Raffle/Choice Raffle...

[fischfan13]

After the Fall Auction one of our members said that the Choice Raffle was not as good as the past Choice Raffles.
Keep in mind that we would like to put fish out there that have interest.

Are there Syno's that garner more interest than others?
Plecos?
Anything non-catfish?

[triscuit]

Can we raffle off a sponsor's gift certificate? Or equipment/supplies that will easily fit in the car... I bet a couple of those pretty plants would be a good fundraiser.

I was hesitant on shelling out for the plecos since I didn't know what conditions they needed to be kept in. Maybe more information at the table on what the fish need would be useful?

[nyc2tanks]

For the first time ever, I did not win a catfish at the Fall Auction in the ECC catfish choice raffle. So, obviously, the raffle has become too popular!

I always thought with the variety of catfish choices in the raffle it was always a big draw.

I do not know how many raffle tickets were sold at the Fall Auction for the catfish raffle, but if the number of tickets sold was consistent with prior raffles, or exceeded previous raffles (as I suspect for not winning), then the raffle is still a great idea. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

That being said, there were a couple of humongous plants at the Fall Auction. I would buy raffle tickets to a plant raffle of similar big plants.

The gift certificates are a good idea too.

Therein lies the problem with the ECC Auctions, I'm like a kid in a candy store, there are too many good things to bid on or buy raffles for! The ECC Auctions are simply too darn good.

[CrabbyMatty]

Another bump for the catish raffle. I picked up a really nice Syno a couple of months ago and he's been designated an auction donation.

But let's hear more ideas. We have the luxury to branch out because we are that good. :becky:

[fischfan13]

So then was our Fall Auction's Choice Raffle still really good?
C'mon, we had between 170-200 people and only three people have responded to this?

ONE person said that they thought we had better Choice Raffles in the past...does anyone else feel that way?

[emartin]

I wouldn't mind seeing these at a future catfish raffle:

Synodontis pardalis!
http://www.davesfish.com/images/Synodontis%20pardalis%20Ja%20River.jpg

L-014
http://www.icoloridelblu.it/w-l14-sunshine-pleco.gif

http://www.malawicichlidhomepage.com/other/digscobianc27.jpg

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/9108/scobinancistrusaureatus.jpg

L-114
http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/1820/l114.jpg

L-200
http://www.malawicichlidhomepage.com/other/DSC_8716.JPG

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/3373/peckoltiasp.jpg

http://www.davesfish.com/images/Baryancistrus%20demantoides%20L200A.jpg

[pogi2009]

I like the double tanks setup raffle last Fall, was surprise we don't have one last Summer... We should have one this Spring. Maybe a double setup, or just a 75, 90, 100... I could go on... we all need more tanks don't we/

Catfish raffle is still great, though the last one choices is not as good as the preceeding one. Maybe it was because I didn't win either.

I agree with emartin, on the catfish bag, need more info such as pH etc.

[fischfan13]

I like the double tanks setup raffle last Fall, was surprise we don't have one last Summer... We should have one this Spring. Maybe a double setup, or just a 75, 90, 100... I could go on... we all need more tanks don't we/

Catfish raffle is still great, though the last one choices is not as good as the preceeding one. Maybe it was because I didn't win either.

I agree with emartin, on the catfish bag, need more info such as pH etc.

Tank setups do awful...ABSOLUTELY awful.
We, and most other auctions, lose money on Tank Raffles.
Who has the room in their vehicle to take home a 4' tank, let alone TWO 4' tanks?
Because of this we have already alienated a HUGE amount of the crowd at the auction who would not buy tickets.

[Longstocking]

while tanks are neat to raffle off... the only way to make money on them is if someone donated one. It is mine and Bill's job to make sure the raffles are making money so that we can make this site even better for every member.

I know a few pleco people... so I am going to try and pull some strings this auction. no promises but I can try :)

[pogi2009]

Tank setups do awful...ABSOLUTELY awful.
We, and most other auctions, lose money on Tank Raffles.
Who has the room in their vehicle to take home a 4' tank, let alone TWO 4' tanks?
Because of this we have already alienated a HUGE amount of the crowd at the auction who would not buy tickets.

I have room and I will buy tickets LOL To each his own needs...

