Setting Sale

Q. Why use a drop-off shop?

A. Convenience. Staffers do all the work, from taking pictures to shipping items. Fees and commissions can eat up as much as 50 percent of the sale price, but that's also about what local for-profit consignment shops take. With Internet sales, you'll reach a much wider audience.

How do I find a drop-off store?

Go to http://www.ebay.com/, find "sell," scroll down to the bottom of the page to "trading assistant." Type in your Zip code and, when the list appears, check "staffed drop-off."

How do I choose a store?

All eBay sellers cite their total transactions and must list their "feedback" percentage. A store with a 98 percent approval rating and several thousand sales, for example, should be reliable; read all feedback postings to gauge buyer and seller satisfaction. Ask if the shop is insured, how long it takes to get paid, if it offers pickup service or if it sets a minimum price per item, which can be as high as $100.

What are my costs?

Check individual store Web sites. All take a percentage of the sale price: a flat rate, maybe 25 or 30 percent, or a sliding scale, with higher fees for less expensive items. Some tack on a listing or handling fee for each item. Add to that eBay fees for listings and final sales.

Who pays for shipping?

The buyer, though some stores may tack on a shipping and handling fee to cover materials.

How do I know what my item is worth?

You can monitor eBay auctions of similar items; the drop-off shops usually have access to sales prices over a longer period, so they have a good idea what things bring. Some shop owners consult jewelers and antiques experts for guidance.

Will shops take anything?

No. Some won't take furniture, books, no-name art, designer knockoffs, firearms or pornography.

What about photos and item descriptions?

That's what you're paying the shop to do. Staffers will take digital pictures and write the text, stating the item's age, condition and defects. They use such key words as "Victorian" or "Williams-Sonoma" to draw buyers searching by style or store.

-- Annie Groer