer. I offer a product which is serviced and maintained and has high quality technical support. My responsibility is in the area of operational support, and I fill that responsibility.
The reason for the software is not to make loads of money for my company. I am in fact selling it to people, especially those people who want to sell the rest of our products, for less than what the original developer offers it for. Believe me, I will not get rich on the software.
The software is necessary for one important reason, (and I know of no other software product available at this price point which can do this,) because it allows a consultant, or service person, or manager, or mentor, whatever label you want… To control multiple eBay account listings owned by multiple different owners of those accounts from one place. One console, one central location or from any location with Internet access. This capability is essential for managers of multiple sub accounts. (i.e- like controlling a franchise store from corporate).
Many other software products are available, and if a client would need or want a different product because of scale, or features or some other reason, we would work with that client to fill his/her needs. But if multiple accounts are managed by one person, the convenience of having AuctionLogic will be a time and effort saver. I would never tell someone like Circuit City or Sears that our software was the only choice for them. I would get my speed dial working and make a deal with Scot Wingo (Channel Advisor) or Infopia instead.
So, I am not saying I am a one brand software vendor, and if my message was interpreted that way, I will work to change the message – again, Thanks…
As for the title of Consultant…
In the program I thought I had defined on the Internet Business Mentor site, the intention was to equip consultants with the specific selection of tools they need to do the job well. The “job” entails setting up stand alone small businesses with traditional eBay sales programs and then moving that client into ecommerce channels.
I was not calling myself the mentor, I was trying to encourage people in the consignment business to think of themselves as more than simply retail clerks or store owners, to think of themselves as experts in at least one field, eBay selling.
Anyone who has ever run a drop store knows it takes many hats to get the job done and done right. These are exactly the type of people who could mentor, or coach or teach brick and mortar businesses how to get large amounts of inventory online in a efficient manner. How to answer questions online, how to do all the very small things we do each day. Someone here said it was not rocket science, well I could agree when thinking from the perspective of another eBay or Internet seller. But most small business owners do not have that perspective and they need help.
Every business on every street in America is a prospect for this program. Car Dealers to Jewelry Stores, to Forklift Equipment Distributors.
If I implied that each and every one of those customers would need the same package from one source, I apologize again, because that was not my intention at all. Every situation will be different, every small business has different requirements. But how can they get their need to get their business online efficiently and economically met?
Hire a kid from Junior College?
Learn Everything From Scratch?
Build a Stand Alone website, or better yet pay thousands of dollars for one which draws no traffic?
Sign up for Infopia or Channel Advisor and Pay a percentage for every sale on top of other more significant charges? – Not all “Small Businesses” can afford those services.
So if we agree this is a service niche which needs to be filled, what do we label the person who fills that niche? Mentor, consultant, what?
Small businesses do not have enough room in the budget to hire a full time qualified person to help them manage an online sales program. Yet they could be convinced that a set monthly cost, in the form of a retainer, or a consulting fee, or a service fee would be a good investment. I leave that cost up to each “mentor” to decide and I do not get a penny of your monthly direct earnings from your clients. They do not even know I exist. I don’t bill them, and I don’t watch your “Mentor” income, there is no way I could…. As a independent business person you would be in control of your rates. Charge as much or as little as you like. Sell other products, sell whatever you like… I will not own you or hold you to only selling my products. You see, I am not a franchise.
I simply want to open a new market. A market which has not been approached in this way before. A market which could be massive and which could be very open to new ideas and low pressure sales tactics. And at this time, no other competition is servicing this market.
I have no magic money machine, but I do have a good basis of products and services to offer. I have a great software program which has never been utilized in this manner. I am not preaching a new way to make money in drop shop consignment… I am not selling a new system for that business. This is a new business which I thought would fit quite well with the business we have all been in.
Sean, if you have a better name for it, I am all ears.
And if you don’t mind, I think you have misquoted me. I never said anything about the negativity of this discussion. I believe you were quoting Purple, she was the one who made those statements.
Oh… And I am not basing this program entirely on eBay. I know eBay is not the only, and sometimes not the best answer. But it is a great way to get in the door of a business, and it is a great way to get traffic to another website, and it is still a huge marketplace. It just may not be the best place for some businesses, like consignment. At least not any longer.
