Best multi-store e-commerce script

Hi guys,

I'm looking into creating a multi-store e-commerce site for my local area & am in need of your expert opinions on the software available out there to do this.

Basically, I want them to be able to manage their own stores, with their own logins, but collect a percentage of each sale. Some of the store owners on the site will have their own merchant accounts with their bank, so would like for them to be able to collect their own payments that way, whilst those without a merchant account will probably just use paypal.

I've looked a little at magento & even some auction site scripts, but I really have no idea which would be the best way to go.

I would REALLY love to hear from anyone else who has looked into this, or anyone who has worked on such a project.

At this stage, I'm really looking for solid advice about the available software, so I can educate myself about what's currently available (not expansive, if at all possible) & if it will suffice, before going down the custom solution route - don't want to be suckered in because I don't know enough about this kind of programming & web development.

I really do look forward to your replies.

Thanks in advance,

Sissy