For real, or not??? 1200 gallon system raffle

Rhodophyta · 05/28/2007, 07:56 AM

I was told about the "deal" at "Rocky Mountain Reef and Aquaria.

However.... I read the fine print..... if you win, it will cost you....$9800 for shipping, $12,000 for delivery - does not include moving the tank into the house, rental of heavy duty jacks and rollers, finished wall that supports tank.....$10,000 for bringing tank and stand into house, and 1200 pounds of rock and 200 pounds of sand, which would I be OK to assume is live rock and live sand or would I be wrong?....system will weigh over 10,000 pounds and needs a steel floor. They will give you a quote for the floor. Plus they will not draw for the system until they sell $31,000 worth of sponge filters at $20 each which I don't see pictured or described yet even though I plowed through most of the fine print already. Could be more surprises left! The rest of the seller's site says COMING SOON when you try to see what they sell in hardgoods, livestock, etc. There is not much else on the link besides a photo of the store front and a map. Lots of blue light inside. Oh and they have a paypal PAY button that lights up my computer with security warnings when I clicked on it to see if there is any more information about the sponge filter/raffle ticket for $20.00.

BrassMonkey · 05/28/2007, 09:30 AM

sounds good to me. easy way for them to sell 30k+ in equipment.

10k in delivery fee is kinda ruff tho. after you win, tell them you can find a truckng company that can do it for a little

less and that and you will handle it.

BruiseAndy · 05/28/2007, 09:57 AM

call them and find out

Rocky Mountain Reef and Aquaria
4045 N. Dalton Ln.
Boise Idaho 83704
United States
2088506707

Icefire · 05/28/2007, 10:17 AM

3300lbs tank/stand, outch!

Rhodophyta · 05/28/2007, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BrassMonkey
sounds good to me. easy way for them to sell 30k+ in equipment.

10k in delivery fee is kinda ruff tho. after you win, tell them you can find a trucking company that can do it for a little less and that and you will handle it.

I don't think there is any chance anyone will win.

Selling $31,000 worth of raffle tickets is not going to happen, is it?

The sponge filter is not much as "equipment". Cheap ones sell for under $2 so the main part of the $20 is for the raffle ticket.

Delta_zeta · 05/29/2007, 10:53 AM

This is probably going to make some people unhappy but I'm going to speak frankly because I would hate to see someone w/ 1200 gallons of water on their floor.

Our family purchased an acrylic tank from them about a year ago...they used to make their own tanks. We now no longer have the tank because the seems started to "crystalize" (I'm not really sure what the appropriate term for it is) but either way, it was not only HORRIBLE looking, especially for an acrylic tank, but we were SERIOUSLY concerned about the safety/stability of the tank so it's been taken down. It leaked once in the past, that was fixed, but we definitely DID NOT want 300 gallons of water on our floor and by the looks of the seams it was headed that way and SOON. Mind you, the tank was bought just under a year ago.

It's been nothing but a headache since it was purchased...so please proceed w/ caution if this is a tank they built themselves. If anyone has any specific questions about the dealer you are more than welcome to pm me.

sac-bobme · 05/29/2007, 11:39 AM

it sounds like with the filters and charges, they will still make money on the tank

8BALL_99 · 05/29/2007, 01:11 PM

So from what I understand you buy a filter you are entered in the drawing.. But if they don't have enough entrys then they don't do the drawing and it gets reset back to zero after 30 days.. They keep the entry fee to the drawing that didnt' happen I guess. So you basicly buy a raffle ticket to a drawing that might or might not happen? Sounds great for them.. And I would agree that if by chance they had enough entrys to have a drawing in a "30 Cycle" then I'm sure they would still make money on the "give away"

mope54 · 05/29/2007, 01:29 PM

To be fair, raffles are designed to "make money" on the giveaway.
Otherwise there wouldn't be much point in having them

BeanAnimal · 05/29/2007, 01:44 PM

The "fine print" that I found is not very informative. I did not look hard and just read what was on the raffle page.

I would guess (could be 100% wrong) that the 30 Day cycle is the CUT OFF date for the raffle. In other words it does not reset the count to zero... but once the count is reached, the raffle will happen at the end of that 30 day cycle. The raffle will include ALL tickets purchased up and until the date of the raffle.

Some of the costs look right, some look very inflated. $10,000 delivery is kind of silly. I can hire a flatbed to go from coast to coast for a fraction of that. The stand... that price looks kind of silly too.

Anyway, it would appear to be legit. I suppose a phone call to the vendor would help. The fact that a "customer" has appeared in this thread is also a good sign that somebody at least knows these people.

Yes... raffles are designed to make the sponsors and the raffle holder money

GARFVolunteer · 05/29/2007, 02:24 PM

From what i understand the store bought this tank and did not manufacture it them selves.

