How did everyone make out at RAP?

[AydenLincoln]

I got a ton of goodies mainly all mushrooms. I do think the prices were way higher in recent years and there weren’t a ton of great deals to be found. But nonetheless the variety can’t be beat! ASK=EXPENSIVE AF

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Considering I usually can't take corals home with me due to the drive, and I usually just do the raffle for dry goods, all I can say is it was good for my wallet this weekend, haha.

 

[rtparty]

From the few booths I got to visit, the coral prices were absolutely ridiculous. Then when asked about the ASK price, it was laughable. You could tell some were ashamed to even say the price

 

[Reefer Matt]

From the few booths I got to visit, the coral prices were absolutely ridiculous. Then when asked about the ASK price, it was laughable. You could tell some were ashamed to even say the price

Those table fees were ridiculous too, I think that had a lot to do with it. It would cost 2-3k just to show up to sell with travel expenses figured in.

 

[Snowxcross]

Some prices were rediculous as youve said, but i knew what i was looking for and knew the average prices. That being said, i found a few deals on those pieces and was thrilled. For example, the average price if you can even find it (ultimate space monster zoa) is almost $500, been like that since its release but its super rare, was able to find it and get for far less. Its just a matter of what you're into and if theres a deal or not. Also vendor tables were really high this year.

 

[Nasty_Goblin]

I only went to day 2 but I found the prices to be reasonable when compared to in store and online prices.

Single polyp of exospheres for $50

Octospawn for $40

3 polyps of Chiquita for $30

Grabbed a nice scoly for $50

Plenty of buy this frag and we can knock 40% off this one type deals.

I literally haven’t seen an online seller with better prices than QCC and they sell Octospawns for $100. That doesn’t even include shipping.


Granted this was my first RAP so maybe I got duped. Happy for someone to provide better online sites if I’m just wrong.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

From the few booths I got to visit, the coral prices were absolutely ridiculous. Then when asked about the ASK price, it was laughable. You could tell some were ashamed to even say the price

Those table fees were ridiculous too, I think that had a lot to do with it. It would cost 2-3k just to show up to sell with travel expenses figured in.

I get what you’re both saying but do you realize the magnitude of the cost to put on a show like this? Especially in New Jersey?

You’re talking multiple 6 figures!

 

[Reefer Matt]

I get what you’re both saying but do you realize the magnitude of the cost to put on a show like this? Especially in New Jersey?

You’re talking multiple 6 figures!

Oh, no doubt! By “ridiculous”, I mean according to my standard of living, not that they weren’t warranted. I’m just happy Reefers were able to have a good time and get some deals. I hope it was worth it for the vendors too.

 

[Snowxcross]

From the few booths I got to visit, the coral prices were absolutely ridiculous. Then when asked about the ASK price, it was laughable. You could tell some were ashamed to even say the price

Those table fees were ridiculous too, I think that had a lot to do with it. It would cost 2-3k just to show up to sell with travel expenses figured in.

I get what you’re both saying but do you realize the magnitude of the cost to put on a show like this? Especially in New Jersey?

You’re talking multiple 6 figures!

What Matt said.

 

[goosemans]

From the few booths I got to visit, the coral prices were absolutely ridiculous. Then when asked about the ASK price, it was laughable. You could tell some were ashamed to even say the price

They don’t display prices at rap? I’ve never been to one

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Oh, no doubt! By “ridiculous”, I mean according to my standard of living, not that they weren’t warranted. I’m just happy Reefers were able to have a good time and get some deals. I hope it was worth it for the vendors too.

Oh I know what you meant bro! Honestly $2-3k is really low for a show like that and I would say it cost vendors around $10k on average including booth fee, travel fees, time etc.. Bur yes, it’s expensive!

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

They don’t display prices at rap? I’ve never been to one

Most every booth I saw did have prices.

 

[Shnetts]

Most every booth I saw did have prices.

I was only there day 2 and honestly saw very little with prices, and if they did it was just a small section of 20-40 dollar frags. The whole you have to ask about every single frag is kinda annoying.

I did get to pick up a super nice indo tracy at the show tho.

 

[Nasty_Goblin]

I was only there day 2 and honestly saw very little with prices, and if they did it was just a small section of 20-40 dollar frags. The whole you have to ask about every single frag is kinda annoying.

I did get to pick up a super nice indo tracy at the show tho.

I also noticed very few booths with listed prices, but they were all willing to barter with those who asked.

I assumed it was a strategy to determine a buyer's interest so they could convince you to bundle several at a time.

 

[Shnetts]

I also noticed very few booths with listed prices, but they were all willing to barter with those who asked.

I assumed it was a strategy to determine a buyer's interest so they could convince you to bundle several at a time.

that for sure plays a part, also the prices are slowly going down as the show goes on, so they dont want to always be adjusting them.

 

[Nasty_Goblin]

Honestly, I was just stoked to see frags that didn't start at $60. The NOVA area reef store prices are insane.

I've seen small 2-inch frags of GSP listed for over $20 in store.

 

[Nasty_Goblin]

that for sure plays a part, also the prices are slowly going down as the show goes on, so they dont want to always be adjusting them.

Fair point. Talking with the vendors (even the dry goods) informed me on the sheer amount of effort it takes to make it in the saltwater industry.

Spoke to a guy selling frag racks etc., and the sheer variety of pay methods he accepted in 2024 would have sent me into a spiral.

 

[Shnetts]

I understand the effort behind it and that it takes a lot. But it’s just pretty annoying sitting there and over and over again “how much is this one, what about this one”

 

[Reefer Matt]

I understand the effort behind it and that it takes a lot. But it’s just pretty annoying sitting there and over and over again “how much is this one, what about this one”

At that point just hold up your money and say, “What can I buy with this”? Lol!

 

[vetteguy53081]

I understand the effort behind it and that it takes a lot. But it’s just pretty annoying sitting there and over and over again “how much is this one, what about this one”

I just keep walking when I see these booths.