QuikDrop will open a drop-off store next month in Staten Island, New York, and NuMarkets opened a store in Chattanooga Monday. The two companies operate eBay drop-off store franchises, the latest growing trend in the online-auction industry. Consumers can drop off goods at the stores, which lists the items on eBay for a commission.
NuMarkets opened a store in Chattanooga on Monday, the company's third location, with plans to open additional locations in Raleigh NC, and Nashville and Cleveland, Tennesse. The other two existing stores are located in Knoxville and Etowah, Tennessee.
QuikDrop will open a store next month in Staten Island, New York. "Our New York City location is the first step in our expansion into the Northeastern United States," said Murray Mead, President of QuikDrop International. The franchise will join other drop-off stores in New York City, including Oasis in Hicksville and Huntington.
Adam Hersh runs an eBay consignment business in New York City, but like many eBay sellers, chooses not to have a retail location. eBay has a Trading Assistant program for such sellers, who often offer pick-up service or by-appointment drop-offs at their homes or warehouses.
eBay drop-off stores having been springing up in many parts of the country, including Nebraska, Idaho, Florida, Texas, New York, Washington, Nevada and California. Excitement over the business model grew when AuctionDrop launched in the spring of 2003 and was able to raise millions of dollars of venture-capital funding.
Observers will have a chance to see "how it plays in Peoria." QuikDrop announced late yesterday it has plans to open stores in Northern Illinois and Eastern Iowa. The first will open in Peoria, Illinois in June.
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