Bertazzon Carousel, How I sold this amusement ride that no one else could

Hello; Today, is a big day here on the midway. I am proud to announce that I have completed the sale of the 1997 bertazzon Venetian style carousel. It is the largest sale to date for my company. It is especially sweet because this ride was listed by several other brokers before coming to me.
You see, I have only been selling amusement equipment full time for about five years and have only had a website for four. There are several other companies in this field that have been at it longer and as a result listings don't usually come to me unless they are either owned by a friend or relative or they have been for sale for a while with no real results.

This beautiful carousel had been removed from the Macon Mall in Macon, Georgia about two years ago. I found a listing for it on a competitors site and sent the owner an email asking them to also list it with me. I was contacted by Rosanna Shoemake, CSM Property/Marketing Manager Victoria Mall. She said that the mall in macon had recently been purchased by Hull Story Gibson Companies, LLC and was undergoing a major redevelopment. She explained that this company preferred a wide open uncluttered feel to their properties and would not have any need for the carousel. Rosanna was their representative in this process because she had previously helped with the sale of the carousel that had been at Victoria Mall in Victoria, Texas. She was a joy to work with. We started with a listing that included several nice photos and a description of the carousel. That was in November of last year. The plan was to add some video to the listing, but for some reason, the person that had the dvd never sent it. I had done my usual work on selling the ride by posting it to facebook, writing a blog post, mentioning it in my weekly emails. I replied to forum posts from anyone I thought might be interested. And nothing much happened until the new year.
On January 2nd, I asked Rosanna if we could solve the problem with the video by having it uploaded to youtube. She said of course, and a day later I had this link to a very nice short video to work with. I used the youtube embed feature to post a link to the video on my site. I started over promoting it telling people about the addition of the video. by this time i had added linkedin, and merchants circle to facebook in the social media arena. My networks on the social sites had also increased nicely. I had also been working to add more contact to my email lists. I wrote a second blog post updating the listing for the carousel. And thankfully, a few weeks later I was contacted by a gentleman from upstate New york. His name is Taz, and he told me that he was an entrepreneur who had received a contract to operate a carousel in their local city park. He said they were looking for a very nice if not elegant carousel for their purposes. He did have some basic questions which me and Rosanna worked to answer. Then just a few weeks later, he decided to buy the ride. He and the mall company agreed on a 30 day time table for payment. And everything looked great.
And yes there is a but coming here. The buyer wanted a manual to use in the installation of the carousel. I volunteered to help him find one. I contacted the manufacturer in Italy, and they promised to locate one. A week went by with no answer, so i wrote them again. They said they were looking and would get back to me when they knew something. At the same time, Taz had contacted the U S representative for Bertazzon Ital International asking them for the manual. They claimed that the serial number we were using was wrong. They were also unable or unwilling to help us with the manual. This is at least what the buyer told me. He said that he worried that the problems getting a manual from them had to do with the fact that they had listed the carousel for sale before I got involved in it. What the truth is, I don't really know. I started calling my contacts in hopes of finding a company to install the ride for Taz thus eliminating his need for the manual. I got him in contact with Joe from Ride Werks, and he worked it out with Taz to install the carousel on their location the first week of April. Joe was able to calm their fears, and the sale went through.
So, here it is just the middle of March, and I already have a major sale on my score board. It wasn't easy. It shows just how difficult it is to sell amusement, concessions, or confections equipment in this market. It also shows how hard work, determination, and using the full resources of the net can pay off. I'm going to celebrate with a nice steak dinner and then its on to the next challenge. I wonder who will be next. I'm always ready to put my talents and effort towards a new project. If you have some used items to sell or know someone who does, by all means let me know. And even if it isn't to list an item, I welcome calls or emails to discuss the amusement industry. Thanks, max
Website www.midwaymarketplace.com
Send emails to maxwell@midwaymarketplace.com

Amazing spectacular sky coaster ride

Hello again; Today, I'm writing to tell you about an amazing opportunity to own a spectacular thrill ride called the sky coaster.
What A THrill!! Here is a 1995 173 ft. Arch Skycoaster with dual launch towers and hydraulic landers for $160,000 firm. It has great money making potential.
The dual launch towers allow up to six flyers at a time. Each flight lasts about five minutes. They paid $750,000 for it new, and a Skycoaster of this style and size retails for approximately half a million dollars today. The first two photos are of the actual ride taken while it was still in operation at Opryland In Nashville, Tennessee. The other photos are of similar models and intended only to give you a better idea of its style and size.
The unit for sale is currently broken down into sections and is ready to ship. You can click here to watch a video of the ride from its days at Opryland. The video was taken while the ride was at its original location at the back of the park. The ride was such a hit that they moved it to what they called the central park location where it would have higher visibility and get more traffic. Then they added the scizzor lift platforms and hydraulic landers. They tell me this ride grossed about $900,000 the last year of operation. This would be a great addition to any amusement park, city park, zoo, or other tourist area. It could also be excellent for a family entertainment center that is ready to add a spectacular ride to its offerings. Feel free to call or email with any questions. Thanks, Max
website www.midwaymarketplace.com
send emails to maxwell@midwaymarketplace.com

