FAQs
Checkout
Your discount will automically be applied at checkout when your subsribed email address is entered or if you are logged into your account.
You must be logged into your account at checkout for any applicable discounts to be automatically applied. By doing so, you will also be subscribed to our newsletter.
If you encounter any issues with receiving your discount code, please contact us through our contact form, and we will apply the appropriate discount retroactively.
While online ordering is the easiest and preferred method for placing orders, phone assistance for orders may be available. For direct support, please call +1 406-660-5921.
Available hours are weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dream Mat 101
7-12 degrees. Why does it vary? Well, it depends on the water flow and the type of material you are running. The key is to closely watch the cells and see if the material is dancing (exchanging) around. Materials should stay in the cells & not blow clear (too much flow), but too little flow will just completely fill your box with too much material because there is not enough flow to process it.
Yes it can be cut, the best way is to use a new razor blade (box cutter) and a straight edge. Set the mat on the backside and mark with a sharpie. Set the straight edge on the mat and cut with a box cutter. If you're not feeling confident, and it’s too hard to trim, find a construction friend who frequently uses a razor knife.
There are so many different soil types in the world. We have developed each mat to work with each soil and situation. For example, a Dredge Mat works best in a dredge or high banker. The Micro Mat works great with black sands and as a clean up mat. To catch the most sneaky gold, prospectors consider their specific conditions to maximize recovery. We listen to prospectors & develop solutions to their problems!
Micro, Combo, Mini & Cape-d mats work great with sands.
Dredge mat & Vortex mat, but clay should be processed through a trommel, high banker, or screen beforehand to liberate the gold.
No you do not, the new 24’’ Bigfoot Mat is our best selling mat for a reason. The reviews call it “Front Row Gold” for a reason. Traditionally the systems had such poor recovery you needed a long runway to catch it. Dream mat changes all this. Nothing else catches it faster and more efficiently.
So you can have the best of 3 mats in one. You also don’t need high water flow to make this mat work. Prospectors requested this mat daily until we provided it. Customer driven solutions!
They all catch fine gold, The vortex cell size does correlate to the gold size, and every vortex cell catches fine gold. The Micro Mat catches fine gold so efficiently, many consider it to be the most efficient fine gold gravity system on the planet!
We make mats for standard sizes. We cannot make a mold for every size, or else we would go broke. Maybe ask why the other companies don't make sluices in standardized sizes.
On the railroad tracks, or in the desert sun 24/7 365 days a year. JUST A JOKE. DON’T DO THIS. To properly store your mat, place it on a flat surface indoors. Treat it like you would with anything else you value.
Our mats will last years for prospecting weekend warriors. For commercial use, your mats are good for a few seasons. That’s because a wash plant can run more material in a day than a prospector can run in their lifetime!
Urethane, a very durable product. Superior to silicone or rubber mats. Polyurethane vs Rubber: No Contest! - YouTube
Run you cons over one of our clean up sluices is the fastest way to reduces your cons and make the panning process pretty easy.
We have a Clean-Up Buddy instructional video available on YouTube.
Shipping
To track the progress of your order. Two places you can check.
1. Log into your account
2. Go to the FAQ page.
Click "track my orders" to view your orders
Once your order has been placed and processed, you will receive a confirmation email as well with your order details. This email will include a tracking number and a link to our tracking page. If you can't find the email, check your spam inbox.
Click on the tracking number link or enter the tracking number into our tracking page.
Tracking information may not be immediately available after your order is placed. It can take up to [24 hours] for the number to become active in our system. If you don't see any updates right away, please be patient and check back later.
If your shipment seems to be stuck, particularly after customs clearance, it is possible that the carrier might not have updated the tracking information. Rest assured, even without a new ETA, if customs have cleared the order, it is on its way overseas to you. We will also make an effort to contact the shipping provider to confirm that it is in transit to your location.
Orders are shipped within 48 hours. If there is a delay due to out-of-stock items or high purchase volume, we will contact you with an updated estimated delivery time.
If you notice that the delivery address on your order confirmation is incorrect, please notify us as soon as possible. We will make the necessary corrections to ensure that your package is sent to the correct location.
If your package seems stuck, here are some steps you can take:
- Check the Estimated Delivery Date: Sometimes, packages are still on schedule even if there are no recent updates.
- Contact the Carrier: Reach out to the carrier directly with your tracking number to get more detailed information.
- Wait a Few Days: In many cases, the package will start moving again or the tracking will update after a short delay.
There are several reasons why a package might not show updates:
- Carrier Delays: Carriers can experience delays due to high shipping volumes, weather conditions, or logistical issues.
