Gary Moses is trying again to give away the Mixology Warehouse, his wholesale/retail liquor store located at the Lumberyard in Cruz Bay. The business will go to the person who writes the best 100 to 200 word essay on why they are "ready to break out of a rut and start a new life in paradise," according to rules of the contest on its Web site. Moses plans to cap the entries at 8,000 which, with an entry fee of $100, would generate $800,000. He said the approximate value of the business is $500,000.
The winner gets the fully stocked store, serving more island restaurants and bars plus private parties, weddings and deliveries to villas. Three months’ rent will also paid, and Moses will stay for a week of on-the-job training for the new owner.
Would-be business owners can go to the contest’s Web site, submit $100 through PayPal, and then will receive an entry form for their essay. "Each essay will be judged on the bases of imagination,
creativity, expression of thought, wit, positive social values, human
interest, humor, and originality." Three judges will review them.
Moses hopes to wrap up the transfer of the business before Christmas.
A similar essay contest last year failed for lack of entries. Moses said he plans more advertising and promotion this year to generate a stronger response.
Not to be negative, but I can’t see how a contest like this would get 800 responses let alone 8000. If Mr. Moses wants to sell, he should just sell.
Was just going to write the same comment as Steve. Ain’t gonna happen. But Steve it is a good try to get more from your business then what it’s worth. I would even question the the 500k. After all it is merely a store with an inventory. Seems to me if the store closed and someone opened one up right away the island clients wouldn’t miss a beat on where to buy. So nothing against Moses, but 8000, not really going to happen.
I’m thinking get 1,000,000 entries @ a buck each and turn a real profit and keep the post office happy.
Sounds like a loser to me too. Also with my luck (black cloud constantly over me) a cat 5 hurricane would land right on top of the business if I “won” it.
I agree with Jelly Bean and also suggest that he sell tickets instead. However I suggest a ticket Value of around $10.00. $10 @ 80000 = his *800,000 dollars and if you only get 50,000 entries you have the value of the store according to the $500,000 he wants to get for the Store.
Can I get credit for the $800.00 or so I dropped in his place on my last visit??
Seriously people, get out from under the dark cloud. What an entertaining opportunity for individuals to have fun and take a chance – at the same time there is a possibility of winning an island business. Will he make a pretty penny if the numbers come in, of course, but what’s to criticize the notion?
Dear Jen, Thanks for the support. It is going to be fun . I hope to find the right person to take my place. It could be you . I hope you checked out the web site . thanks Gary Greg sure am glad you had a good time on St John. I seem to remember you had a few friends helping you with that . But you forgot to mention I have the best prices on island…. Peter, there are three mistakes in the artical about the contest. 1)The max number of entries is 12,000 and the min is 8,000,.,… 2)My business is worth about $350,000.00 If I were to sell it , which I am NOT……………….. 3) The &100.00 entry fee tells me you at least have a dream about living in the us Virgina Islands and that your willing to take a chance in life….. You may be lacking in this area,,,, Think???Its obvious you have not visited the web site and read my letter. Maybe you should!!!!!!!! Bill Wise,What is it that,,,, “Sounds like a loser to me”. If you never think you can win you won’t!!If you listen to those people who say you can’t , You won’t!! My store is located at the Lumber Complex ,bottom floor with 10 inches of concrete on all sides and a 8 inch ceiling.I have the best location for a hurricane on Island, and a great location for business, for boaters, walk ins, I am located in the center of the main street of Cruz Bay. Oh yes it only takes common sense to make it through a cat 5 Hurricane Done that!!!! Its handeling the after math thats hard!!!!!………… jelly Bean, You haven’t been to my website either. Have You???Its not just about the money. Check out the movies I recommend you watch before you enter the contest,maybe you’ll understand where I am coming from….. Allan, Its easy to see you have never been to St. John You should, try to find space with my location with enough space to have a liquor store. If you had checked out my website you’d fine this isn’t just a liquor store. By the way if you find a place to open your store and pay first and last months rent plus deposit and put in the shelfing, coolers and stock it for under a 100 grand tell me how you did it , will you??Oh yes the odds of winning this store fully stocked are 1 in 15000…. But your the guy that plays the $1.00 lotto everyday right!!! Hey Steve, When I started this last year I had no idea what I was doing!!!I made a few mistakes and LEARNED alot.. I screwed up on the advertising. Last year the entry fee was $200.00 with no more than 8000 entries and it was set up so 1 in every 50 people would win at least $250.00 or more. I stated in the rules that if we didn’t get enough entries I would return everybody’s money less $15.00 for postage handeing paper envelopes and all that stuff.But sense I messed up with the ads. I sent all the money back to each person who entered. And Steve, I payed for all 1286 stamps. Last year was mostly word of mouth advertising. And Steve you wouldn’t belive how many phone calls I have had asking when is it going to start……All my life people have said you can’t do that ,or that will never work I Love those people,, they keep me thinking. I already have my next adventure in mind , do you???
OK, I really don’t see the problem here. If a guy wants to give me a chance to win his business for $100.00, I will take it. I am sure that there are at least 8000 others out there who want to experience life in paradise. The way I see it, my husband and I go to work everyday anyway, but we have to do it in the nasty Indiana winters. So, if we can do the same thing in paradise…Well who wouldn’t want to do that???? I have only been to St. John for a bit a few years ago during a BVI boat trip, but I have stayed on St. Thomas and my husband and I stayed on Jost Van Dyke for a week for our 20th anniversary and I have just NEVER seen anything or anywhere so beautiful!!!! So if Gary Moses wants to give my husband and I a chance to live on a beautiful island and make a living, that is okay with me.
We have been waiting for this one to start. Every since our honeymoon 10 years ago we have been trying to think of some sort or job we could get on St. John. We thought about selling t-shirts on the beach 10 years ago just so we wouldn’t have to leave. Now Gary is giving people like us an the opportunity we could never afford. A job where meet people, be a part of a wonder place and live in a where it is so beautiful that people don’t want to leave when they get there.
Thanks for the chance Gary!
Can’t buy into the essay contest…but I admire your effort. I remember your days at Liberty Yacht Club, the 150 yr old Gran Ma! Do you remember me??? LOL..This was the only way I could find to get in touch with you. I used to work for the Power House, selling Ice Eaters. If you remember me, email me.
Be good and good luck with the contest.
Can’t buy into the essay contest…but I admire your effort. I remember your days at Liberty Yacht Club, the 150 yr old Gran Ma! Do you remember me??? LOL..This was the only way I could find to get in touch with you. I used to work for the Power House, selling Ice Eaters. If you remember me, email me.
Be good and good luck with the contest.
Any word on the winner yet? I’m sure there are thousands of people anxiously waiting to know if today is the day they can go into their boss’s office and tell them how they really feel.
Please forward this comment to the necessary party.
Why is there no update on this contest?
At the very least a notice that the contest is closed and the winner is being decided.
Professional courtesy and business ethics should be in place.
People spent money to enter this contest.
This lack of communication is going to result in suspicion.
Please post an update as soon as possible.
Thank you.
Sandy
Greg – I’ll be there next week to personally deliver my essay, if the contest is still running. Can you please advise? Thanks.
Gary – I’ll be there next week to personally deliver my essay, if the contest is still running. Can you please advise? Thanks.
I entered this contest last year and never got my money back. I even called Mixology and spoke to a cashier who took my address. IF you want to do the right thing email me at [email protected] and return my money to me. The worst part was that my essay was the best. Too bad the business wasn’t worth anything and my money was stolen. I’m hoping you will do the right thing and this may have just been a misunderstanding – Matt