I don't understand the statement "alienated a HUGE amount of the crowd".. why? If they don't like it, don't buy the tickets. I am not a plant person, but if there is a plant raffle, I will not be "alienated", I will just not buy the ticket, and let the other people who likes plant buy it.

[fischfan13]

I have room and I will buy tickets LOL To each his own needs...

I don't understand the statement "alienated a HUGE amount of the crowd".. why? If they don't like it, don't buy the tickets. I am not a plant person, but if there is a plant raffle, I will not be "alienated", I will just not buy the ticket, and let the other people who likes plant buy it.

Tony, it's economics.
If we (ECC) alienate a large amount of the crowd from buying tickets then there is less money to be made for that raffle...actually we lose money on that raffle. Those tank setups are NOT donated...we BUY them, and not once have we made any money on these.

If we are spending $250 on a setup and only get back $150 in raffles do YOU think that is good for this site?

[emartin]

Plus a lot of people carpool to the auction or have several boxes of fish taking up space in their vehicle, therefore not enough room in the car for a complete 4ft tank setup.

[Tony]

I'm all about the catfish raffle. One of my favorite parts of the auction.

Maybe I'm cheap (or just haven't discovered the full awesome of catfish), but can't generally justify dropping more than about $30 on a catfish. I think a lot of folks fall into this category. Having this raffle is a chance for cheapskates like me to throw in $10-$20 for a chance of bringing home some really neat cats.

I say it ain't broke (the catfish portion at least). :beerchug:

[pogi2009]

LOL... you ask for a response... and I did.
Now I get it. Raffle is just purely profit.

I just beg to differ on the word "Alienated"
......... googled webster....
alienated past participle, past tense of al·ien·ate (Verb)
1. Cause (someone) to feel isolated or estranged.
2. Cause (someone) to become unsympathetic or hostile: "the association alienated its members"
.............
So a lot of people are unsympathetic, hostile, estranged because ECC is not making money on this one item, or they want to participate but they car pooled, per emartin, so they missed the opportunity? Bet ya that the guy who win the last time was so happy. So happy that he remain a steadfast member of ECC and will attend all ECC auction now and the future.
I agree with Sarah, best way is for a sponsor donation.

[fischfan13]

LOL... you ask for a response... and I did.
Now I get it. Raffle is just purely profit.

I just beg to differ on the word "Alienated"
......... googled webster....
alienated past participle, past tense of al·ien·ate (Verb)
1. Cause (someone) to feel isolated or estranged.
2. Cause (someone) to become unsympathetic or hostile: "the association alienated its members"
.............
So a lot of people are unsympathetic, hostile, estranged because ECC is not making money on this one item, or they want to participate but they car pooled, per emartin, so they missed the opportunity? Bet ya that the guy who win the last time was so happy. So happy that he remain a steadfast member of ECC and will attend all ECC auction now and the future.
I agree with Sarah, best way is for a sponsor donation.

Do you think we do the raffle to LOSE money?
How do you think we are able to give away $1000 in Gift Certificates in December? How are we giving away a weekend stay in DC during July at the ACA Convention?

Now I believe that you are being nitpicky, but I'll play along...
1. Cause (someone) to feel isolated or estranged.

This is everyone's site.
This is everyone's auction.
When an ECC member goes to an auction shouldn't they be able to participate in everything? I do not like the fact that someone walks into the auction and says, "WOW, a 75 gallon setup...I would throw $5 in the raffle to win but I have no way of getting that entire setup home".

So in your words this is ok:
ECC puts out $250 on an item that we lose $100 on to make one person happy.

See, I'd rather put that money towards Pleco's, Syno's and other fish, have the site make money so it can be shared in July and in December, and also see multiple people winning fish.

It's a whole big picture, Tony.

[Reel Addiction]

I enjoyed all of the raffles, won the ehiem canister filter. I also have the means to take home a tank. I would hate to see those types go, but dont want ECC to lose money either.

[joe_jaskot]

Most people don't have the means for getting a large tank and stand home. I've seen many a tank that was won in a raffle go into the auction because of that. With today's economy, it is tough for a club to make a profit on a raffle. The only money making ones are 50/50 cash raffles.

[pogi2009]

Do you think we do the raffle to LOSE money?
How do you think we are able to give away $1000 in Gift Certificates in December? How are we giving away a weekend stay in DC during July at the ACA Convention?

Now I believe that you are being nitpicky, but I'll play along...
1. Cause (someone) to feel isolated or estranged.

