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P R O F I L E 2009
Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 11, 2009
Bargains for buyers, cash for sellers:
What could be better? “The inventory we have on the floor today,” Breton noted, “wasn’t here a couple of months ago, and it won’t be here a couple of months from now.” Shoppers attracted to newly arrived merchandise in the store – or those who browse the Web site at www.heliosqualityconsignments.com – can track price reductions online, and buy directly on-line as well. A unique new way to turn no-longer needed household items (except for large appliances) into cash, and at the
By R ich Livingston Freelance Writer
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ouldn’t it be great to have a local source that matches buyers and sellers of merchandise with the efficiency of classified advertising? If gently used household items could be turned into cash, or if someone could find just the perfect accent piece for home or camp at a third of what they might pay at retail? Helios Quality Consignments is a unique shopping experience, open in Auburn only since July, 2008, and it is changing the way we think about shopping. It has also provided a whole new technique for disposing of those things that are longer needed, that are subject to downsizing efforts, in ways which are easier and more efficient than were ever previously possible. Sellers of quality furniture, antiques, collectibles, jewelry, housewares, lamps, mirrors, china and more can arrange for Helios’ experts to appraise the goods and establish a reasonable asking price. Helios will pick up larger pieces at no charge (in the L-A area), and before placing it in their showroom at 1120 Center Street in Auburn, they’ll be sure that it has been thoroughly cleaned and has been made as presentable as possible. Each item in the store is clearly marked with the price, along with an explanation that if it hasn’t sold at that price within 30-days, the price will automatically be reduced by 15%. If it hasn’t been sold in the next 30-days, the price will be lowered an additional 20%. According to Brian Breton, assistant manager, “About 85% of what we stock will be sold within 90 days.” The reason for that success rate is that, “We’re pretty fussy about what we accept,” Manager Ron Turcotte explained. “We’re a higher-end store, and we have high standards. We want to be sure that our customers can appreciate the value we represent, that they have a consistent experience in our store.” Established as a subsidiary of the Sun Media Group, Helios was designed to enhance the value and impact of traditional classified advertising. “We handle the advertising,” Turcotte said, “we establish a fair market price, and have a clearly described price-reduction policy. We handle sales and can provide delivery. We split proceeds 50-50 with the consignor.” Helios also provides eBay listings, sales and shipping for individual items and through its own eBay store – ideal, according to Breton, for “all sorts of collectibles, especially, but we even recently sold a snowboard through our eBay store!”
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lthough the convenience and worldwide network of buyers available through eBay has particular advantages for sellers, the Helios store itself is a bargain-hunting browser’s paradise for buyers and is more effective and efficient for sellers than traditional methods of reducing household clutter.
same time, a great way to buy what may be needed at rock-bottom bargain prices. A combination of convenience, selection, quality and price, Helios is a new concept that has quickly proven its value with robust sales even in the slow economy. Buying or selling, Helios is a better way to get it done.
Helios’ home furnishings and works of art, including brilliant antique stained glass church windows and paintings, will provide comfort and inspiration to your home year round.
Ron Turcotte
Brian Breton