The way I read it is: If the total sales of the sponges is greater than or equal to 1550 at the end of this month, then they hold the raffle drawing within 15 days. If they have not sold 1550 sponges then they will continue to sell sponges until the minimum is reached. When the drawing is held, all tickets sold will be in the drawing.

So basically you are buying a $20 raffle ticket and getting a free sponge...

Ursus · 05/31/2007, 11:31 AM

Either way you could turn around and sell everything you win and make a hefty profit.

The only reason you have to buy a sponge to get into the raffle is due to gambling laws or something like that.

Opcn · 05/31/2007, 12:50 PM

that shipping is obserd, how are they doing it, air frieght?

BeanAnimal · 05/31/2007, 04:02 PM

They are not charging that shipping, that is the "value" of the shipping that is used to derive the total raffle "value".

Alto · 05/31/2007, 04:19 PM

You only get the shipping free if they sell more then 2050 sponges. 1550-2049 and you are stuck with the shipping cost.

BTW just thought I should mention... if you win the tank, you still have to pay taxes on the estimated value of the system on your income taxes. I'm not an accountant but that means you owe 20-30% of 52,000 at tax time($10-15,000)?

This is off a tax faq website:
"Do I have to pay tax on a prize or award?
If you win a prize or award in a lucky number drawing, television or radio quiz program, beauty contest, or other event, you must include its fair market value in your taxable income and report it on your tax return. For example, if you win a $50 prize or award in a photography contest, you must report this taxable income on Line 21 of Form 1040."

GARFVolunteer · 05/31/2007, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Alto
You only get the shipping free if they sell more then 2050 sponges. 1550-2049 and you are stuck with the shipping cost.

But, the way I read it, you get to determine the method of shipping in this case. For me it would be a utility trailer connected to my pickup for the 9 mile trip. Fortunately the family planning and zoning committee (the lovely and gracious Monica) would never authorize it. Since it is not my dream tank, I don't feel bad about it at all...

Thanks,

Scott

05/28/2007, 07:56 AM	#1
Rhodophyta Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Medina County Posts: 1,878	For real, or not??? 1200 gallon system raffle I was told about the "deal" at "Rocky Mountain Reef and Aquaria. However.... I read the fine print..... if you win, it will cost you....$9800 for shipping, $12,000 for delivery - does not include moving the tank into the house, rental of heavy duty jacks and rollers, finished wall that supports tank.....$10,000 for bringing tank and stand into house, and 1200 pounds of rock and 200 pounds of sand, which would I be OK to assume is live rock and live sand or would I be wrong?....system will weigh over 10,000 pounds and needs a steel floor. They will give you a quote for the floor. Plus they will not draw for the system until they sell $31,000 worth of sponge filters at $20 each which I don't see pictured or described yet even though I plowed through most of the fine print already. Could be more surprises left! The rest of the seller's site says COMING SOON when you try to see what they sell in hardgoods, livestock, etc. There is not much else on the link besides a photo of the store front and a map. Lots of blue light inside. Oh and they have a paypal PAY button that lights up my computer with security warnings when I clicked on it to see if there is any more information about the sponge filter/raffle ticket for $20.00.

05/28/2007, 09:57 AM	#3
BruiseAndy Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ogden ut Posts: 896	call them and find out Rocky Mountain Reef and Aquaria 4045 N. Dalton Ln. Boise Idaho 83704 United States 2088506707 __________________ "Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." Current Tank Info: 150g and 75g

05/28/2007, 10:17 AM	#4
Icefire Seasoned reefer Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: In Quebec, Canada Posts: 3,653	3300lbs tank/stand, outch! __________________ Temp 80F, PH 8.5-8.0, Alk 6.8-7.2, Ca 430, Mg 1700, NO3 0-0.25, PO4 0.04, 34.4 PPT Lights @ 100% all others, 35% White Current Tank Info: 60g Cube, 120lbs live rocks, Hydra52 2x120W, 2 MP40+ 1 MP10 @ 70%, Phosban 550 GFO+Carbon, 200W Heater, SWC Skimmer, Kalk ATO, 150 gpd RODI

05/29/2007, 01:11 PM	#8
8BALL_99 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Toney, AL Posts: 3,724	So from what I understand you buy a filter you are entered in the drawing.. But if they don't have enough entrys then they don't do the drawing and it gets reset back to zero after 30 days.. They keep the entry fee to the drawing that didnt' happen I guess. So you basicly buy a raffle ticket to a drawing that might or might not happen? Sounds great for them.. And I would agree that if by chance they had enough entrys to have a drawing in a "30 Cycle" then I'm sure they would still make money on the "give away" __________________ The problem with political jokes is they get elected. OK, so what's the speed of dark? Why do we drive on the parkway and park in the driveway? Isn't is it a bit unnerving that doctors call what they do "practice"? Current Tank Info: Custom Starfire 300,92Gallon,35 Gallon Hex,Two 40Gallons,125Gallon,

