Is this true about Beldts?

DrBDC

Active member
This came through on the MASI email list. What is going on?

1. Beldt's
Posted by: "Mike Hellweg" mhellweg511@charter.net pugdog64
Thu Sep 14, 2006 12:15 pm (PST)


"Well folks, an era ended today. One of the oldest tropical fish businesses in the US is gone. Today was the final liquidation sale of all remaining fixtures, computers, equipment, and any remaining inventory.

The auction was handled by a liquidation auction firm, which also handled the promotion of the auction. Unfortunately, that means they handled it like any other auction, advertising it to auction bidders from estate sales and liquidations, not a hobbyist auction. There were no local shops or hobbyists there because none knew about it.

The only reason I found out was because I happened to hear about the fixture auction while I was in Peoria yesterday!

Anyway, the bidders had NO INTEREST in tanks, even at $25 per PALLET of 30 tanks! There are about 250 or so tanks remaining. Most are 10's, 15's, 20 flats, 20 longs, 30 breeders and 40 breeders. There are a few odd sized tanks left, too, including one 75. That's it. They all need some TLC, and will never be show or photography tanks. But if you are interested, after visiting our Swap Meet on October 1st, 2006, you can head up to the old hatchery and buy as many as you want. Any offer will be accepted. Any tanks not sold that day are going in the trash.

In case you are interested, October 1st is also the viewing for the property. All of the buildings and the land are selling at auction on October 8th. The starting bid for all is $500,000, in case you've got some extra money lying around! ; ) "
 
Fade is correct. Behind the Beldt's retail store is a 4 buildings complex that used to be the hatchery. You might remember the old smokestack back there. There is even a house.

That entire complex was/is being auctioned off, not the retail store. Beldt's retail store is up and running. several of us were just there Wednesday night.
 
yeah, I just spun around here at work and asked Mrs. Marty what was up and she confirmed the warehouse explanation.
 
The hatchery at one time had around 300 tanks or so, alot of local fish stores would buy livestock and drygoods from them, back in the day

Its a sad story
 
I thought they had a sale awhile back when they closed it up. Maybe even a couple of times???? Is this going to be another one like all the bedroom stores that keep "closing the doors for good!"
 
Kathy - I was wondering if you were shadowing this! You get the tanks, I'll put Barry White on for the black ocellaris... :lol:
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8154302#post8154302 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by McBeck
Kathy - I was wondering if you were shadowing this! You get the tanks, I'll put Barry White on for the black ocellaris... :lol:

Look at who is talkin' dirty again. :D
 
Update from the MASI mailing list:


Hello all,

Due to the heavy response to my email on Thursday, let me clarify a few things.

First, the buildings are almost completely empty. I don't even know if they have power on up there. There is no one on duty up there, and no phone to answer even if someone was there. Bob (the owner) is the only one left. Beldt's warehouse is in the hands of the liquidation company. Bob is working another job now, and can't be running up to the warehouse every day to sell a couple of tanks. Look at it from his perspective. He's already lost everything. There is no money in it for him, so there is no incentive for him to do it. This is no longer his business.

Second, please do not bother the folks at the retail store. They do not have keys, and they have NOTHING to do with the old hatchery. Even if they did, they cannot touch anything from the old hatchery - it is in liquidation. They are separate entities owned by separate people who have nothing to do with each other. The only thing they have in common is their name.

Third, Bob and the liquidation company will ONLY be at the old Beldt's warehouse on Sunday, October 1st, from noon until 4:00 pm - which is an hour after our Swap Meet closes so that anyone at the Swap Meet has a chance to pick up some tanks or take one last look after they attend the Swap Meet.

Fourth, you will have to take them with you that day, so if you want a lot of tanks, bring a truck or a trailer. Be prepared to negotiate. And you'll have to lug them out yourself. No one will be there to help you load up.

Fifth, the terms are cash only. No checks, no credit cards.

Finally, I'd like to help but please stop calling and emailing me. I do not work for Beldt's nor for the liquidator. I don't have keys. I was just posting the message for one of our former large supporters, the old Beldt's hatchery. I was hoping one or two of you might be able to get some deals on some tanks. With as many people as seem interested, you'll have to go up there on the first.

I cannot make separate arrangements; I don't know how much they will sell the tanks for; I don't know what tanks sold after I left the liquidation auction on Thursday; I don't know what is left; I promised not to give out his phone number and I can't get a response from Bob, so I can't ask him, either.

I hope that helps everyone.

Mike
 
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