by Claudia Bruemmer

Wholesale liquidator Via Trading Corporation, a five-time Inc. 5000 honoree, has identified a trend over the last year showing that consumer goods liquidation operators saw a significant increase in the number of consumers starting their own small businesses reselling products on the secondary retail market. Via Trading believes this offers hope of financial freedom in the continuing economic downturn.

It looks like some consumers are going into small business startups as employment opportunities dwindle. Via Trading noted an 88 percent increase over 2010 in the number of customers who say they are starting out in the secondary market resale business.
The Via Trading data suggests that consumers realize the potential of investing in their own business with a hands-on enterprise like online flea markets and discount store businesses reselling merchandise for a profit.

This type of business can give these new startup owners more control over their finances. It reduces the odds of future employment loss and reduces dependence on someone else for a weekly paycheck. Working from their homes, garages or out of a local swap meet, these entrepreneurs can build capital that increases over time with very little overhead.

As shoppers try to save money by finding better deals on common household items and personal necessities, the demand for outlet-priced products and places to buy them is currently at an all-time high. Wholesalers like Via Trading are stepping up to fill the need for low-priced wholesale lots of consumer goods, making them available to small resale businesses at a fraction of their original cost.
The company attributes this significant increase in new startups over the last year to the stagnant global job market and the economic climate, in addition to their own targeted business development strategies.

Via Trading takes over returned, overstocked and liquidated inventory from the nation’s largest department store brands, offering affordable wholesale lots to individuals as well as established businesses. Operating out of a 240,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Los Angeles, California, the company welcomes visitors and encourages local entrepreneurs to select their merchandise and pick it up in person to avoid shipping charges that would come out of their profits.

Via Trading uses its newly redesigned ecommerce liquidation website to supply businesses with wholesale lots from virtually anywhere in the world. Buyers can view photos, descriptions, prices and videos of products before they buy. Once they order, they receive their merchandise at their door within a few days when they can begin to regain their investment by turning a profit.

The ViaTrading.com website features extensive small business resources to help startup entrepreneurs successfully set up new ventures, including the following information.

• Small Business Associations in their area
• Financing for small businesses
• Finding local business development centers
• Information on how to resell liquidated merchandise in 10 different secondary resale channels (including eBay, yard sales and discount stores)

“We feel that it’s not just about getting products into peoples’ hands,” says Nathania Stambouli, Marketing Manager. “It’s about making sure they know what to do with it and that they use the right techniques to get the most out of their investment.”

Via Trading also holds monthly auctions and discount events to further enable new startups to find deals on various products, and it maintains an open-door policy welcoming visitors six days a week, offering a myriad of resources and advice. Below are some testimonials received about the outreach program.

Lydia F. experienced the company’s developmental approach first-hand. “As a new single mother to support myself and my daughter, I created an at-home business via the internet. Via Trading was a key contributor to making my business a success. I have built a customer base for the products and services received, which I could not have offered without their help.”

Leonardo C. agrees, and states, “My sister and I started as swap meet vendors but recently changed our business model to an eBay business based on Via’s suggestions. This change allowed us not only to increase our traffic by reaching a wider audience, but we have been able to increase our profits by two or three.”

The above testimonials from new entrepreneurs like Lydia and Leonardo show that Via Trading’s new startup outreach in the consumer goods liquidation industry is paying off. The company plans to continue develop