What Sort of DreamBox Shipping Costs Are People Incurring?

[Kengar]

What sort of shipping costs are people incurring on DreamBox sumps? Assume it would be for just the sump, i.e., without skimmer, pumps, reactors, etc. I'm considering the Medium (149 cm long) one, either 49 or 69 cm wide.

Assume shipping would be to major international airport that has nonstop flights to and from Frankfort (namely, Dulles International, just outside of Washington, D.C.).

Thanks.!

[danrobberg]

Mine was somewhere around a grand delivered to my house. Mine was the 100cm x 49

[Kengar]

just box, or with other toys (skimmer, pumps, etc.)?

[ArmanS]

Mine is 170 cm x 70 cm wide and cost to ship to LAX is ~1K Euros. That includes with toys, BK SM 250, 3 x RD3 230w.

[vhuang168]

My quote was also over 1k for a system. I just wasn't willing to pay 1/4 of the price just in shipping. When they become available in the US, I will revisit getting a Dreambox.


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[Kengar]

Can you identify what size, where it would have been shipped to (i.e., airport or home), and what sort of equipment would have been included (bears on weight)? Thanks for your input!

Ken

[vhuang168]

Can you identify what size, where it would have been shipped to (i.e., airport or home), and what sort of equipment would have been included (bears on weight)? Thanks for your input!

Ken



This

http://royalexclusiv.net/Dreamboxes/Dreambox-complete-filter-sytem/Complete-Filter-Systems-for-tanks-up-to-1-000-Liter/Dreambox-sample-set-3b-DeLuxe::1376.html

And

http://royalexclusiv.net/Dreamboxes/Dreambox-refugia/Dreambox-refugium-50x49x50cm::1193.html


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[michaelrc51]

I have a Dreambox 7B being built now and the freight quote to JFK airport was just under 700 EUR. This is the sump with 2 RD3 150w pumps, 200 SM skimmer, 3 reactors, and the rest of whatever is included.
Keep in mind the weight probably won't matter. The size usually has a calculated weight by the shipping company and the size of these sumps is much larger than the weight that would usually be associated with something of the same size.

For those people waiting for them to be available out of the Fl facility, I don't think you will find shipping much if any cheaper than what I am paying. These are crated items and shipping across country will be in excess of $500-600 maybe more. Plus they will be stock units so changes to design won't be possible if you want any kind of variation you will have to order it from Germany.

[Kengar]

Thanks for the input.

JFK? That's international???? ;) JK re JFK!

For Dulles, then, I'm hopeful that freight costs -- IF weight does play some role -- will permit me to go with a DB. I've got a request in for quote for shipping estimate for "bare-bones" medium sump (i.e., without pumps, skimmer, reactors, etc.), so should be able to make decision shortly.

Re the standard size/weight issue, were you saying, michaelrc51, that the sumps usually get assigned a weight value that is HIGHER than what they actually weigh, since packages of the size of the sump are usually not filled with a lot of empty space and hence heavier?

[ReefClownMIA]

Thanks for the input.

JFK? That's international???? ;) JK re JFK!

For Dulles, then, I'm hopeful that freight costs -- IF weight does play some role -- will permit me to go with a DB. I've got a request in for quote for shipping estimate for "bare-bones" medium sump (i.e., without pumps, skimmer, reactors, etc.), so should be able to make decision shortly.

Re the standard size/weight issue, were you saying, michaelrc51, that the sumps usually get assigned a weight value that is HIGHER than what they actually weigh, since packages of the size of the sump are usually not filled with a lot of empty space and hence heavier?


It's dimensional weight. Regardless if Dreambox ships with pumps, and media reactors/filters, or empty - you'd most likely pay exact same amount. Hence order what you'd like, the first time around.
The skimmer may add some additional shipping cost depending on how it's packaged and if it fits securely inside the box or has to be put on a box on top of the crate, however even then it would most likely be less than a separate shipment.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimensional_weight

[Kengar]

Got it. Thanks.

[michaelrc51]

Thanks for the input.

JFK? That's international???? ;) JK re JFK!

For Dulles, then, I'm hopeful that freight costs -- IF weight does play some role -- will permit me to go with a DB. I've got a request in for quote for shipping estimate for "bare-bones" medium sump (i.e., without pumps, skimmer, reactors, etc.), so should be able to make decision shortly.

Re the standard size/weight issue, were you saying, michaelrc51, that the sumps usually get assigned a weight value that is HIGHER than what they actually weigh, since packages of the size of the sump are usually not filled with a lot of empty space and hence heavier?

