New business sells on eBay for customers

New business sells on eBay for customers

By Trevor Kupfer, Dells Events

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When Adam Seymour recently rummaged through a box to find an old, raggedy baseball glove, he didn't think he'd get more than a few dollars for it. When he posted it on eBay, he was surprised to see it sell for about $200.

"We've come across a few interesting items that you'd never think would sell for much," Seymour said.

Along with Jason Field, Seymour recently created the Lake Delton store We Sell 4 U on eBay, also known as Dells Auction. The service asks customers to bring in items that would sell for more than $30, and they take it from there.

"We do free appraisals, meaning giving an idea of what an item will go for on eBay, we list it, we sell it, we package it, ship it," Seymour said. "Basically we do everything and then we send them a check in the mail."
If you've seen the 2005 comedy "The 40 Year Old Virgin," the concept of an eBay store isn't new. For those who haven't heard of the stores, the idea may seem a bit foreign.

"I had a guy come into the store the other day who wanted to buy something and I couldn't sell it to him," Seymour said with a smile.
While the idea may seem strange, the number of these stores nationwide has seen a peak recently.

"There's starting to be a lot more," Seymour said adding there are stores in Madison and Wausau.

Field and Seymour got the idea a year ago when they did buying and selling of their own. Shortly thereafter, the duo saw several people approach them to sell their possessions on the online auction service.
They have since moved their business to the Field Building across the street from Moosejaw Restaurant. It is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Seymour said they can't sell firearms or real estate but will accept almost anything else customers bring in, including cars.

"I found out most people just don't want to take the time so they'll come in and just drop it off," Seymour said.

Just last week the business picked up an out-of-business restaurant in LaCrosse to sell its equipment. Seymour said they've had lots of business recently, so much so that they're looking to hire more staff.

The business is part of the Trading Assistant program, which allows them to legally conduct business provided they meet a quota every month, pay roughly $1,000 in monthly fees and receive at least a 97 percent feedback rating through eBay.

The typical American household holds about 25 unused, high-value items, according to a 2004 A.C. Nielson survey.

Recent surprises at We Sell 4 U include a purse that sold for $4,500, two model airplanes that had a price of $1.50 on the box, yet sold for $100 each, and a vintage pipe that sold for $140.

"When they prepare for spring cleaning, people in Lake Delton should realize they are likely to sell these unwanted items on eBay for considerably more than they would receive from a garage sale," Seymour said.
To sell, or purchase items for other residents, visit the We Sell 4 U Web site at http://stores.ebay.com/Dells-store.