- Missed Scans: Sometimes, packages miss a scan at a transit point, making it appear as if they are not moving.
- Customs Processing: International shipments may be delayed at customs, which can take additional time to process.
- Technical Glitches: Occasionally, technical issues with the carrier's tracking system can cause updates to be delayed.
Orders placed before 4:30 pm are processed the next day and shipped within two business days, provided inventory is available. You will receive confirmation and tracking information from Shippo and Shopify once your order is shipped.
We use USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL to ensure the fastest delivery possible. Large packages may be shipped via ground freight due to increased shipping rates.
If you don't receive confirmation or tracking information, please check your junk mail folder. You can also contact our Customer Support page for assistance with your order.
We do not insure packages beyond the free coverage provided by the carriers. For international packages, full insurance can be arranged at your cost.
If your package is lost or damaged, you must file a claim with the carrier. We are not responsible for the safety of your package after delivery. If tracking shows it as delivered and you have not received it, please file a claim with the carrier.
We ship to the address provided at checkout. We are not responsible for packages if your information is outdated or incorrect. Please ensure your shipping address is accurate when placing your order.
Please contact us as soon as possible and we may be able to correct the shipping address before it is shipped.
We cannot be held responsible for delivery delays caused by the carrier. However, we will work with patient and courteous customers to resolve any issues.
International shipping typically takes 2-3 weeks to most markets. However, due to COVID-19, international events, and holidays, packages may take up to 45 days in rare cases.
Shipping fees do not include duties, local taxes, or broker fees that may be added through customs or postal services. For Canadian customers, UPS charges a separate broker fee of approximately $30.
Shipping to certain countries may take longer and pose a higher risk of parcels not reaching their destination or being returned. We will only refund orders if the package is returned to us. Please conduct research before ordering, and consider placing a small test order to assess shipping reliability.
Here is a list of countries with potential shipping challenges:
Africa: Often requires research to determine the courier that will deliver beyond customs, such as DSL. Failure to do so may require in-person pickup from customs.
Bulgaria and Pakistan: Packages are often returned without explanation.
Countries with Shipping Risks: China, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Malaysia, Venezuela, Taiwan, Lebanon, Nigeria, Brazil, American Samoa, Antigua, Armenia, Anguilla, Aruba, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cayman Islands, Cook Islands, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, French Polynesia, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guernsey, Haiti, Honduras, Isle of Man, Jordan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Macedonia, Marshall Islands, Mayotte, Micronesia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Myanmar, Nepal, Northern Mariana Islands, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Reunion, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Virgin Islands
Order Management
Go to your account in Prospectors Dream to "cancel order".
Orders can only be canceled before they have been dispatched. If your order has already been shipped, please refer to our return policy for further instructions.
You can contact customer support from our customer support form.
Our number is +1 406-660-5921 for order and shipping support. For product support +1 406-641-7973.
Our hours are from 9 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday, to discuss our products and receive advice on your purchases.
If you are reaching out outside of our business hours, you can start a support ticket with our Support Form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
You may find your answer faster in our FAQ page or if you want manage a recent order you can select one of the four options above the Support Form.
Adding an item to an order you've already placed can be tricky if the order has already been shipped. However, if we receive your request before the order has been dispatched, we will do our best to accommodate it and send the additional items together to avoid extra shipping charges.
If your order arrives incomplete, please reach out to us with the details of the missing parts. We will check to ensure the missing components are dispatched to you swiftly. Furthermore, if you need additional items like thumbscrews, we can include them in the shipment for the missing parts if notified promptly.
Product Selection
Mats are listed on our web site under the Mat Guide page. Here you will see some mats can be used for both small & large gold & slow or fast flow & classified & unclassified material. So we will give you the basic uses for each mat to help you narrow your selection.
The set-up for someone just starting out is the Adventure sluice starter kit. It has the Adventure sluice, a pan, scoop, & sucker bottle. If you want to move more material, the next best choice is the 6x24 Trek sluice with Combo Mat or the 8x35 Bigfoot Sluice with a Vortex Dream Mat
Upon request, we do custom colors. It is an additional $25 per order & 2 weeks to ship.
Any of our 10x36 mats work in the A52 we have retrofitted thousands A52's with Dream mats.
We recommend a 2000gph DC pump for the Mini Monster Gold Fox. To save some money, we offer a quick checkout bundle option for the pump. Additionally, we suggest acquiring a valve for the hose to optimize the flow rate. While we may not currently have a valve in stock, it can be easily found at a local hardware store.
The Clean-Up Buddy Kits come with mats in varying colors. If you have a preference for a specific mat color, you can place a note in your order to request the particular color you want. Keep in mind that it may delay your order for an additional 2 days.