To those who continually ask who I worked for in Franchising. I hope you will understand that for legal reasons I can not say in a forum post. I did not work for Snappy, or QuickDrop or iSoldIt or any of the more infamous franchise operations. I worked at the Master Franchise Level and during my tenure I became more interested in trying to help the existing franchisees make it work, than I was in selling new franchises. My point at the time was that the franchise as a whole will not survive if the existing franchisees can not. This point fell on moot ears at corporate. Apparently I was correct in my assessment.
I will re-work my IBM site to make it look less like a get rich quick biz-op seller. Thanks again… I really appreciate the feedback as delivered Sean.
Scott:
Sorry for misquoting you. I admittedly skimmed a lot of this, trying to wrap my head around this idea.
Sean,
Thanks…
Shoot me an email if you would like more information… Or have more suggestions. I appreciate the perspective.
Scott
Here’s a real-life scenario: A local company mfgrs & sells sheds, gazebos, and high-end kids playhouses, $5K- $15K avg. They have a 1 page website. They’re not web savvy, but they know there’s potential there… are aware of eBay, Google Adwords, etc. and want to get started.
My proposal will be to set up a search-engine optimized site with eCommerce capability & info/catalogue request, opt-in email newsletter/follow-up program, and an Internet mktg plan that would include testing and refinement of a variety of lead sources: organic and paid search, online advertising, adwords, affiliate marketing, listing on eBay, Craig’s list, etc. At this point, I don’t know if people will actually buy sheds & playhouses online, or if they will see them there, then go to the retail store. I don’t know if eBay will be viable for this product line, but suspect it might work for the custom creations, like playhouses, but not the more common stuff, like sheds. But I’m free to test every avenue & finetune the marketing plan to favor the lowest cost-per-lead source and ultimately the lowest cost-per-sale.
In this scenario, are either of these parties your customer? The shed guy? The Internet consultant? What would it cost them?
Great scenario Sean! However, be aware that the average franchisee knows little to nothing about setting up and maintaining a webpage, or web advertising. They have had a big brother franchisor supposedly doing that for them. Meanwhile they have spent most of their effort fighting franchise fires, and ebaying. Most have already approached businesses to help them sell their wares, or done sales for them. Neither of which works very well. Some have offered classes to show people how to sell on ebay and whatever other platforms they have experience in, and MANY have already gone over to Auctionsound (an excellent piece of software) or other capable programs (infopia is NOT one of them, ask ANY isoldit store). The car dealer programs, tickets, and large item selling have come and gone with these stores as well, while the franchisors come up with many other poor unproven ideas and pass them on to the franchisees. That is not to say that someone won’t think of something new.
So Scott, what you propose is NOT new to these people, and believe me (out of desperation if nothing less) they have tried your idea and others from pallets to autos. None have worked! Even with great product knowlege, a continuing source, and investment $$-which they do not have, there is no guarantee of success.
So here is an example Scott from your ebay ID (total 388 feedback=not too long term-et?!): You have a jewelry item that is listed as “near colorless” (an “I”), and near flawless (”VVS2″). This is very misleading and unappropriately represented, since both grades are nowhere near “flawless and colorless”. Any GOOD gemologist will tell you the wording you have used in your listed can get you into BIG trouble with a law suit once sold. (I have made my living in the jewelry trade for 30 years as a Graduate Gemologist, and estate jewelry is my niche.) The point is, that you are not a qualified person to be selling or representing jewelry, yet you hold yourself out to be one with this example.
You need to have a “proven” concept (of more than 6 months), and you need to show how that concept works with your niche? Your niche needs to be a product line or service you know VERY well! Not just that you “KNOW” how to list on eBay, or that you can sell anything for anybody! (A good reason that ring is still sitting there). Before you give advice or sell something to these and others, you need to show your true credentials, your background, and your success (and failures) in what you are promoting, that we have not seen.
As for your website, it is well done but has alot of sales hype. My partner was a salesman for 32 years and owns a online AD agency now, and will tell you that you need to show what it is you exactly do (Sell cars, cakes, shoes, DVDs, books). Show who you worked with (we knew it wasn’t one of the major ZORS-we did our homework). Show what kind of money you have made, and what costs you incur, and with how much effort. Show samples of your work (that are accurately represented), and give concrete verifiable facts. This information will give you much more credibility to the folks out here, or anywhere. (As Sean has eluded to).
