JJP should just factor in a mandatory $1000 donation to charity* on all of the pins it sells.

It would cut down on people preordering games they really don't want and it would benefit people in need.

Win / Win!

*Here are a list of charities that Slash supports. You don't get anything of material value for donating to them (other than maybe a warm feeling) but isn't that the point?

https://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/slash

I applaud you for coming up with a method to ensure a true GnR fan gets your spot, while cleverly devising a way to get someone to contribute to a cause you hold dear. Anyone who can afford to be the winning bidder at this point is a true fan rather than someone trying to make a buck on the next hot game.
I'm relatively new to pinball but have definitely caught the bug, and would have gladly paid more for my NIB Wonka. Not because I thought I would make money on it if I ever sold it. Rather, I looked at it as an opportunity to add another layer of memories that could be shared with the family as it is a movie we cherish.
Someone is going to get a great game, while a worthwhile charity will receive additional help which is needed. With the what is going on in the world I see this as a Win-Win.

Great idea and a great cause!!! I hope this generates 10k for the cause. those kids will benefit greatly from such a donation.

sometimes, in the USA, we forget how good we have it. no starvation, low poverty, and being born with a chance to be great no matter who you are. other countries don't enjoy those luxuries in many cases.

Bump to support a good cause, my local pinball buddy and friend. All good stuff.

you know how to use smileys, right?

Huge debt, pandemic, political strife and ... We don't know how lucky we are. Testify my friend!

THATS A BID! Ptown in for 7500! Good on you buddy!

I think this is the one time mods should allow you to edit his quote.

Why don't you just donate the entire machine to charity and let them does they wish? You will get a 12,500 donation and then they can put it up for auction?

Because then he'd be out 14k with tax and shipping. That's a lot of money for most folks!

Doing it this way OP is losing out on the profit he'd make flipping it, and graciously donating it to the charity. The victor gets a CE and does good for society in the process. Win win.

Dude. Just stop posting. You're embarrassing yourself. This guy is doing a good thing. Even if he meant to do this when he ordered the game (which he didn't) it would be a good thing. Stop trying to make it about you. In short, get lost.

So any amount over MSRP, given directly to a 501c3 couldn’t be tax deductible? First thing that comes to mind are grossly overbid sports tickets or memorabilia at charity auctions....even though something is received in return, there is still a deduction to be had.

Don't think so. The donation is being done Completely separate from his sale. You are Buying a pinball machine and making your own donation. The donation site has Nothing to do with this transaction. Would be different if the Seller was collecting the funds but he is not.

This is legitimately tax deductible. Your motive for donating to a charity is irrelevant. You are not receiving any subsidy of any kind that would reduce the cost of the pin, therefore the entire charitable contribution is tax deductible.

Sorry not true. The seller is simply Selling a Pinball machine, Period. He will let you buy it IF you do a kind deed and donate to a charity. Would be like buying a car and on the way home stopping at the Salvation Army and making a donation. Neither transaction is associated! IF the charity was sponsoring this transaction different story. They are Not.

Well, you’d also have to surpass the standard deduction to begin with. Also, it’s not like you’re getting your money back, you’re just reducing your tax liability, which is a fraction of the amount.

I don’t think there will be a problem with a claim in this situation, assuming you reach the threshold to itemize.

It's not associated. There is no written contract that ties the two separate transactions together. The buyer and seller have one transaction, the purchase of the pinball machine.

Awesome....I was off by $500 ....

What do you mean off? You bit 7500 in your post above. YOU WON! Congrats!! lol

Playing devil's advocate but how are you managing the donation piece? Maybe I missed it but seems like a person could tell you $8k is going to be donated and then show you a false donation amount. Would be pretty easy to donate $80 and then change the email verification of donation to show you it was $8k.

Realize that we need more trust in this world but in the case of where you are trying to do good you might want to ensure your good is actually happening at the level you expect.

Perfect! Having your wife work with the board makes it much easier to verify.

Glad you got it sold and good on you for having the buyer donate.