In one swoop, eBay store AuctionDrop grows its network by 3,400 locations

AuctionDrop, a service that sells items at eBay.com for would-be sellers who don’t want to do the work themselves, today started accepting items for sale at 3,400 UPS Store locations nationwide. Sellers can drop their unpackaged items off at a UPS Store, where staff will package it and ship it to AuctionDrop. AuctionDrop pays for the packaging and shipping and then ships sold items via UPS.

Each UPS Store will be equipped with guidelines of what AuctionDrop will accept. Store clerks must assign a product code to each item being shipped to AuctionDrop. If a customer brings in an item that is not on the list, the customer can call an AuctionDrop customer service center to describe the product to a rep. If the rep thinks the item will sell, he will give the customer an authorization code to be used when the customer sends the item in.

Customers can also go to AuctionDrop.com and send in an e-mail describing their products for an evaluation of its sales prospects.

AuctionDrop will accept antiques and collectibles; camcorders; cameras; car audio and video; cell phones; computers and networking equipment; electronics; jewelry and watches; musical instruments and equipment; shoes, purses, leather goods and accessories; sports and hobby equipment; and video game systems.

AuctionDrop charges consumers 38% of the first $200, 30% of the next $300, and 20% of the remaining amount, with a minimum commission of $19.99. The seller also pays eBay fees of 5.25% of the first $25, 2.75% of the next $975 and 1.5% of the remaining amount, plus a 2.9% transaction fee.

AuctionDrop`s staff handles photography, testing, research, listing, customer service, payment processing, re-packing, shipping, and returns. If an item doesn`t sell, it will be returned to the customer at no additional cost.

AuctionDrop reports that it sells 92% of the items it takes in. That is in contrast with the 43% of all items listed on eBay that sell.