Tuesday, January 17, 2016
Sponsor Post: Interview with Paul Andrews, CEO of Outward Consignment Group
Outward Consignment Group • www.outwardconsignmentgroup.com • founded by CEO Paul Andrews in December 2009, has revolutionized the consignment industry with its innovative business model centered on selling items through online marketplaces like eBay and Craigslist. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company has rapidly expanded its reach, now boasting a nationwide network of storage facilities and warehouses.
Initially focused on helping individuals sell high-quality merchandise on eBay, Outward Consignment Group quickly recognized the potential for growth. In 2012-2013, they expanded their operations to Canada and the United Kingdom, significantly broadening their customer base and geographical scope. The company further diversified its approach by incorporating Craigslist into its selling platforms, offering clients even more avenues to reach potential buyers.
The company's success lies in its robust infrastructure of storage facilities and warehouses across the United States. This network forms the backbone of their franchise business model, allowing individuals to leverage Outward Consignment Group's expertise and resources to sell items on popular online platforms.
By providing a seamless and efficient way for people to sell their merchandise, Outward Consignment Group has established itself as a leader in the consignment industry. Their approach not only maximizes the exposure and sales potential of the items they handle but also offers a valuable service to those looking to sell their goods without the hassle of managing the process themselves.
As Outward Consignment Group continues to thrive, it remains committed to its mission of simplifying the selling process for individuals while tapping into the vast potential of online marketplaces. With millions of potential buyers accessible through platforms like eBay and Craigslist, the company is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the evolving world of e-commerce and consignment sales."
Q: What inspired the creation of Outward Consignment Group, and how has it evolved since its inception?
A: Outward Consignment Group was born from the realization that eBay, Craigslist or any online marketplace could be a powerful tool if its made more accessible to everyone. We envisioned a service that would simplify the online selling process for individuals, businesses, and organizations. Since its founding in 2009, the company has grown into a nationwide network of consignment facilities, leveraging technology and customer service to streamline the selling process on platforms like eBay, Craigslist and more.Q: Can you walk us through the consignment process at Outward Consignment Group?
A: The Process is designed to be user-friendly and efficient:- Customers bring items they want to sell to an Outward Consignment Group storage facility or warehouse.
- Staff members assess the item's value and create a listing with the customer's input.
- The item is photographed and listed on eBay, Craigslist or any online marketplace.
- Customers can track their progress online on our website with a Transaction ID#.
- Once sold, Outward Consignment Group handles payment collection and shipping.
- The seller receives a check, minus our fees and commission.
Q: How does Outward Consignment Group's business model benefit both sellers and buyers?
A: For Sellers, we offer a hassle-free way to sell items online, handling everything from photography to shipping. This saves time and potentially increases the item's selling price due to our expertise in online marketplaces. For Buyers, we provide access to a wide range of quality items, often at better prices than traditional retail channels. Our process also adds a layer of trust and professionalism to online transactions.Q: Can you elaborate on your reverse logistics program and its significance in the market?
A: Our reverse logistics program is designed to help businesses recapture value from returned or unsold goods. Instead of selling these items through traditional liquidation channels for pennies on the dollar, we offer businesses up to 65% of the selling price by leveraging online marketplaces. This program taps into a massive market - with $60 billion in liquidations and $100 billion in returns annually - where even the largest liquidators control less than 1% of the market share.Q: How does your franchise model work, and where are you seeing the most growth?
A: We offer exclusive territories to our franchisees, with each storage facility receiving a 500-mile radius for a 10-year term. This model allows us to expand our reach while maintaining quality control. Currently, we're seeing the most franchise signups in California, Texas, Florida, and New York, reflecting the strong demand for our services in these populous states.Q: How do you plan to use your recent funding to further grow the business?
A: The recent venture round will be strategically invested in several key areas:- Expanding our storage facility network to increase our geographical reach
- Enhancing our technology infrastructure to improve efficiency and user experience
- Growing our support staff to maintain high-quality customer service as we scale
- Investing in consumer marketing to drive customer acquisition and build brand awareness
Q: What services does Outward Consignment Group offer for selling vehicles and large items?
A: Outward Consignment Group offers comprehensive services for selling vehicles and large items. We handle the entire process, from initial valuation to final sale. This includes professional photography, detailed listings on multiple online marketplaces, managing transactions, and arranging delivery. For vehicles specifically, they offer inspections, fair pricing assessments, and handle all necessary paperwork for ownership transfer.Q: How does Outward Consignment Group's delivery service work?
A: Outward Consignment Group provides free delivery for items within 500 miles of their storage facilities. This service is included in the consignment process, making it convenient for buyers to receive large items like vehicles, boats, or furniture without additional shipping costs. For sellers, this means their items can reach a wider market without worrying about transportation logistics.Q: What kind of buyer protection does Outward Consignment Group offer?
A: Outward Consignment Group offers a 10-Day Money-Back Guarantee for Buyers. This policy provides peace of mind, allowing customers to thoroughly inspect their purchases and ensure satisfaction. Additionally, we use an escrow system for large transactions, holding the buyer's payment for 10 days after delivery to ensure the item meets expectations before releasing funds to the seller.Q: How does Outward Consignment Group ensure a smooth selling process for consignors?
A: Our company streamlines the selling process by:- Offering convenient drop-off at our storage facilities or pick-up services
- Conducting professional inspections and valuations
- Creating high-quality listings with detailed descriptions and photos
- Managing all buyer inquiries and negotiations
- Handling paperwork and payment processing
- Arranging secure delivery to buyers
Q: What sets Outward Consignment Group apart from traditional consignment shops or online marketplaces?
A: Outward Consignment Group distinguishes itself through:- A nationwide network of storage facilities, allowing for broader market reach
- Expertise in selling high-value items like vehicles, boats, and designer goods
- A user-friendly online platform combined with personalized customer service
- Transparent pricing and no hidden fees
- Handling of all aspects of the sale, from listing to delivery
- A strong focus on trust and customer satisfaction, as evidenced by their high ratings and positive reviews
Office Headquarter:
Outward Consignment Group
www.outwardconsignmentgroup.com
300 California Street,
San Francisco, CA 94104