05/29/2007, 02:24 PM	#11
GARFVolunteer Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 1,108	From what i understand the store bought this tank and did not manufacture it them selves. The way I read it is: If the total sales of the sponges is greater than or equal to 1550 at the end of this month, then they hold the raffle drawing within 15 days. If they have not sold 1550 sponges then they will continue to sell sponges until the minimum is reached. When the drawing is held, all tickets sold will be in the drawing. So basically you are buying a $20 raffle ticket and getting a free sponge... __________________ Proud Member Idaho Marine Aquarium Society A fair and biased reef hobbyist. "If I were going to set up a tank, and I am going to make some people mad here, I would use VHOs" Dana Riddle 3/2/2007 Current Tank Info: Brand new 150 gallon tall Reef trying Bonsai method, 60 gallon soft coral tank (not GARF style).

05/28/2007, 09:30 AM	#2
BrassMonkey Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Palm Beach Posts: 950	sounds good to me. easy way for them to sell 30k+ in equipment. 10k in delivery fee is kinda ruff tho. after you win, tell them you can find a truckng company that can do it for a little less and that and you will handle it.

05/29/2007, 10:53 AM	#6
Delta_zeta Moved On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 560	This is probably going to make some people unhappy but I'm going to speak frankly because I would hate to see someone w/ 1200 gallons of water on their floor. Our family purchased an acrylic tank from them about a year ago...they used to make their own tanks. We now no longer have the tank because the seems started to "crystalize" (I'm not really sure what the appropriate term for it is) but either way, it was not only HORRIBLE looking, especially for an acrylic tank, but we were SERIOUSLY concerned about the safety/stability of the tank so it's been taken down. It leaked once in the past, that was fixed, but we definitely DID NOT want 300 gallons of water on our floor and by the looks of the seams it was headed that way and SOON. Mind you, the tank was bought just under a year ago. It's been nothing but a headache since it was purchased...so please proceed w/ caution if this is a tank they built themselves. If anyone has any specific questions about the dealer you are more than welcome to pm me.

05/29/2007, 11:39 AM	#7
sac-bobme Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 124	it sounds like with the filters and charges, they will still make money on the tank

05/29/2007, 01:29 PM	#9
mope54 Moved On Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Irvine, CA Posts: 551	To be fair, raffles are designed to "make money" on the giveaway. Otherwise there wouldn't be much point in having them

05/29/2007, 01:44 PM	#10
BeanAnimal Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 20,772	The "fine print" that I found is not very informative. I did not look hard and just read what was on the raffle page. I would guess (could be 100% wrong) that the 30 Day cycle is the CUT OFF date for the raffle. In other words it does not reset the count to zero... but once the count is reached, the raffle will happen at the end of that 30 day cycle. The raffle will include ALL tickets purchased up and until the date of the raffle. Some of the costs look right, some look very inflated. $10,000 delivery is kind of silly. I can hire a flatbed to go from coast to coast for a fraction of that. The stand... that price looks kind of silly too. Anyway, it would appear to be legit. I suppose a phone call to the vendor would help. The fact that a "customer" has appeared in this thread is also a good sign that somebody at least knows these people. Yes... raffles are designed to make the sponsors and the raffle holder money

05/31/2007, 11:31 AM	#12
Ursus Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 480	Either way you could turn around and sell everything you win and make a hefty profit. The only reason you have to buy a sponge to get into the raffle is due to gambling laws or something like that.

05/31/2007, 12:50 PM	#13
Opcn Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Picard, Dominca, Caribbean Posts: 591	that shipping is obserd, how are they doing it, air frieght?

05/31/2007, 04:02 PM	#14
BeanAnimal Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 20,772	They are not charging that shipping, that is the "value" of the shipping that is used to derive the total raffle "value".

05/31/2007, 04:19 PM	#15
Alto Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Youngtown Az Posts: 506	You only get the shipping free if they sell more then 2050 sponges. 1550-2049 and you are stuck with the shipping cost. BTW just thought I should mention... if you win the tank, you still have to pay taxes on the estimated value of the system on your income taxes. I'm not an accountant but that means you owe 20-30% of 52,000 at tax time($10-15,000)? This is off a tax faq website: "Do I have to pay tax on a prize or award? If you win a prize or award in a lucky number drawing, television or radio quiz program, beauty contest, or other event, you must include its fair market value in your taxable income and report it on your tax return. For example, if you win a $50 prize or award in a photography contest, you must report this taxable income on Line 21 of Form 1040." Last edited by Alto; 05/31/2007 at 04:25 PM.