What I was saying is that if you have something shipped on a pallet they "assume" it will be heavy and they expect it to weight greater than what it does so they figure on a weight that is much heavier. I doubt it would be extra if you have other stuff shipped inside it or even just on the same pallet. My educated guess would be that you would have to add atlas 100lbs or more before you could possibly incur more charges due to the weight.

Ask Slief

[michaelrc51]

Just got confirmation it's ready to go so I will have some exact numbers next week.


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[slief]

What I was saying is that if you have something shipped on a pallet they "assume" it will be heavy and they expect it to weight greater than what it does so they figure on a weight that is much heavier. I doubt it would be extra if you have other stuff shipped inside it or even just on the same pallet. My educated guess would be that you would have to add atlas 100lbs or more before you could possibly incur more charges due to the weight.

Ask Slief

The larger pallets get assessed a DIM weight which means that a large pallet can weigh very little but because of it's size, it will have a dimensional value weight as opposed to the actual weight. In those cases, the DIM weight may be substantially higher than the actual weight in which case adding more items won't necessarily increase the fight cost but it can impact the insured value which will increase transit costs. Also, added items that can't be packed inside the sump will impact the dimensions which can also impact the shipping costs. Having said that, airlines have weight limitations for total cargo weights and may charge differently for weight than a trucking company. That is something i am not sure of.

[michaelrc51]

So, I just got my final invoice from RE and the shipping price increased from 697
EUR quoted to 867 EUR.
I am guessing the added costs are for shipping it to Newark, NJ instead of the original quote from JFK, NY.
Since towing a trailer out to JFK will cost me well over $100 more I just paid the invoice.
This thing cost a fortune but I am sure it will be worth it.
I got one that is 150cm x 60cm.

[slief]

So, I just got my final invoice from RE and the shipping price increased from 697
EUR quoted to 867 EUR.
I am guessing the added costs are for shipping it to Newark, NJ instead of the original quote from JFK, NY.
Since towing a trailer out to JFK will cost me well over $100 more I just paid the invoice.
This thing cost a fortune but I am sure it will be worth it.
I got one that is 150cm x 60cm.

It's amazing what a change of airport can do to the rates. I just went through this with another customer. Two major airports very close to each other but the freight costs from one to the next were nearly 40% higher. At lost of it has to do with the airlines that fly into the different airports as well as whether those airlines have direct routes from the local airport in Germany to the airport of your choice.

That said, I have yet to hear a customer say it wasn't worth it. I wish the space below my tank would accommodate one but my doors below the tank required a 2 piece sump/fuge to maximize the space. You will be very happy once it arrives!

[Kengar]

I think I am the customer to whom Scott is referring. To put some meat on the bones of what he is saying, here is the ESTIMATE info I was provided for a 150-50 and a 150-60 going to either BWI (Baltimore Washington International, just south of Baltimore) or IAD (Dulles International, just outside the DC Beltway, westerly, in Herndon, VA):

D-150-50
to Dulles International Airport (IAD): 385,00 €
to Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI): 580,00 €


D-150-60
to Dulles International Airport (IAD): 515,00 €
to Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI): 610,00 €


IAD is probably THE local hub for international flights, whereas BWI gets them, but......
AND, many if not most of the international flights coming into IAD are non-stops, including -- and this is probably most helpful in my case -- Lufthansa and United from Frankfurt

[michaelrc51]

I am surprised, your rates are a decent amount lower than mine and JFK and Newark are both international airports.

With the shipping costs and exchange rates and all I will be interested to see what the prices are when sold here in the US.

We should have them put it all on one pallet and divvy up the costs. I'll come to DC to pick mine up......probably cheaper than me going out to JFK[emoji4]


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[ArmanS]

Lol good idea! Mine is going to be ~950 Euros ! :headwally:

[Kengar]

I should add that mine would be for the sump, only, so no cost attributable to size/DIM weight associated with skimmers, pumps, reactors, etc.

[Shredded]

2200.00

[michaelrc51]

2200.00



Damn......is that to your door?


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[rvareef]

shred did you get that scratch fixed?

[Shredded]

It was to my door, but the trucking company was right down the street and I intercepted it to get it early.

[Shredded]

@ rvareef...No, really was no good way of fixing it. It's to the back and you won't really ever see it. One of those deals where the more time passes, the less it matters. The sump was perfect, that was the main deal. Marco and Scott took care of me so I am happy.

[ArmanS]

I just paid my final invoice and the shipping cost wasn't too bad at 600 Euros to LAX but now I have to deal with the customs and what not and the person I spoke with said this could easily cost over $500 in fees.

