Have you ever wanted to own a piece of the social media platform Twitter? Now is your chance! Starting January 17th, the social media giant will be holding an online auction. Dozens of pieces of memorabilia and supplies from its San Francisco headquarters will be included.
Current items include some run-of-the-mill office supplies like a projector, standing desks, and a lot of espresso machines. There’s also two semi-utilitarian pedal-powered Rock the Bike phone charging stations. Along with some funner items like kegerator beer dispensers and a six-foot-tall decorative planter in the shape of an @ symbol. A seemingly symbolic large statue of Twitter’s blue bird logo is also up for grabs.
Soon after Elon Musk’s $44 billion Twitter acquisition, reports began to fly about serious cost-cutting measures. Like laying off half the staff, then asking the remaining employees to work 12-hour days, 7 days a week. Musk is currently being sued by a group of former employees who allege the layoffs involved multiple labor rights violations.
These measures and the “massive drop in revenue” Musk tweeted about led to speculation this auction is to help bail out Twitter. But Nick Dove, President of Heritage Global Partners (hosts of the auction), says this isn’t the case. “They’ve sold for $44 billion, and we’re selling a couple of chairs and desks and computers,” Dove said. “So if anyone genuinely thinks that the revenue from selling a couple computers and chairs will pay for the mountain there, then they’re a moron.”
Though Dove admittedly cannot provide much insight as to why these particular items were chosen. “We don’t determine which assets a company doesn’t need,” he said in an interview. “Just like a real estate broker doesn’t determine which houses or buildings their client would need to sell.”
Opening bids on many of these items range from $25 and $50. But considering this auction will only be running for 24 hours, we expect prices to climb quickly. All buyers are required to register to bid in this auction. All payments for items must be made within 48 hours via wire transfer.
