I'm hoping to create a website where I can pay people for their used iPhones, Blackberry's, etc. I'm hoping to get anywhere from 2-3 phones a day, is this achievable? What kind of way would be the best to market such a site? They simply would send me information on their phone (condition, accessories, etc.) and I send them a quote, they print out a pre-paid shipping label I have made for them, ship the phone to me, I inspect it and send them a check.
I'm not sure that many people would be willing to part with their phones before receiving any money. Most online transactions work the other way around; the item is only shipped after payment is made. Your site would be in direct competition with other online marketplaces like eBay which have already adopted this preferred convention. 2-3 phones a day is a very modest target, but your shipping/payment arrangment might prove to be your site's downfall; nobody wants to be scammed. I would seriously consider a different arrangement, or taking some drastic steps to make your site look as legitimate and trustworthy as possible.
I understand where you are coming from but I don't know any way around it. I need to inspect the phones before I cut the customer a check. I already expect to recieve a lot of stolen devices. Any other company providing similar services (except for marketplaces like eBay) work the exact same way I'm hoping to operate. I have been doing Craigslist for some time now but it isn't reaching enough people locally, that's why I'm looking to go online. Do you really think customers will see this as such a large problem if other similar businesses operate the same way? Do I have any other options? I have though, and I can see it pushing some business away, but not the 2-3 phones I'm desiring.