Remember, that this blog is about franchised ebay drop off stores and why they don’t work, and helping them get to a better place on this planet. It is not about a different unrelated, unproven concept (we can all find other jobs). But, can this idea work with the existing stores? NO, it can’t. It can not support the retail space, franchise fees, and overheads these folks already have. They have been thru alot, and can honestly say they have been there and done that! They do not need any more false hopes and unproven ideas! They are a tough audience that welcomes unique proven ideas, and would love for someone to prove them wrong! So don’t get your knickers in a wad, go forth and prosper, and give them the facts they need!
PS. It appears you already knew Purple!
Sean,
Currently, under your scenario… The Shed guy is my customer. I charge the customer. But under the IBM system, I have enough margin to allow for a Internet Consultant to provide the service to the shed guy (or shed guy number 2,3, 4). In the future I would supply the Internet consultant (who if he owns a drop store or another enterprise may not have the tools available to quote or supply these services. Together, we would help the “consultant” with quoting the shed guy and if needed, design services, hosting, eBay stores design etc). Each quote will be different for each shed guy because each shed guy will have different needs. Therefore I can not tell you how much each client will bring you. I can tell you that if your shed guy opts to add an eBay sales component to his Internet initiative and the Internet Consultant wishes to manage that operation remotely with AuctionLogic, The Internet Consultant will earn at least 25% of the software fee the shed guy pays, every month, as long as the shed guy continues with the software. I can tell you that the Internet Consultant would earn approximately $750 for each eBay store design sold, on top of the monthly software residual for AuctionLogic. (This number could be more – depending upon options selected by the shed guy in store design). Internet website design and SEO are variables. But we can be quite economical with our web design program (still under development)and will build in a reasonable mark up for the consultant and still keep pricing competitive in the marketplace.
Chance,
To this point I have tried to not directly answer your blatant attacks on my character. You do not know me and I do not know you. I do not feel it is productive to answer unsubstantiated claims and attacks in an open forum.
But as you know from the email response I sent your surrogate attacker via eBay and my blog…. The Diamond you have repeatedly brought up in other communications has been certified as to its clarity and quality by two independent decreed graduate gemologists.
My client brought me a certified appraisal with the diamond and I then sent the piece to my independent gemologist to confirm the first printed and certified appraisal.
I know my Gemologist as a very honest and well respected diamond appraiser, designer and retailer in my local area with a family owned business which has been serving our community for over 40 years. I trust his verifiable opinion over that of an unknown person such as yourself who sends me email and comments on my blogs under assumed names.
I am not a certified graduate gemologist myself, which is why I paid for an appraisal and evaluation of the piece. My listing simply repeats verbatim the independent and joint evaluation of two graduate gemologists.
I have all of the documentation and certificates to prove to anyone that I am not misrepresenting that diamond one bit.
The eBay account your referring to has 100% feedback as a TA. It is no longer a TA because of the changes in the recent agreement for TA’s, but what makes you think that this could be my only account? Why do you think I would not expose my other Powerselling eBay accounts to this type of harassment? I have been selling on eBay since 1998 and I have only experienced 6 poor feedback in that time, selling thousands of items.
The franchise I worked with serviced over 125 locations in multiple States and Countries and is still in operation. And why does it make a difference? I am not selling a franchise and never would do so again.
Your cheap and useless attempts to disparage me with these issues are less than honorable or worthy of much time. I will not respond to your attacks any further.
I will ask you to please stop spamming my blogs and eBay account. I have done nothing to you and I see no reason for you to attack me in this way.
One more thing Chance:
From the email you just sent to my eBay account, your feedback is 179 and you have zero feedback for any sales since 2001. Does that mean you have no idea what your talking about? Why are you posting in this forum if you have zero sales experience? Or could it be that you have more than one account? I wonder…
(The email is almost word for word, what you said in the post above, so please do not claim anonymity or coincidence).
And, no… I have never spoken with “Purple” and we have never had contact other than in this discussion. She was posting here long before I was brought into the discussion by a quoted link from my blog.
I really do not think your attacks upon her were warranted. But if it made you feel better…
Sean, why don’t you start a new forum for “eBay drop off stores survival ideas”? That way Scott can talk about his new idea there and let us focus on helping stores. I know he believes in his concept, but most of these store owners cannot afford the ramp up time to test his theory and as mentioned here as naseum, their overhead costs are too high. Even Purple can’t be doing too well on $25K a month in sales.