added video of the Bertazzon mall carousel

Hello again; I do my best to encourage people to update their listings as often as possible. The more information, photos, and videos I can show potential buyers, the better chance I have of finding a new home for their equipment.
Today, I received a very nice video of the Bertazzon Venician carousel. You can see it by clicking here It is still on location at a mall in Georgia. The new owners want to sell because they have a policy of clearing out all distractions from the store and restaurant spaces. They want $100,000 for it. That price does not include dismantling it, transporting it to your location, or reinstalling it there. I do know a couple of people who could handle that for you, and I would be happy to request a quote for any serious buyers. This one would be great for an amusement park, family entertainment center, shopping mall, restaurant, city park, zoo or other tourist area. And an enterprising show man or woman could probably rack this unit for traveling with a carnival or fun fair. Feel free to call or email with any questions. I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks, Max
website www.midwaymarketplace.com
send emails to maxwell@midwaymarketplace.com

The MIdway welcomes the Hercules Hauler

Hello again; When I first started The Midway Marketplace, my plan was to have new and used items on the site. I hoped that vendors of supplies would want to be represented too. So far there are only a couple most notable A C sound manufacturers of custom sound repeaters and Rebound unlimited makers of power trampolines and the shoot and shower games. Now, I'm proud to announce that another supplier has decided to list his items with me. It is the manufacturer of the Hercules Hauler inflatable movers.
These units are an absolute necessity to anyone in the amusement industry and especially to those whose main line of business is inflatable rides and games. The Hercules Hauler is the best made such unit available in the market today, and it is also reasonably priced at $475 each plus shipping.
These units offer high stability and operator control of the load. They weigh 65 pounds and can haul up to 1000 pounds. Their measurements are 30 inches wide at the handle, 20 inches wide at the frame; and its overall height is 60 inches.
The manufacturer tells me he has shipped these all over the United States and the freight generally runs about a hundred dollars. He also tells me that these could be exported outside the U S for serious buyers. And these units may have been designed specifically for the transportation of inflatables, but they could have so many more uses. I'm happy to have these fine units on the midway and hope to hear from many of you soon. Thanks, Max
website The Midway Marketplace
send emails to maxwell@midwaymarketplace.com

Professional performance stage

Hello again; I try to make the midway a place where everyone in the amusement industry is welcome. This next item is not necessarily specific to carnivals, circuses, or fun fairs; but a stage is something every event needs.
This is a unique opportunity for anyone in the outdoor amusement industry. Its a complete professionally built performance stage originally created for a family magic show but suitable for just about any type of entertainment including concerts with light, sound, smoke, fog, etc. This stage has been host to bands, jugglers, beauty contests, talent shows, and even 11 members of the Grand Ole Opry. The price is $50000 or best offer.
It was built by Uni-Glide trailers in 1990, and it is in wonderful condition. By the numbers it is 40 ft. by 12.6 ft. in Height, and the stage area is 17 ft. by 24, ft. and split down the middle by a curtain. It is carpeted with black marine carpet. It also has eight white lights, eight red lights, (overhead and foot) The owner will also include seating for about forty people. This seating was their starter kit. There isn't an actual living quarters in it, but it does have a dressing area along with an office section and racks for easy access to all the light and sound equipment.
Even with all this the owner has pulled this unit with a v-10 pick-up, and it can be easily set up by just one person if necessary. Just imagine the bookings for this piece. You could use it as a straight rental because every event needs a stage and this stage will become popular because it is so professionally built and outfitted that event organizers are going to be able to book better entertainment by offering the chance to perform on this stage. You could use it as a booking tool offering it to events for free as a reason for choosing your company over one of your competitors. Don't let this one pass you buy. You will never see another unit this nice at this price. I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks, Max
website The Midway Marketplace
send emails to maxwell@midwaymarketplace.com