Can any of you who have received their dreambox already tell me how much you had to pay for customs / importing it?

Thanks!

[slief]

I just paid my final invoice and the shipping cost wasn't too bad at 600 Euros to LAX but now I have to deal with the customs and what not and the person I spoke with said this could easily cost over $500 in fees.

Can any of you who have received their dreambox already tell me how much you had to pay for customs / importing it?

Thanks!

I'd be really surprised if customs costs anywhere near that much. Did you check with CBP in Los Angeles?

[ArmanS]

I'd be really surprised if customs costs anywhere near that much. Did you check with CBP in Los Angeles?



What is CBF? I have a client who is a custom broker and he is looking into it for me. The charge alone for the company RE used is $260. He said it will easily be over $500. I'll keep you updated.

[slief]

What is CBF? I have a client who is a custom broker and he is looking into it for me. The charge alone for the company RE used is $260. He said it will easily be over $500. I'll keep you updated.

I was talking about customs but from the sounds of it, you are talking about the import processing and freight broker fees? If so, most people handle their own import when picking up at the airport. Customs is really helpful about that stuff and will literally walk you through the process. Do let me know what you find out and feel free to email me.

[michaelrc51]

My fees were around $100. I think the broker fee was $55 and then a $45 fee on pick up at freight place.

[albano]

This thing cost a fortune but I am sure it will be worth it...

Why? It's an acrylic box that any good fabricator could build...why is this worth that kind of money?

[slief]

Why? It's an acrylic box that any good fabricator could build...why is this worth that kind of money?

Actually, they aren't acrylic. They are constructed out of a very high grade PVC that you can't even get in the states. Even the clear viewing panes are a very special transparent PVC and not acrylic. Every piece is CNC cut before assembly. All seams are welded using a special PVC welding tool and isn't something commonly practiced here in the states because of the skill required to weld PVC. Unlike an acrylic sump, these will never deflect, craze, crack etc and will last indefinitely. They are really unlike no other sump. They also include custom lids that are CNC cut for the specific skimmers. The available options on these sumps are not found on any other sump that I have seen whether it's the lighting, wire management, controller mounts, integrated reactors with integrated manifolds, filter sock silencers etc. A custom sump of similar design made out of acrylic would cost nearly as much if not more. In fact, I spent more on my custom sumps than a Dreambox would have cost me but I also couldn't have fit a Dreambox below my system as my sumps needed to go in in two pieces to fit through the doors. If you compare costs on a similar custom sump, you might be surprised at how reasonable a Dreambox is and like I said, these aren't just an acrylic box. They are truly furniture grade and by far one of the nicest sumps in terms of quality, craftsmanship and design that I have ever seen. If you happen to be attending MACNA this year, swing by the Royal Exclusiv booth. We will have one there! trust me when I tell you, if you see one in person, I suspect your feelings might change. Then again these aren't for everybody. The people that buy Dreamboxes are the type of people that are taking a no expense approach to their display and equipment and are people who want the underside of their display to look as nice as the display itself. Many Dreambox customs display their sump instead of enclosing below the stand because they really are works of art and not "just a sump".


That said, how's your tank doing? I hope it's as beautiful as ever! You need to do an updated thread on your tank or at least post a current video! It is or at least was a sight to see!

[vhuang168]

Why? It's an acrylic box that any good fabricator could build...why is this worth that kind of money?



If you asking then you haven't taken a good close up look at 1. If you ask for a quote for custom acrylic version of a Dreambox, then you'll be in for sticker shock.

I backed out of a Dreambox because I couldn't bring myself to pay close to $1k for shipping. Went with a very nice production acrylic sump but by the time I added the skimmer n return, I'm close to the price for a decked out Dreambox.

When they are available in the US, I'll revisit getting myself 1.


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[ArmanS]

My fees were around $100. I think the broker fee was $55 and then a $45 fee on pick up at freight place.

Did you not have to pay any import fees / customs? The broker wants a $260 fee, I will know of the final amount later today or tomorrow. Apparently, my dream box already landed, it's only been about 4-5 days since I paid the final invoice. That is extremely fast!

I just hope I am not stuck with any large fees. I will keep you all posted!

[michaelrc51]

Did you not have to pay any import fees / customs? The broker wants a $260 fee, I will know of the final amount later today or tomorrow. Apparently, my dream box already landed, it's only been about 4-5 days since I paid the final invoice. That is extremely fast!



I just hope I am not stuck with any large fees. I will keep you all posted!