Touchy, touchy Scott. My selling accounts have nothing to do with my personal accounts, and neither should yours. The point with the jewelry was to show that all your bases weren’t covered, and before you or anyone can claim expertise status, you better know your products! As for Purple, there is an indication that you know her, but you shall be given the benefit of doubt for arguments sake.
Scott, the comments above were not attacking you, they were simply stating facts, and asking you to do the same. As for selling franchises or not, unproven concepts are generally not good investments. As you prove yours, it should become more viable. But you will need to get over being so defensive out here if you are to learn anything, and become a success.
Now, can you help these franchisees close their stores without losing their homes, or give them advice on who to pay and who not to pay when the money is not there. Or better yet, tell them how to find the time to work your program without losing their family, home and health, and deal with the threats from their franchisor. Those are issues they need help with. Not pie in the sky ideas! By suppling concrete facts, and a plan (or part of one) you may actually have something that can help them, but you will have to listen to what they say as well, even if its’ “been there done that”. They just might know something that you don’t. So far you are asking them to be webdesigners, ad agents, salesmen, and ebayers on a product that is not fully developed So take a couple deep breaths and put that energy into proving what you say works – that will be better for everyone!
Back to Snappy and the like, has anyone else talked to the Nashville post lately, beside DG of course? Seems there is enough money for another venture, but not for helping franchisees! And has anyone seen ads for eAuctionDepo?
Sean, the obit list is probably way out of date at this point, I’ll see if I can get you more accurate data on at least one chain.
Avoiding Snake Oil said Sean, why don’t you start a new forum for “eBay drop off stores survival ideas”? That way Scott can talk about his new idea there and let us focus on helping stores.
Why would “eBay drop off stores survival ideas” and “helping stores” be mutually exclusive?
Further, I don’t see what Scott did that was so bad. He’s a business owner just like most of us, and I don’t see any evidence that he’s trying to take advantage of anyone. He put forth some ideas and was appreciative of the feedback that he got. He might be promoting his business, but he wasn’t obnoxious about it.
Everyone is here is welcome to share their ideas, and should be able to do so without being subjected to personal attacks. I hate those cliquish forums filled with insiders that attack newbies for opening their mouths or violating some petty protocol. Let’s not do that here.
Scott, I apologize for the lack of courtesy extended to you. The people deserving that wrath have $2M houses with cutting edge security systems and weren’t available for venting upon.
Now, let’s return to more positive chat. I believe Avoiding Snake Oil was about to share his/her ideas for “helping stores.” Please, proceed…
Thanks Sean,
I appreciate your comments and input. Positive is what I am all about…I will not respond to further unsubstantiated jabs…
Thanks for your point of view and your perspective.
Have a Great Weekend!
Since Sean threw down the gauntlet, here I go.
While parts of Scott’s proposal seem positive, it seems to be a mesh of several differents business models and few if any are core competencies of the existing store model. They would have to learn new skills and become more of salespeople rather than store owners.
The store’s problems are based on several things. 1) The franchise model does not work 2) They have been asked to try many different models in the past and none of them have worked 3) Their overhead is way too high 4) They have to pay 12-30% of their earnings to the franchisor.
So let’s break this down. Does Scott’s proposal help with #1? It would be asking them to take yet another tack and spend time developing a new model. Would the franchisors take kindly to this? You would think so since it might keep the stores in business longer, but we’ve seen how they have done things unexpectd in the past. Remember we are working with gigantic egos here. Development time is not something the stores have the luxury of at this time. Does Scott’s proposal help with #2? It’s possible if it works, but it requires someone with a wide range of skill sets outside the one required to run a store now. Keep in mind, many people signed up for a store because they wanted a “proven and tested” business model and one that was limited in scope and they were asked to take on more and more since the model was not fully tested and solid. Keep it simple and do a great job at that. At this time I would consider Scott’s proposal experimental and not proven. Does Scott’s proposal help with #3? Not unless they get out of their leases and franchise contracts. From what I can see of Scott’s model, they don’t need high rent retail space and they would need to chuck a good piece of their investment. They wll probably have to anyway, but that is not linked to Scott’s proposal. Does Scott’s proposal help with #4? Not at all. As previoulsy mentioned, the stores have to get out from under their current contracts and cost structure. Scott’s proposal does not address that.
