Got something of value that you would like to get rid of but haven't wanted to try and sell? (Or you're having trouble selling it?) I might want it. Or you might have a service that you can provide and that I might need. And if I do want it, we can deduct the fair market value from the cost of your deck, porch or gazebo so that your out of pocket expense is reduced. And I get a new toy (or needed service). Interested? Here's how it works:
Let's suppose
that you have a small used truck (or tractor, 
or
customized van, or catamaran, or fishing cabin, or website designing skills
or programing skills or
anything else of value that I might be interested in) that you want to get
rid of (or rent in the case of the fishing cabin). And for the
purpose of this illustration, let's assume that the fair market value of this
item is $3000 (it could be more or less). And let's also assume that
you want a 1000 sq ft deck (it could be larger or smaller).
If I want what you have, I could trade up to 1/3rd of the deck labor
for your item. In this example, the deck labor would be 1000SF
x $9.00/SF = $9000 labor only. I can trade up to 1/3rd of the deck
labor, so I could sell you the deck for $6000 + your item. Make sense?
Now understand that your item of value could be worth a lot less than $3000
and the project you get could cost a lot less than $9000 labor.
Don't let it rattle you. This is only an
example.
Why would
I do this? Two good reasons: I like toys (and I need services
and expertise that I don't have). And I can sell more decks this way.
For example, one time I took a John Deere 318 tractor + $5000 for a deck.
Why? I needed a lawn mower for the golf course I own (it just seems
like a golf course when it's time to mow). On another occasion, I wrote
a contract to trade a deck for an above ground pool and spa.
Awhile back I sold a deck and discounted it in exchange for two overnight
stays in a luxury hotel complete with complimentary dinner for two.
The bathroom was the size of my bedroom. In all three cases I
wanted the items my clients bartered. And in all cases my taking the
bartered items helped to close the sale. Bartering your customized van
or trailer or vacation time share or frequent flyer miles or web page
optimization skills or time as a personal exercise trainer just might work
for you, too. Give me a call at the number below and let me know what
you have. It won't hurt to talk about it. Let the creative juices
flow, too. Don't let yourself be limited to the below list. You
may have expertise or abilities to perform a particular service that I could
use but have not even considered. For example, my youngest announced
recently that he wants to go sky diving. I would never have thought
of putting "sky diving" on the list. But now I'm adding it. Here's
another one: As we've gotten into middle age, the wife and I have been
struggling the last few years with losing weight and getting into some semblance
of decent shape. (Actually she's younger and in a whole lot better shape
than I am) Anyway, we've got a closet full of workout videos and workout
gadgets and various diet plans and powders and who knows what... but no tangible
results. I still don't look like Arnold Schwarzenegger. She still
doesn't look like Britney Spears (Denise Austin maybe). So we got the
bright idea we could use a trainer... a personal, one on two physical trainer
who could encourage (nice word for "whip") us into shape. Soooo... whatever
you have, whatever you do, we might be interested. Drop me an email...
it doesn't hurt to ask.
Below is
a partial list (updated constantly by my wife and kids) of items that we are
currently interested in. There is no particular order:
- Vacation time at a house, condo, cabin, etc. (We're looking for vacations in 2012)
Full fledged web site for Absolute Zero (Ryan's Christian Rock Band) with minimum of 75 pages of content (maximum of 250 words per page). Not looking for lots of whistles and bells. Simple to navigate, lots of content, photos, movies of band, a way to market their new CD and T-shirts. This is a high priority.- Week at a fishing cabin on a lake in Canada, Alaska or some other remote place.
- Classic Mustang, Jaguar XKE, Corvette.
- Trailer or motor home
- Jet-ski.
MotorcyclePanel van for Ryan to haul his Christian Rock Band's music equipment around for "gigs". This has become a high priority. He told me today (June 3, 2006) that they need a van quickly.- Scooter or motor bike.
-
Go-kart -
Spa(Just bought a spa from ThermoSpas! Follow the links for $1500 off your own purchase.) - Tractor (I need to bush hog what I can't mow)
- Airline tickets for two or four
- Cruise
- Cruise
- Cruise
- Backhoe/front end loader
-
Lap top computer(Bought a ProStar from Sager Notebooks at sagernotebooks.com. Got a great computer and a tremendous deal. Compare for yourself.) Digital camera(bought one)-
Dental work - Ultra-light plane or chopper (of course my wife will never let me take off)
-
Catamaran sailboat with trailer(bought a tri-hull, fastest sailboat made) -
Digital piano (for my son Ryan - listen to this 15 year old tickle the ivories) -
Electronic keyboard. (Bought one from Marrs in Springfield when they went out of business at end of 2002). -
Set of drums (Ryan, again) - Sky diving (Ryan only... Shane says, "No way, Dad. I'll get my kicks on the rides at Kings Dominion.")
-
Personal trainer(Got Lindsey at the YMCA) - etc.
- etc.
- etc.