This is everyone's site.
This is everyone's auction.
When an ECC member goes to an auction shouldn't they be able to participate in everything? I do not like the fact that someone walks into the auction and says, "WOW, a 75 gallon setup...I would throw $5 in the raffle to win but I have no way of getting that entire setup home".

So in your words this is ok:
ECC puts out $250 on an item that we lose $100 on to make one person happy.

See, I'd rather put that money towards Pleco's, Syno's and other fish, have the site make money so it can be shared in July and in December, and also see multiple people winning fish.

It's a whole big picture, Tony.

I love America... we are free to speak up, so please don't get me wrong.

I am speaking for myself

1. I go to the auction for the auction, not raffle
2. If so happen there is a raffle or fifty-fifty, it is my choice to participate. If so happen there is a sailboat being raffled and I know I have no way to bring it home, I will not blame the people that held the activity, nor feel isolated or estranged.
3. I agree, this is everybody's site and everybody's auction. Everybody have a CHOICE to participate on everything and anything.
4. To use your example, ECC lost $100 to make 1 ECC member happy. What is the difference if an ECC member won the $1000 December-to-Remember or FREE 2 nights stay during ACA convention? It is all the same, giving back to ECC members right?

I am just looking at this on the other side of the fence. No offense intended.

Thanks

[joe_jaskot]

I love America... we are free to speak up, so please don't get me wrong.

I am speaking for myself

1. I go to the auction for the auction, not raffle
2. If so happen there is a raffle or fifty-fifty, it is my choice to participate. If so happen there is a sailboat being raffled and I know I have no way to bring it home, I will not blame the people that held the activity, nor feel isolated or estranged.
3. I agree, this is everybody's site and everybody's auction. Everybody have a CHOICE to participate on everything and anything.
4. To use your example, ECC lost $100 to make 1 ECC member happy. What is the difference if an ECC member won the $1000 December-to-Remember or FREE 2 nights stay during ACA convention? It is all the same, giving back to ECC members right?

I am just looking at this on the other side of the fence. No offense intended.

Thanks
It takes effort to sell raffle tickets. Why run a raffle to lose money?

[exasperatus2002]

L-204 Great looking pleco that accepts higher ph values then most fancy plecos.

http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/species.php?species_id=126

[pogi2009]

I will go for a pair of LongFin ABN or a regular fin Red Bristlenose

[cichfrk]

Here's my thought about our raffle.

Yes, it takes effort to sell raffle tickets because not everyone is fond of catfish, not everyone would like to carry bulky tank setup, not everyone wants plants. In short, it's not easy to please everyone because everybody has their own different needs.

So, what's the common denominator here? What's the thing that can satisfy both the site and members? ............CASH! Who needs cash? I guess everyone...gift certificate is as good as cash but you're limited to some extent.

My suggestion is 50/50 raffle tickets. 50% of the winning cash goes to the site, 50% goes to the winner. Everybody wants to keep the site going so everybody will buy tickets. There's no effort in having a 50/50 raffle. Nothing to buy, just the tickets.

Just my 2 cents....

[pogi2009]

Here's my thought about our raffle.

Yes, it takes effort to sell raffle tickets because not everyone is fond of catfish, not everyone would like to carry bulky tank setup, not everyone wants plants. In short, it's not easy to please everyone because everybody has their own different needs.

So, what's the common denominator here? What's the thing that can satisfy both the site and members? ............CASH! Who needs cash? I guess everyone...gift certificate is as good as cash but you're limited to some extent.

My suggestion is 50/50 raffle tickets. 50% of the winning cash goes to the site, 50% goes to the winner. Everybody wants to keep the site going so everybody will buy tickets. There's no effort in having a 50/50 raffle. Nothing to buy, just the tickets.

Just my 2 cents....

Plus the winner can buy more fish during the auction.... win win...

[cichfrk]

Plus the winner can buy more fish during the auction.... win win...

exactly! or tank setup in your case...

[cichfrk]

One more suggestion to make the auction more exciting.

Games during auction sounds good too. Probably, a Jeopardy about fish keeping, Who wants to be a Millionaire Fish Keeper, or a person who can show the ECC spirit the best.

[fischfan13]

Wow, I didn't know the auction wasn't exciting...maybe the auctioneers should be a little more animated.