Here’s how we help the stores. We show the ones that are struggling how to get out of their contracts and leases and provide them with legal counsel when applicable. We help them through the myriad of things you have to do when you shut down a store. We hold the franchisors responsible. THEN, we take a look at how Scott’s proposal has done and if successful, we send them Scott’s way. Basically the same thing this group been saying for months except they may have another option waiting once it has been fully vetted.
Our core goal has been to educate, assist and communicate. Let’s stay on track while giving Scott time to develop and prove his model.
How as that Sean?
That was pretty impressive. You attacked the problem and the proposal without attacking the person. Very cool.
You know Avoiding_snake_oil, as much as you, I, and others have spoken, some just don’t get it! A great example is the add at the top of this blog for Pickup2sell on ebay. More of the same concept with a pickup service(one of the many unproven models the franchisors forced down some franchisees throats). Actually it is a proven model now-proof that it didn’t work for Auctiondrop (the first franchisor to fold-who also worked with UPS) and it didn’t work for isoldit or A4U, and it won’t work here either! Yet here’s an add by some idiot who thinks they can do it better than the rest.
Do they really believe that these franchisees just got tired one day and threw their hands up saying “I quit”?!?
These store owners did everything they possibly could to make these stores work. They tried charity, fund raising, B2C, B2B in any form imaginable, training, mentoring, consulting, classes, pallets, importing, pickup, shipping, packaging, greeting cards, liquidation, pawn, auctioneering, retail and wholesale sales, manufacturing, contests, coupons, advertising online and off, autos, large items, new items, and niches (I am sure I forgot a few). They didn’t work!
Sean, please understand that we get real tired of saying the same thing over, and over, and over again to folks who think they can build a better mouse trap. It’s condesending for someone to say “I’ve got the answer” when they haven’t been on the ride yet, or can’t provide a proven track record or some kind. And it also gets aggravating when new folks haven’t taken the time to read (or understand) the gist of what has been said more than once out here.
There are alot of smart, hard working people out here who have little sympathy anymore for those who now buy (or sell) this concept or its many faces, and they have not missed out on grabbing the brass ring. In this market, it simply does not exist!
Chance said Sean, please understand that we get real tired of saying the same thing over, and over, and over again to folks who think they can build a better mouse trap. It’s condesending for someone to say “I’ve got the answer” when they haven’t been on the ride yet, or can’t provide a proven track record or some kind. And it also gets aggravating when new folks haven’t taken the time to read (or understand) the gist of what has been said more than once out here.
I understand your frustration. But venting on the participants here helps the Snake Oilers cause and undoes the positive things you’ve done.
Here’s my point: You guys stepped on the entrepreneurial landmine that is the eBay drop-off franchise. You paid big, in both financial and personal terms, for that expensive lesson. You won’t get those years back. The one positive, though, is that through posting at amitheonlyone.org (AITOO) and here you’ve helped a lot of people steer clear of these landmines. That’s one of the reasons I started this site – to have some good come out of the hard lessons I’ve learned along the way.
The real snake oil salesmen will keep advertising, generating leads, doing Discovery Days, signing up hopeful dreamers. When the newbies mention this site, the Oilers will dismiss you, Avoiding Snake Oil and this group as a bunch of angry whiners who didn’t follow the system and now want to blame others for their failures. They will explain away your criticisms by saying that you didn’t believe and were negative about every idea.
If people come here and see a hostile, negative environment and are afraid to comment lest they get ripped a new one by the regulars, they may just click on one of those banner ads and fall into the comfy arms of the oily salesman who will tell them how smart they are, how much potential they have and how rich they’ll be if they only believe and stay positive.
I’m not as worried about Scott’s feelings (sorry Scott) or my feelings as I am about maintaining an environment where new people can come and be educated and feel comfortable participating and can toss out even a stupid idea without having to spend 3 hours getting up to speed.
The reason AITOO – which started this whole thing – had the impact it did was that it was rational, reasoned and well supported with facts, numbers, etc. and accessible to newbies.
My suggestion is to take out your frustration on your spouse, or throw darts at your ISI and Snappy dartboards but keep it cordial and open-minded here. Lots of empty chairs at the next Snake Oil Discovery Day will be your reward for such restraint.
Chance,
It might be refreshing if you would actually read what new ideas do come in to this forum Sean has created. Knocking everything which comes down the pike really helps very little.
