VISTA -- Tom Harris and Joe Kindred next week will open a store that caters to people with stuff to sell on eBay. Jim Sullivan is just that type. He said he has sold some stuff on the online auction site before and found the experiences taught him "enough to know I wouldn't want to do it on a routine basis."

Harris and Kindred are preparing to open 24/7 Auctions.com on Tuesday, an eBay consignment drop-off store where patrons can leave items to hawk on the popular Web site.

Sullivan, who co-owns Scratch Golf next to 24/7 Auction.com at 1037 E. Vista Way, said he plans to give the store a shot by selling some antique golf clubs.

The store is ideal for those like Sullivan who don't like to hassle with selling items on eBay, Kindred said. The store might also be useful for some seniors who have a lot of "stuff" or collectable items but aren't computer savvy, he said.

Employees will photograph the item, write a description, post it on eBay, handle buyer inquires and ship the item, he said. They will also go out to homes and businesses for larger items or to catalogue estate sales.

What is required from the customer is a 28 percent commission when an item is sold, a $10 listing fee and minor charges for credit card and eBay usage, Kindred said. Buyers pay for shipping costs. There is no charge to a customer if his or her item does not sell. Also, only auction items worth $50 or more will be accepted.

These types of eBay "drop-off stores" are becoming popular across the country, eBay spokesman Hani Durzy said.

"We don't own these stores; we don't invest in them," Durzy said. "They take items from folks who don't want to or don't have the ability to list items themselves and sell them on their behalf."

"We are excited about the idea of these stores and about the potential that they offer to bring that segment of the population that hasn't been turning to eBay to sell what they have," he added.

Durzy estimates that about 50 to 100 drop-off locations are operating across the nation, and added that one large chain called Auctiondrop is uniting with 3,000 UPS stores to expand operations.

Kindred said that while Auctiondrop is a sound operation, 24/7 Auctions.com can handle large items and does not charge as much commission. (Auctiondrop starts at 38 percent commission).

"Plus, you're dealing directly with the consigner," Kindred said of his business. "We'll pick up an item and also handle business liquidations."

And despite the fact that the store in Vista isn't open yet, customers are already waiting in the wings.

"We're just getting the word out, and already people are calling," Kindred said. "I had a man call me yesterday. He has an ultralight airplane he wants to sell."

Kindred said based on the large number of buyers who use eBay, the store should be a success. According to eBay's 2003 financial report, the total value of items sold that year was $24 billion, a 60 percent increase from 2002. The number of active users is 41 million, the company's report states.

Plans to franchise 24/7 Auctions.com is also in the works, Kindred said.

"It's going to be exciting," he said of the store's impending opening.

Kindred said that by the time the store is finished, it will have an impressive storefront and a $3,000 security gate. He also said any items dropped off are insured.

Kindred and Harris are not new to the business. They currently run an eBay drop-off center out of Harris' Fallbrook home.

"People kept asking us, 'When are you gonna open a store?' " said Kindred, an Oceanside resident.

Their customer satisfaction rating is in the 99th percentile, which allows the men to use the eBay "trading logo and name," Kindred said.

"People should come to us rather than trying to sell them themselves," Harris said. "We have been actively involved and have a strong … rating. It makes a buyer much more confident in sending their money off to us."

The only other North County eBay drop-off location Kindred and Harris are aware of is Bob's Carlsbad Clock Shop, and "we searched and searched," Kindred said.

Fast Facts

For more information, contact the store at (760) 630-2477. 24/7 Auctions.com is at 1037 E. Vista Way. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The store is set to open Tuesday, but is now accepting walk-in customers.

Contact staff writer Jennifer Kabbany at (760) 631-6622 or jkabbany@nctimes.com.