Nice suggestions, thanks.

50/50's?
Hardly anyone likes them.
We tried them in the past and not many people bought tickets?

Games during the auction?
People were leaving before the last auction ended (well after 6pm) so I decided to move the auction back to an 11am start instead of noon...not looking to make the day longer.

This thread was not started to fix anything that is broke....because IMO it's not broken. I was going back yesterday on some of the comments made about the last auction and only found one negative comment...and that was about the fish in the raffle.

The Choice Raffle is extremely exciting and is embraced by many members. I am not looking to get rid of it, but make it better.
The quality of Plecos and Synos has always been outstanding, IMO....but we will try to make it even better.

Bill

[emartin]

Besides the gift certificate raffles like Triscuit suggested, why not more filter raffles? I'd personally like to see AC110's raffled off...I could really use a couple more :).

[steve0199us]

Since there are multiple raffles. I think a 50/50 for the first raffle would be a great idea! Most people get there early, and most are looking to spend money n buy fish. So a couple of bucks for a good cause raffle should be doable. Plus, if it were the first raffle, the winner would most likely stick around for the auction, right? So that money would be circulated right back into the hobby. Or maybe put a twist on it. for example 50/50 if the total sales is between $100-300 and 50/35/15 if it's between X-N amount, have two winners, update the sale number on the board that is normally set up.
Sorta like mega millions!

The ECC Jackpot, is now 1 thousand dollars!

Plus, No cost involved other then a roll of tickets, so if not a lot of people participate, not much $$$ is loss.

[emartin]

I think I remember there being a 50/50 back either at the Fall '09 auction or the Spring '10 auction and it did not do well...it ended up being a very low amount...the vast majority of people just weren't interested in it.

[steve0199us]

Yea, but the site does not need to solicit or purchase anything upfront, there is not much to lose in my opinion. I don’t recall how much they were sold for or when the raffle took place the last time.

Make this one the first raffle and sell the tickets for $2, worse case, I’m sure the cost of raffle tickets would be covered.

[cichfrk]

Bill,

Wow, I didn't know the auction wasn't exciting...maybe the auctioneers should be a little more animated.

... LOL, I didn't say it wasn't exciting. I said more exciting...I mean extremely exciting.


50/50's?
Hardly anyone likes them.
We tried them in the past and not many people bought tickets?

... Probably it didn't work in the past but it might work now since the site has grown a lot.


Games during the auction?
People were leaving before the last auction ended (well after 6pm) so I decided to move the auction back to an 11am start instead of noon...not looking to make the day longer.

.... This will probably make them stick a little longer. It also promotes camaraderie, sort of.


This thread was not started to fix anything that is broke....because IMO it's not broken. I was going back yesterday on some of the comments made about the last auction and only found one negative comment...and that was about the fish in the raffle.

... We're not trying to fix it because it's really not broken. The thread merely opened up a lot of ideas that would benefit not just the site but the members as well.


The Choice Raffle is extremely exciting and is embraced by many members. I am not looking to get rid of it, but make it better.
The quality of Plecos and Synos has always been outstanding, IMO....but we will try to make it even better.

... We're not trying to get rid of it. 50/50 raffle can be another raffle.

[leffler817]

Getting back to the topic. I thought the selection in the fall was good. There were a few choices that I had my eye on. If you're looking for suggestions, I'd be jazzed to see;
L128 ‘blue phantom’
L600 Pseudacanthicus Leopardus
L152 ‘pineapple plecos’
L46 :)
Syno Brichardi
Syno Soloni

either way, whatever the choices are, I'm buying tix for it. :)

[Tony]

http://cichlids.akvariefisk.dk/storage/debat/91184732-1320-E98D-1C5FF93BFB055619.jpg

Lamprichthys tanganicanus raffle? :neener:

[Longstocking]

ok enough with asking for the 50/50.

This might get deleted by the dictator :neener: ... but why it was done away with was purly LEGAL reasons. We cannot do a 50/50 since we became an "official" not for profit organization. We wanted to bring it back 2 auctions ago and was imformed by ECC's financial advisor what we cannot do one.

[Longstocking]

Please continue with suggestions.... as I will be asking a couple of my freinds that either breed plecos or import them for the fish you ask for.

Syno... we will have to find through our sponsors.

We will have a filter raffle as well... which one, will be a suprise :neener: