QuikDrop says goodbye …

In an article written by Ina Steiner of AuctionBytes.com this morning, it is reported that QuikDrop, one of the largest eBay store franchises in the United States, will be closing franchise sales and support operations by the end of this month. Current franchisees (store owners) are free to continue store operations, but will do so without the support and software of the corporate franchise.

… at least one store owner was concerned about QuikDrop’s notice that it would stop offering stores to use its proprietary software program on December 31st. Bob Golub, owner of a Massachusetts QuikDrop franchise store, said he was not surprised by the news of the closure, but is concerned about finding replacement software and learning a new program in such a short time. “We are all fighting,” Golub said. Excerpt from: Ina Steiner AuctionBytes.com

If you own a QuickDrop franchise, what will you do?

Will you go ahead and continue trading with newer and even better software provided by a third party like AuctionLogic (powered by AuctionSound)? Or will you try to run your shipping operations with eBay’s Turbo-Lister?

There are services available, such as AccountingLogic, to help you convert your data from your existing software or accounting software and import that data into your new listing software. Learning the latest web-based mailing list software packages isn’t as difficult as QuickDrop store owners might imagine. Training is available through software vendors or their consultants and, in the end, your costs will be much lower while your ease of use and efficiency will improve.

My advice would be to weigh your options and evaluate this change as an opportunity. QuickDrop may have given the entire franchise the best Christmas gift possible. But by closing the bleed and operations, they have given franchises the opportunity to control their own destiny and run their business however they wanted. Lowering overhead will give each franchise owner breathing space to implement new advertising, website development, and eBay store upgrade options that were not available to them as a franchise owner.

Beyond highlighting the many valid reasons to avoid purchasing an eBay direct store franchise, as detailed earlier in this post … This development also brings to the forefront a business practice that I believe every small entrepreneur should avoid. ..

Relying on one business or entity to provide your business with all the necessary software and branding and ultimately revenue … is bullshit. Throwing all your proverbial eggs in one basket is unwise in any company, relying on one company for software and branding is risky.

While this lesson is clearly demonstrated with this latest QuickDrop development. The same lesson can be applied to the practice of placing all your product sales on a channel like eBay. It is unwise for a business owner to rely entirely on the stability, generosity, or whims of another business. If you are only selling through eBay or have an eBay direct selling store of any brand, you should take today’s news as a wake-up call. Take a look at your operation and analyze where your income is developing. If your stream is a river, then you need to diversify. Find a way to sell elsewhere, look for other support options, check out other software vendors …

Always look for ways to extend your dependence on other entities and your business will be healthier and able to survive when a supplier has a bad situation. Your business is no different than an investment portfolio, it is never advisable to invest all your cash in a single share …

All members of the QuickDrop family should thank the corporate offices for this decision. There are other software packages available that are easier to use and better supported and available at a lower cost than the price of a franchise and a royalty fee.

Congratulations to all QuickDrop franchise owners – you have been released.