Mondial Tornado, spectacular version of a modern carnival and fun fair standard

Hello; The manufacturers of amusement rides like to give them names that strike fear into the hearts of riders. For this reason there have been several rides called the tornado including the one I'm writing about today.
This ride is the only one of its kind and was built by the people at Mondial in 1989. As you can see it looks quite similar to the Kamikaze or Rangeer, but this one takes their idea a little farther. First, this one is much bigger than either of those measuring 19 m, or about 65 ft in length, by 9 m, or about 30 ft, in width by 25 m, which is almost 85 ft in height.
Also, this ride is the only one of its kind where the arms can be operated independently. They can be spun in opposite directions. You could operate just one arm during slow periods. Or you could even operate it as two split rides which would probably boost the capacity since you wouldn't be waiting for both sides to fill or be balanced like with the Ranger or Kamikazi. Being an old hand at this, I would still recommend what is called balancing the load, but this ride doesn't require it.
The ride also is literally covered in lights and can handle 40 full-sized adults 20 in each of the two gondolas. The only drawback to the ride is its weight. This ride is so heavy that it had to be mounted on two full-size semi trailers. The combined weight is right at 50 tons. You can see more photos of this ride at Tornado Photos If you would like to see this bad boy inaction, you are in luck. I have two excellent videos of it. YOu can click click here to see a short video or you can click here to watch a full-length movie This gorgeous thrill ride would be a fine addition to just about any carnival, fun fair, or amusement park. If you have any questions, feel free to call me at 979-215-1770 or send an email to Mr. Midway

Family Background

Hello; I thought I'd tell you a little more about my family. My mom and dad both came from large families each having five brothers and sisters. My dad is from Jonesville, South Carolina a small town near the boarder with North Carolina. He had the traditional small town upbringing. My grandfather James Vernan Ivey was a talented musician who played one of the sweetest guitars I've ever heard. He had a short run on a local radio show at one point. His tie in to the carnival business is that he and my dad both worked games on the east coast shows. J V worked dime pitches and rat wheels. My dad sometimes worked with him on the microphone, but he later worked games such as the pin store and the six cat games most of you probably don't remember. I also have an uncle Tony Ivey who sang with a national choir and another ncle J V the 4th I think who still plays guitar at family gatherings. orry to say I never picked it up myself not for a lack of really trying to. Besides my dad and grandfather, none of the other Iveys had much of anything to do with the business. Then there is my mom's side of the family. She is from Houston, and her family eventually moved to a suburb of Houston callled Spring. Her dad Ralph Wagner started a carnival back in the 1950's. His show was eventually considered one of the finest in Texas with one of the strongest routs. Back then most shows had eight or nine rides and pieces such as the tilt-a-whirl, octopus, ferris wheel, and merry-go-rounds were king. Besides my mom pretty much everyone in the wagner side of the family was in or is still in the carnival business. My Uncle Robert inherited the show from my grandfather and ran it for many years before selling out to Heart Of America Shows a large carnival now that still plays many of the dates my grandfather used to. My Uncle Rusty wagner worked games for a while before choosing to join the ministry. My Uncle Harry and Aunte Marguirite didn't have a lot to do with the show after they were married, but my aunte worked games and food quite often. My Uncle John Crouch had a very nice show for years. He eventually let his son Bobby take over the business. Bobby was seriously injured in an accident involving a generator truck and was burned severely. This eventually led to him leaving the business. My Uncle Albert along with my cousins Jason, Haley Dawn, and Albert Wayne and their families operate Wagner's Amusements. They have a nice fifteen ride show with several good pieces and are growing fast. This leaves my own little show. My dad started with three rides in the late 1970's with the plan being to do birthday parties and company picnics. We had a pony cart, a lady bugs, and a clownface moonwalk. Eventually we would have a few more rides, but we never really acumulated much equipment in spite of our ability to book events even events that called for far more rides than we owned. We did ok until his death three winters ago. Since then, me and my brother Patrick realized that we weren't capable of keeping the show going, so we started booking in with my Uncle Albert's carnival. We are now playing with them on a year round basis. This is part of my reason for making the move into the equipment side of the business. I am no longer needed for help with booking or promoting events. While this helped push me into doing this full time, I had been helping friends and family sell used rides for about five or six years. I'll tell you more about that later. But this past winter I decided to go all in to borrow a Texas Hold Em phrase. I started my website, began lining up sellers, and started getting the word out. I'm hoping this blog will help me with that. Now, before I wrap this message up I want to tell you about a couple of really nice pieces. First, there is a Sartori Rodeo and a Top Fun Magic castle on my website. The seller has authorized me to offer them both as a package deal for 70000 euros or about 100000 U s dollars given the current exchange rate. I'l attach a couple pictures here. If you or anyone you know would like to see more photos or get more information, then please visit my website http://www.midwaymarketplace.com I do hope to hear from some of you soon. Thanks, Maxmaxwellivey@aol.com