NAC

By Leon Castner

It seems hard to believe, but there are still many people out there, and you may be one of them, who still can't master the computer. While others are running their fingers over keyboards surfing the web for oceans of knowledge, you're still in your easy chair looking out the picture window watching the birds.

Don't get me wrong. I think there's a lot to be said about watching birds. There's also a lot to be said about living a life without cell phones, faxes, and flat screen monitors. In fact, I just returned from Florida where my mom had me dismantle her computer (a real dinosaur), and take it away. It seems that she likes life exactly as it was and can live very well without instant email or pop up advertisements.

For those of you in the same boat (a sailing ship to be sure), you probably have never bought or sold an item on that venerable and huge Internet market site known as Ebay. It's big! Almost everything you can imagine is offered there to millions of people every day. All kinds of things are sold from collectibles to antiques to exquisite parcels of real estate to household furniture (not to mention grilled cheese sandwiches that look like the Madonna).

Everyone, except you and I, are apparently experts in Ebay technology. Kids, housewives, businessmen, storeowners, collectors, and people wanting to just clean their garage all seem to know the intricacies of listing their property, setting sale parameters, and taking wonderful digital pictures to highlight their merchandise when they do their very own sale. People have code names (dorathedepressionglassfiend), their own PayPal accounts (kind of like their own banker), and even personal UPS stations (making money on every shipment that leaves their home).

Finally someone has come up with the realization that there are still many of us old timers that can't "turn the dang thing on" yet alone figure out where Ebay is or how to get in touch with it. There are also many who have figured it out but are plain tired of wasting time and money sitting behind a screen when there are exciting birds to watch or birdhouses to build.

"Drop off stores" are the new thing. They are places where one can bring their items to have someone else sell them. They list them with descriptions, take and download photographs, and actually run the sale. Once an item is sold, they receive the money and package and ship it to the new owner. In a few weeks you receive a nice check, if they were lucky, minus any commissions and fees. You never have to touch a mouse or keyboard!

This brings both good and bad news. First, let's look at the good. Items you no longer want, need, or treasure can now be sold to someone else. You don't have to do anything except sign a contract and give them the item (which probably means the item will be small). You'll receive some money and maybe more than you imagine. (The grilled cheese sandwich sold for about $12,000). You don't have to deal with the buyer, provide a warranty, collect sales tax, or even declare it on your income tax. What a windfall.

The bad news is that there may not be a drop off store around the corner. (This is a relatively new thing.) Also-these stores are not yet licensed. Some people are better than others at running businesses. Just because someone's a computer hack doesn't mean they are good at all the rest. In fact, they may be horrible. (That's why they're in the back room in front of a screen while the sun is shining outside. Didn't my mom tell me something about that?) They do know how to charge for their services, however. Many have fees ranging in the 25-50% range. They might sell an item for $50 and you end up with $19. But if that seems reasonable, then go right ahead.

This type of service isn't really new. Regular "home town" auctions and consignment shops have been at this process for a long time. They operate in the same way; only they usually sell to local costumers, without the aid of an Internet connection. Some have been in business longer than others and may have a good reputation. That's important in case you have problems down the road. The good thing about using them is that they may take everything (and even move it for you). Drop off stores have exclusions and limitations. They may not even want your item!

Guess what? Many live auctions and shops do both. They may give you a choice and choice is the name of the game. You don't have to be an Ebay guru to enjoy the benefits. You don't have to even own a computer. And to many of you, that's probably good news.

So sit back and enjoy the birds. Let someone else worry about viruses, crashes, spamming, and whatever else is on the menu this week.