Nope. I think it was just the $55. I'll check my records but I am sure it was under $150 total for everything needed to pick it up.
I was skeptical as well but everything worked out well.

My biggest complaint was the storage fee of $50 a day and the fact that I had only 2 days to pick it up before that started.

[michaelrc51]

If you asking then you haven't taken a good close up look at 1. If you ask for a quote for custom acrylic version of a Dreambox, then you'll be in for sticker shock.

I backed out of a Dreambox because I couldn't bring myself to pay close to $1k for shipping. Went with a very nice production acrylic sump but by the time I added the skimmer n return, I'm close to the price for a decked out Dreambox.

When they are available in the US, I'll revisit getting myself 1.


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This is exactly what I found.
The cost seems astronomical at first but once you add in everything the cost of the actual sump is probably less than what a custom acrylic sump built here in the US would cost.
And then there is the fact that it is made of PVC and no chance of ever leaking. Also, after 10 years you clean it up and it will look like it did the day you got it. So, value won't drop on it, if you decide to sell it you won't sell it for much less than what you paid.
Oh yeah, they work flawlessly and you don't have to worry about anything......you plumb your tank to it and your basically done.

[michaelrc51]

Why? It's an acrylic box that any good fabricator could build...why is this worth that kind of money?


I'll post some pics up of mine.
They really are that well thought out.
Price all of your stuff out and get a quote for a sump, I will bet you will be at the same mark as a Dreambox. It is just sticker shock really but when you add up everything I bet you'll spend more if you have someone build a custom sump for you and add up the costs of everything.

[Kengar]

Nope. I think it was just the $55. I'll check my records but I am sure it was under $150 total for everything needed to pick it up.
I was skeptical as well but everything worked out well.



Word to the wise. Never, never, NEVER keep records in this game....... spouses find them.....

[Kengar]

Re the costs, I had gotten a quote from acrylic mfr in CA to have a sump built, but they just wanted to do one row of two, 7-inch socks. It was to be 4.5' long and maybe 20" wide. Cost, shipped, was to be $1750. Water input was to be at the end of the tank instead of the side as per DB; I wanted that changed to fit my arrangement better, but the acrylic co. was reluctant to do that. At that point, given that I was "in the neighborhood" pricewise already, I decided to look into DB, particularly with the enhanced level of mechanical filtration. (I work from home across from where the tank is to be set up, so will have frequent occasion to go into the fish room and clean the socks...... given all the other automation, this chore won't be so annoying.) With shipping to Dulles International Airport (which, given the answers on this thread, I suspect is one of the cheapest entry airport), I'm looking at only a few hundred more dollars for a DB, with its various other benefits. (And who knows, if Brexit sends the Euro down and with off-summer air freight costs, who knows, maybe I will get it for the same final cost in the long-run!)

[michaelrc51]

Word to the wise. Never, never, NEVER keep records in this game....... spouses find them.....

LOL

I didn't even tell her about the DB coming and threw it on her the day before we picked it up. I didn't tell her what I paid and honestly she didn't really want to know.
That final payment couldn't have come at a worst time, we went under contract for a new house the week before.

[ArmanS]

Just got my Dream Box, total custom fees and broker fees etc was under $500. It was a breeze picking up, they fork lifted onto my truck and RE packs this thing extremely well!

Well Worth The Wait! I have tons of very good quality pieces of equipment, the quality on the dream box is un matched and well worth the wait and cost! Can't wait to get it all running!

[ReefClownMIA]

Just got my Dream Box, total custom fees and broker fees etc was under $500. It was a breeze picking up, they fork lifted onto my truck and RE packs this thing extremely well!

Well Worth The Wait! I have tons of very good quality pieces of equipment, the quality on the dream box is un matched and well worth the wait and cost! Can't wait to get it all running!

*cough*
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k243/Juke_Box_Hero/Smilies/ThisThreadIsWorthlessWithoutPicssmi.gif (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/Juke_Box_Hero/media/Smilies/ThisThreadIsWorthlessWithoutPicssmi.gif.html)

I'm very glad to hear that you received it and all is well. Can't wait to see it in action.

[ArmanS]

*cough*
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k243/Juke_Box_Hero/Smilies/ThisThreadIsWorthlessWithoutPicssmi.gif (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/Juke_Box_Hero/media/Smilies/ThisThreadIsWorthlessWithoutPicssmi.gif.html)

I'm very glad to hear that you received it and all is well. Can't wait to see it in action.

Here you go! It was shipped extremely well! I also received my 3 RD3 230w Pumps, BK SM 250 RD3, Controller Cockpit and more goodies! Exciting times in the future !!

