Container Wars: Season 1, Episode 3: “Israel Angst.”
In this episode, one player would rise as a big loser and one would rise as a big winner. Both were the same person. Off to Oakland, California shipyards for this auction.
1st Container: Port of Origin – Hanoi, Vietnam.
Ooo! Ahh! Lots and lots of liquor. Visible were Vodka bottles and thirteen barrels of wine. Keep in mind there were unmarked boxes. Liquor can handle heat but not beer nor wine.
Jason, once a bartender, wanted this unit. He and Deana engaged in a bid war until she dropped out but then stepped in Matt who had connections to unload the liquor. He won the container for $27,000.
Matt checked the cases of Bakon Vodka (70 proof) about 400 bottles. Wholesale he estimated at least $11,000 for the lot. That’s good. Unfortunately he found beer and more beer. Not good. He opened another unmarked box and…
GAH!
Inside the liquor bottle was a black scorpion and a part of a snake. In Vietnam culture, snake wine is widely accepted to improve health and virility. I think I’ll stick with vitamins and supplements, thank you. What about his barrels of wine? Tasted like vinegar. A bust.
Cost: $27,000
LOSS: -$2,000
2nd Container: Port of Origin – London, England.
Visible was an army bicycle, beacon, hand crank siren, boxes and a tarp that covered a large object. Israel duo shouted $7,000 and Matt countered with $15,000. Oh, how the big boys like to play. Uzi and Shlomi played hard and won the container for $29,000.
They found a surplus of army gear. Parachutes, Rosie the Riveter posters, and walkie talkies. However that just would just about break them even. What’s under the tarp?
US Motorcycle with sidecar. Mazel Tov! Oh, wait, they have to have it appraised first. It’s not an original WWII cycle. Made in Russia (not kidding) and at least ten-years old valued at $6,500. Not a Mazel Tov moment but that did help push them into a profit.
Cost: $29,000
Profit: $7,200
3rd Container: Port of Origin – Balitmore, Maryland.
Lots of huge boxes, a few stands and what appeared as possible spa equipment. You knew Deana would be all over this but so was Jason. He lost one container and was not about to lose another. Jason won container for $24,000.
Cal Spa brand items, spa blankets, and cedar spa tubs, yep, spa haven. Jason stepped into a tub then cuddled with a rubber ducky. Say it with me, “Ew!”
Cost: $24,000
Profit: $2,800
4th Container: Port of Origin – Oakland, California.
Huge boxes in front blocked the view to what was opened in the back. Rotisserie wheels were the only sign that the container could hold commercial barbeque equipment. Uzi and Shlomi climbed on the backs of Ty and Mo for a better look. Not cool. Not cool.
John Kunkle: Behave yourselves, you understand what I’m saying or I’m benching you and you’re out of here.
Israel duo did settle, finally. Shlomi gave Uzi a boost and what did he see in the back? Grills and more grills. Matt didn’t need a boost to know this was a good container. He battled with the Israel duo and won the unit for $17,500.
Boxes contained an overabundance of grilling utensils from top of the line brand Santa Maria. Matt weaved his way to the back and all the barbeque equipment was made by the same company. He even found a grill on a trailer. It’s party time!
Cost: $17,500
Profit: $10,000
Sometimes you win. Sometimes you lose. Matt experienced both on the same day.
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