Well it all depends how much detail they want in the graphics. Getting a store is fast. It only takes a few minutes to register if you already have an id set up. What is slow is if they want any fancy graphics, etc, for their about me and their headers, etc. There is also a new custom pages feature which i have yet to use. If they have their own html code on how they want it to look, its easier. But there are a few "ebay only" codes that you might have to adjust or pop in there. There is one to insert a list of auctions, feedback, etc etc, if you want to on the "me" page and other places.
It is hard for me to say how much time this takes. As for me, I did the registering and put my logo in first, and then my me page and all the rest happened here and there over time.
No matter what the final figure is, i would educate them about what ebay fees are and get really clear about having them sign on the dotted line about your commission. Is it taken off the top of the final sale price regardless of what is paid out, or is it commission on the profit after all ebay fees or wholesale is taken off. That is very important. I worked somewhere once that promised me the world, but then when they didn't make as much money right off the bat they quickly changed terms. (when you are a new company or product, things have a slow and steady build, not all businesses can expect to throw open their doors and be mobbed on the first day.) Also it is important to educate them that ebay is not a magic bullet and it depends on their overall business plan to be successful and letting people who are interested in their product know that they are in the market place. If this is something that they sincerely want to sell, that is one thing, but if they are using it as sort of a hook sollely as a promotional tool to get folks to buy directly from them, they need to be upfront with you about that too.
I woudl also be sure to arrange for some type of compensation during start up even if it is drawn against the first sale. Just so if they have a change of heart or if boss' nephew comes along and they need to find something for him to do, you are not out.
Anyway...maybe way more than you were asking! Sounds like an exciting prospect, Gail, at any rate, and let us know how it goes!
Chris
