Zero Luck with my Zero Edge

[bigdaddyadam]

To describe a tank that had water in it for display purposes or because people touched it, as "used" is preposterous. Unless it had fish and or corals in it running as a tank for more than a day or two I think you can still say this is a "new" tank.

Same goes for the fact that it is in storage. If I buy a car and have it trailered to my garage, just stitting in the garage without driving it does not make it "used".

I personally think some of the comments on here are pretty rude. To insinuate that she should sell a new tank for half its retail value simply because she "won" it rather than "bought" it is callous. Constructive comments might be suggestions of places/people that might be interested in such a unique tank at a reasonable approximation of its actual value (that value being determined by the price one has to pay to aquire the product through normal channels of commerce).

 

[prototyp3]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12865765#post12865765 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bigdaddyadam

To describe a tank that had water in it for display purposes or because people touched it, as "used" is preposterous. Unless it had fish and or corals in it running as a tank for more than a day or two I think you can still say this is a "new" tank.

I beg to differ.
It was set up, filled with fish, rock, and coral. It's certainly not the same as new, especially when you consider the warranty is limited to the original owner only.

Same goes for the fact that it is in storage. If I buy a car and have it trailered to my garage, just stitting in the garage without drivinng it does not make it "used".

That would be considered a used car. And no one would buy that car from you for sticker price. Especially if the warranty doesn't transfer.

I'm not trying to knock her sales attempt. I'm actually interested in the tank, but at a realistic price given all these factors. (and other things I've handled privately)

 

[scottallens]

In my opinion the tank is used, regardless if Jen won it, and actually it would be considered a custom demo. If speaking in terms of autos it is in above average condition but used none the less. Jen may sell it for what she think it is worth, but its only worth what a certain individual is willing to pay. It is a very unique custom setup with that being stated, No reproduction parts on the custom equipment, one of a kind. Find a thriving business locally, resturant, Mall, theater, Retirement homes, Car dealership (BMW, Mercedes) Find places that have top of the line merchandise and start your sales pitching, with them. Negotiate the price if need be. Your target goal is 10K does not mean you need to make it, just getting close is an accomplishment. I wish you the best of luck.


My heart goes out to her, its tough paying for school, and just living from pay check to pay check.
I think the raffle has pros and cons, ebay and craigslist she may have a shot at reaching her updated goal of 10K, but with the economy in a slump who knows.

 

[Mr Neon]

I am a newbe here and just for my 2 cents worth, call down at Coral Reefs in Akron off Killian road. He seems to find clients from time to time with odd tanks and custom set-ups and maybe able to help you. Also, I think Aquatic Interiors off West Market in Akron as well may help or be able to tell customers.

 

[Python73]

If I buy a car and have it trailered to my garage, just stitting in the garage without driving it does not make it "used"

Actually, the instant your name goes on the title, the car is "used" and the value goes down considerably. The whole reason for gap insurance. Which... has nothing to do with selling a tank.

Jen - something you may not have considered. Do you know anyone in your area that sells display installation and service? This is the kind of person that would run across a client who would want the kind of unique display you have.

The problem here is that the people in reef clubs (generalization warning!) aren't the kind of people that drop five figures on a custom display. We are by and large DIY-ers, bargain hunters, etc. You need to market to wealthier folk, the "don't take the good beemer it's raining" type.

I wish you luck in your efforts. I will mention your tank at the next PMAS meeting in case we have someone there who isn't a board regular.

S !

ps - for the record, holding a private raffle where you sell tickets is illegal in just about every state unless you are a non-profit organization or charity. And even then the rules are staggering. For some odd reasoning lawmakers consider it "gambling."

 

[bigdaddyadam]

Maybe your could find someone looking for a tax write off and a not-for-profit that wants a cool tank. Sell the tank to the person who needs the write off. They donate to the not-for-profit and get their write off. Not-for-profit gets free tank. Rich guy gets write off. You get money. Everyone's happy.

I make no claims about the actual tax consequences of something like this, but it may just be an option. Before connsidering something like this you should talk to a lawyer and/or tax accountant to make sure it is legit. But I have heard of people doing similar things with cars (sell to someone who then donates to charity to get the write off). I guess I just assume that your income is not nearly high enough that making a large donation would actually offset your tax liability.

Again, for your and my protection, this is not legal or tax advice. I do not know how this would actually work. All I am suggesting is that you look into it as an option.

Good luck!

 

[brad]

I don't think buying something cheap and writing it off for a lot more than what you paid is good tax advice. YMMV, but be careful what advice you take and you give on our forum boards.

ZeroEdge will sell me a tank that is any size I want. If I want 1" higher and 6" less length, she cannot accommodate. This is why IMO people are willing to pay more for a new tank.

 

[bigdaddyadam]

No, I am not suggesting that you can "buy on the cheap" and then donate to claim a deduction at retail price. What I am suggesting may be a possibility is to find someone who is in a high tax bracket that could be brought down to a much lower tax bracket by making a charitable contribution. That person could buy the tank for whatever the fair price is, donate to a school or zoo or something, and then take the deduction to lower their income. this would of course basically require that you know someone who has lots of money and wants to help you out in this fashion. This is also assuming that donating something like a tank is deductable (this may be limited to donating cars for all I know).

All I am saying is that it may be easier to donate an expensive item to charity than to try and sell it on the open market.

The reason I suggested selling to someone else so THEY could take a deduction (if such a thing is possible) is because Reefwidowed is trying to sell the tank to pay for school, so probably some huge deduction would not help her tax situation.

And again, I am not offering "advice" or even a "suggestion". I'm simply raising what might be a different option that she could look into. Again, she should certainly talk to a lawyer or accountant that specializes in tax issues before trying anything like what I suggested. I have no knowledge of this particular area other than anecdotal knowledge of people donating used cars to get tax deductions.

 

[serpentman]

Hey guys, I know everyone means well but I think this thread is drifting off topic.

 

[Burgman]

Hi,

I have been reading this thread & I had to comment. Though its a unique tank & system $10K is a very heafty price to pay for any system. You could get a state of the art 180(big tank in my opinion) plus all of the support equipment for several thousands less. I assume she put in less than $100 in raffle tickets and she expects a return of $10K? I feel she should take what she gets for it(maybe several hundred dollars) and call it a day. It's a unique system that will take a very special buyer for that price.
I feel it would take a lot of marketing work to find that special buyer. Hope this is not taken the wrong way but you have to look at reality for what she is selling. My 2c worth..................

Dave

 

[sohal1025]

I would have to agree........

 

[ThrowinRoost89]

+1^


sell it for a decent deal to someone....