My business plan has nothing to do with any of the previously tried and dismissed consignment or drop store ideas you have mentioned. It does not depend upon consignment at all. It could work well with people who have tried all of those other ideas, but it does not depend upon a consignment store in operation to work. I could get regular sales people to sell this package, but then I would have to train them about eBay and taking photos and many other aspects of how we do business. It is better for the business plan to find people who are already partially trained and are familiar with the basic aspects of getting products online via eBay.
My point was simply that if someone had a working stand alone drop store, and they were active in their local business community, that person could earn some additional income for their business with my plan. They do not need to be a graphics person, or a web designer or know html, they do not need to know much more than what they already know if they have actually run a business in this industry.
Maybe I dressed up to pretty to start off…
But every part of my plan is a viable concept, they just have never been put together in a package like this before.
Businesses buy and maintain websites
Businesses want to sell on the Internet
Business are interested in how eBay sales can help them
Businesses hire consultants to help them in specialties they do not have internal experience with.
Your local small business may be more than happy to hear about all of these services being available from one source, put together with a cohesive plan.
I never said I could save a single drop store from impending doom or divorce proceedings, I never promised anyone I could save a failed business. I simply offered a way to use the knowledge and skills from those drop store experiences and the local business contacts I have assumed every one of those drop store owners tried to cultivate in a new way.
I never offered a box full of DVDs and Books for thousands of dollars and I never asked for an up-front or franchise fee for myself.
Try it if you like, or don’t if you don’t… But please do not hang me for offering and do not try to assuage my character on several fronts by spamming my blogs, website, and eBay account.
Thanks Sean – No offense taken
Snake – I will take the time, I am doing it in my town already… But I appreciate the open minded view.
Scott:
I do agree with Chances statement: “Show me the money.” The folks who have had drop-off stores – who are the subject of this post – are probably not in the mood for hypothetical stuff that “might work.” I think you should rack up some actual success stories, actual cases studies with real numbers, glowing testimonials, etc. and share it when it’s proven.
Sean…..oh Sean. That was MY comment about SHOW ME THE MONEY, and that has been my main concern ever since Scott started talking about his idea.
http://www.franchisepick.com/is-snappy-auctions-a-great-franchise-opportunity/#comment-28242
I really really want it to work so store owners will have an option, but the proof is in the pudding. Why, I remember not too long ago with Debbie and John showed me the this bulletproof idea and they even showed “proof”. The rest is history.
Scott, you never told us the franchise you owned, worked for, etc. I showed you mine, now show us yours (names required).
Prior to my first post (and after my blog article about why drop stores are not easy business to run was quoted here) someone asked “Whats the alternative”?
Apparently that person was not a regular poster here, because regular posters are not seeking alternatives. You are seeking PAT answers which is why most of you bought Franchises in the first place. You are looking for guarantees…
News Flash – There are No Guarantees in Business.
You must rely on your own business accumen and skill 100% of the time.
If your looking for a white knight to ride in and give you guaranteed money, I am sorry, I am not your guy.
I do not owe anyone an explanation nor do I need to reveal my books on an open board. I will be happy to discuss anything with anyone who wants to call me and speak to me in a normal business like manner. My contact information is freely found in the many links that are connected to my “real” name at the top of each of my posts.
If the point here is to make me go away, and to prove you have won because I would not reveal on an open board what Franchise I worked with… I guess you won. Because I am not foolish and I will not get into these types of matters in this type of forum.
I apologize for not reading all of the nearly thousand posts here prior to saying this:
Scott Pooler
Feb 10, 2008 at 12:05 pm
“What is the alternative for the individual store owners?”
The “alternative” is simple…
Why not use the experience, skills, and reputation gained as an Internet commerce specialist and respected member of your local community? Why not use your current drop store as a launching pad to a new career and your confidense building base of operations… To start or add to your current business and become more than what you may see yourself as now.
Become recognized as the “expert” that you already are in your community and use your “expert” status to promote yourself as an Internet Business Mentor…
There is more to life than processing consignment items…
You have the skills and knowledge why not profit from them?
Use your drop store and eBay experience and become the empowered and profitable independent business person you always wanted to be… All while helping your local community business owners to succeed in online sales.
That is what I am doing…
Scott Pooler
Because if had read the prior posts, I would not have bothered.
Good Luck Sean enjoy the festival…
I have a business to run.