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy155/armanslr/IMG_0877.jpg (http://s787.photobucket.com/user/armanslr/media/IMG_0877.jpg.html)

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy155/armanslr/IMG_0876.jpg (http://s787.photobucket.com/user/armanslr/media/IMG_0876.jpg.html)

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy155/armanslr/IMG_0875.jpg (http://s787.photobucket.com/user/armanslr/media/IMG_0875.jpg.html)

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy155/armanslr/IMG_0874.jpg (http://s787.photobucket.com/user/armanslr/media/IMG_0874.jpg.html)

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy155/armanslr/IMG_0873.jpg (http://s787.photobucket.com/user/armanslr/media/IMG_0873.jpg.html)

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy155/armanslr/IMG_0872.jpg (http://s787.photobucket.com/user/armanslr/media/IMG_0872.jpg.html)

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy155/armanslr/IMG_0880.jpg (http://s787.photobucket.com/user/armanslr/media/IMG_0880.jpg.html)

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy155/armanslr/IMG_0878.jpg (http://s787.photobucket.com/user/armanslr/media/IMG_0878.jpg.html)

[Marco@GHLUSA]

NICE! That is a sweet looking box, begging to be installed, or better yet, be put on display somewhere!

[slief]

NICE! That is a sweet looking box, begging to be installed, or better yet, be put on display somewhere!

I agree!!


VERY VERY nice!! I wish I could get one of these through the doors under my tank! I'd pony up if I could get it under there! My custom sumps cost me much more than a Dreambox would have and weren't nearly as nice.

[ArmanS]

Scott, I want to thank you, Torsten, and Sandra for the excellent support and communication throughout the entire process. I am beyond satisfied with the craftsmanship.

The dream box really must be seen in person to be appreciated, I think once more people see these they will pony up and purchase them. Also, the costs involved are not nearly as extreme as people make out. You should be able to get a 5' long dream box delivered to your local airport for ~$2500 USD. Mine was very large and has extras but I have got to say, the quality is unbelievable. I've had many acrylic sumps in the past, these PVC style sumps are the way to go. The cut outs for the lids etc look so great and it is so strong and sturdy and feels solid. I am completely satisfied with my dream box.

The only negative I have is that RE does not sell a Controller, CA Rx, Chiller, Aquarium, UV, Lights, and everything else on my tank because if they did I would buy it all!!!!!!

[Kengar]

Just got my Dream Box, total custom fees and broker fees etc was under $500. It was a breeze picking up, they fork lifted onto my truck and RE packs this thing extremely well!

Well Worth The Wait! I have tons of very good quality pieces of equipment, the quality on the dream box is un matched and well worth the wait and cost! Can't wait to get it all running!


I guess it wasn't THIS buffoon doing the fork lifting http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2592041. Although he sure did "fork me" over with the damage done to my CTC tank. Trying to deal with UPS damage claim now, which has set me back in terms of time and potentially cash flow to place my DB order.

[ArmanS]

That sucks, the guy who loaded my pallet into my truck did an excellent job, he did not need the extensions, rather he lifted the pallet at an angle so it was resting against the fork lift and could not slide out.

I hope all goes well with your claim.

[slief]

I guess it wasn't THIS buffoon doing the fork lifting http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2592041. Although he sure did "fork me" over with the damage done to my CTC tank. Trying to deal with UPS damage claim now, which has set me back in terms of time and potentially cash flow to place my DB order.

Damn. I saw your email and meant to respond. Seeing that thread is heartbreaking. Hopefully UPS Claims takes care of this expenditiously. It seems to me that the shipper should be the one dealing with the claim though. Since the tank arrived damaged, they should handle the logistics of that process for you and get a new tank in progress. It's something that would have to be requested on the shippers part since UPS would just assume deal with the recipient. Hopefully it was insured for full value.

[Kengar]

It's a tricky situation -- and one that would make an evil law school or bar exam question. (I just might have to send this in, bwah, hahahahaha.) I inspected fully and very carefully in minute detail, including getting into the tank on my hands and knees and looking at all seams, and I saw no problems. It was based on that inspection that I told them to load the trailer.

After he loaded the trailer, I re-inspected, but to much more limited extent, i.e., taking the crate lid back off and just looking to make sure the tank wasn't busted in half, not that stress and shock (due to dropping the end of the pallet) would have caused chipping, etc. So, based on the two inspections, the latter being much more cursory in nature, I signed off and left. It was only when I got home and removed the sidewalls of the crate that I discovered the damage. So here we are, caught in a non-standard situation........

Claims adjuster comes tomorrow......