We occasionally have factory-second products that are less than perfect and are available at a discount. They have potential minor blemishes or defects that you can trim off to fit your homemade sluice.
The main differences between the standard Clean-Up Buddy and the Conversion Kit are as follows:
- The Buddy standard operates at 400gph and uses a 110V power source.
- The Buddy Conversion Kit operates at 500gph and uses a 12V power source.
Additionally, the converted option comes with an easy snap-on fitting to the Buddy housing body. The Banjo mat included is 10 inches long by a standard width, and we are currently exploring new vortex mats and other improvements.
Returns and Warranties
Is there a warranty for products like pumps that fail?
At Prospectors Dream, our Dream Mat Gold Mats come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, allowing you to return them within 30 days for a full refund or replacement if you are not completely satisfied. However, this guarantee does not extend to components and parts not manufactured by Prospectors Dream, such as pumps.
For electronic items, please note that the product is only returnable if the seal of the box is unbroken. If the seal is broken, the item cannot be returned.
If you experience issues with a pump or any other non-Prospectors Dream component, please review the manufacturer's warranty policy that accompanies the product. For further assistance or inquiries regarding warranties, you can contact our customer service team through our customer support page.
We offer a 30-day return policy. You have 30 days from the date you receive your item to request a return.
Customers are responsible for the return shipping costs. Additionally, a 15% restocking fee will be applied to all returns.
Yes, we cannot accept returns on final sale items, gift cards, clearance items, electronic items with broken seals, custom products, and items that have been altered or modified by the customer.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it—unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.
To start a return, please contact us through our customer support page. If your return is accepted, we’ll send you a return shipping label and instructions on how and where to send your package.
Once your return is approved, please send your items to the following address:
84 Stardust Trail, Columbia Falls, MT 59912.
Items sent back without first requesting a return will not be accepted. Please ensure you contact us before sending any returns.
Our Dream Mat Gold Mats come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with your Dream Mat Gold Mat, you can return it within 30 days for a full refund or replacement. This guarantee does not cover components and parts not manufactured by Prospectors Dream.
Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged, or if you receive the wrong item. We will evaluate the issue and work to resolve it promptly.
Once we’ve received and inspected your return, we will notify you if the refund is approved. If approved, you’ll be automatically refunded on your original payment method within 10 business days. If more than 15 business days have passed since we approved your return and you haven't received your refund, please contact us.
Is there a warranty for products like pumps that fail?
At Prospectors Dream, our Dream Mat Gold Mats come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, allowing you to return them within 30 days for a full refund or replacement if you are not completely satisfied. However, this guarantee does not extend to components and parts not manufactured by Prospectors Dream, such as pumps.
For electronic items, please note that the product is only returnable if the seal of the box is unbroken. If the seal is broken, the item cannot be returned.
If you experience issues with a pump or any other non-Prospectors Dream component, please review the manufacturer's warranty policy that accompanies the product. For further assistance or inquiries regarding warranties, you can contact our customer service team through our customer support page.
Other
Good Question.? We sell our Dream mat products on several different platforms- Amazon, E-bay, Bass Pros, Cabela's, and over 40 different distributors world wide. We want you to shop at your local brick and mortar distributor 1st. See our Distributor map. Then please go to our Prospectors Dream site and purchase your product there that will help us the most. Amazon, E-bay and Bass -Pros are also help too and a great way to spend your gift cards;)
Unfortunately, we can't offer custom colors for individual micro bankers.
Out-of-stock items will be replenished as soon as possible. For immediate updates on product availability, select the "Notify Me When In Stock" on the right side of the screen. That way you will be notified immediately when a product is restocked.
We do not offer a Micro/Mini mat in the 6X16 size. However, we do offer a Micro/Cape-D/Mini combo mat in a 6X16 size. Unfortunately, if you are looking for a mat specifically labeled as 'Micro/Mini' in the 6x16 dimensions, it is not available.
As the adventure sluices are hand cast using resin, there can sometimes be slight imperfections due to the production process, but will not hinder the gold recovery performance of the sluice. If you're experiencing issues with a 3D part not staying on, whether on the upper adventure sluice or the lower non-flare unit, please specify so we can address the issue directly.
The 3D printed body of the Gold Clean Up Buddy is 12 inches long, 7 inches tall and 5 inches wide.
The Mini Monster's dimensions are as follows:
Folded Up:
Length: 23 inches
Width: 9 inches
Height: 7 inches
Unfolded Length: 34 inches
Weight: approximately 8 pounds with mats included.
We leave the white film on the sluice to help protect it while shipping and handling, you just need to tear it off after you receive it, plus it looks brand new with no fingerprints on it.