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Young entrepreneurs: Teen learns business savy one customer at a time

Staff reporter

It started as an educational tool to introduce her daughter to the business world but it is becoming a booming business.

Olivia Dicks, 13-year-old daughter of John and Robin Dicks of Marion, is home-schooled by mother Robin, who suggested the project.

"I was looking for home-school projects and ways for us to be entrepreneurs," said Robin. The family had previously bought and sold items on eBay, so it seemed logical to sell items for others.

Olivia started the business, Auctions by Olivia, in October and sells items for individuals and local businesses, Western Associates and Barely Makin' It Antiques.

She also is willing to look for and purchase specific items from the Internet auction service.

How it works

A customer or consignor contacts Olivia with a request. A contract is signed between Olivia and the customer.

Extensive research is completed prior to listing the item.

"I find out what it's worth, what it's selling for on eBay, and the price the consignor might get," said Olivia. "I don't want to waste anyone's money if it's not worth selling."

Olivia takes a digital photograph of the item, writes a description, and places the ad on the Internet site.

"Most auctions are from three to seven days," she said.

If the item doesn't sell, the consignor only pays listing fees (70 cents to $4) and any other charges eBay may charge Olivia. If the item does sell, Olivia packages and ships the item to the winning bidder.

She collects the eBay charges for posting the item, and she earns a commission from 15 to 30 percent, depending on the amount of the winning bid. The lower percentage is collected for higher-ticketed items of $351 and more.

Business is going well. Olivia recently sold $800 worth of coins for a consignor with the commission being added to her savings for a car and college. Not all of her money is for the future.

"She spent some of her money on redecorating her bedroom," said Robin.

Olivia's not sure what she wants to do with her life after high school but Robin thinks she'll probably stay in the computer field.

Robin sees this as more than a way for her daughter to make money.

"This has been a good learning experience for her," said Robin. "It teaches her marketing, business, finances, and computers."

To contact Olivia, call (620) 382-2643 or e-mail her at ojdicks@hotmail.com.

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