You know Scott, I have read everything you have published on the internet, before commenting, and more than once given you credit for your efforts (seems that got missed). But, I have not felt that you have given me or the other franchisees that same courtesy. We have tried tactfully to say that we have “Been there – done that”, and we have, whether you want to believe it or not. Your idea is NOT “new”, but just a twist on the many ideas we have all have tried. (No “negativity intended, just facts). Most of the larger franchisors had a concept very, very similar to yours; and they also had the pickup van idea, and the automobile sales concept. None have worked! We are not saying that your idea won’t work (I’ve said that before). Infact, we would all love to see any good idea succeed-yours included!
Until these franchisees have closed or moved their stores, or are out from under their “Makers”, relieved some of their debt, and find time and energy to learn another promising idea, a sales pitch (more than once) is not what they need. They have told you that they need concrete facts and dollar figures on a proven concept (Sorry-but that’s the $300,000 Franchising degree). So, fill the need, and you will have a sale. And punching holes in your concept can be an excellent learning tool and strengthen your product, especially with all the knowledge out here. But it is important that you see the “positve” side as well. We won’t argue that niche selling works (they are called “powersellers”), but it will not help a retail store front. (I don’t know – has anyone tried being a “Precious Moments Dropoff Store” ?!? LOL)
Sean, “negative” can be in the eyes of the reader as well, and I am not aware of anyone saying Scott was a Snake oil salesman (although they do exist-want names?!?).
Disclaimer: For mature audiences only. Nothing that has been said above is intended to be “negative” to the reader, or cause him/her harm or injury (unless it is an inappropriate CEO). All analogies are to be taken with a grain of humor and some thought, and no attempt will be made to repeat saying any of this again, unless necessary or pigs fly, which ever comes first!
It’s nice to be nice. That’s all I’m saying. It’s my new motto. I’m going to start selling imprinted “It’s Nice to be Nice” items on eBay shortly as my niche. If anyone wants in, speak now.
And FYI, Snake Oil is a thing of the past. Next up is Korean Frozen Yogurt which Rick Wetzel is backing. They’re on to the next one already…
Ah gee Sean, doesn’t everyone have a dart board? :) :) :)
Where did Wetzel get the yogurt money? Even after selling the pretzels off, seems he told the ISI franchisees and the lawyers there wasn’t any $$$ for a settlement. (Maybe it’s the money from his wife’s trust fund-hmmmm!) :)
Remember in the posting where Chance asked about contacting the Nashville Post? Well I found the article and the author. If you want to let him know how Snappy really works, you can email him at
milt.capps@nashvillepost.com
He wrote an article about Debbie Gordon’s newest effort with S3 (overall failure at the SA stores) and of course there is no mention of how poorly her other enterprise (Snappy Auctions) is doing so send him an email. He needs to know the truth.
Too bad you can’t read the article without paying but here it is:
Author: S3 Consulting (Snappy Auctions) and Com-Cycle Another Imminent Flop
Comment:E-cycling: Firm announces Nashville recovery facility
By: Milt Capps – 02-01-2008 10:16 AM
NashvillePost.com has learned that AERC/Com-Cycle will soon open an electronics-recycling and data-destruction facility in Nashville, employing at least 50 and partnering with S3 Consulting for business development.
S3 is a Nashville-based e-commerce software and marketing company owned by Debbie Gordon, the founder and CEO of SnappyAuctions, the eBay reseller and franchisor.
Com-Cycle CEO Peter Jegou told NashvillePost.com yesterday he is negotiating for office and remanufacturing space within seven miles of Nashville International Airport. Com-Cycle is a New Jersey-based division of privately held AERC Recycling solutions, based in Pennsylvania.
Com-Cycle recently introduced technology and services for customers facing HIPAA mandates to protect patients’ medical information and similar regulations, pushing the company deeper into the hot and politically sensitive ‘end-of-life’ asset management sector.
During the past two years, Nashville-based Richland Ventures and other VCs have made investments totaling $50 million or more in a Mississippi-based Com-Cycle competitor, Intechra Holding Corp. In addition, both Congress and the Tennessee General Assembly have been considering new legislation to address electronic-data security, recycling, remanufacturing and waste disposal for electronics products and similar goods.
Typically, such legislation – a Tennessee push stalled last year – requires manufacturers and retailers to ensure that consumers know how to recycle or dispose of their products. Some laws provide manufacturers incentives in exchange for such commitments.
http://rocketplace.com/speakers.shtml
Thats moi towards the middle, speaking with some other eBay and Social Media Marketing Experts…
Just for giggles…