Raffles are a great way to engage guests at an event. They can be an event in their own right, or they can be a side game during a gala.

Since they are a form of gambling, raffles are tightly regulated. Learn the laws in your area before you start planning your raffle.

Organizing a Raffle

Adding a raffle to an event or fundraiser is a good way to raise money and build relationships with donors. The key to a successful raffle is offering prizes that are worth more than the price of the ticket. You can sell tickets online or in person. If you're selling them in person, have a system in place for tracking sales and distributing tickets. You'll also need a large, visible receptacle to hold the ticket stubs and plenty of pens for people to write their name and contact information on them before depositing them in the receptacle.

Prizes for a raffle can include anything from cash to services like a manicure or window washing, or goods such as jewelry or toys. Reach out to local businesses to see what they can provide as a prize. Ask them if they'll promote the raffle in their stores, too. The tickets for a raffle should be numbered and clearly printed. Trying to save money by printing them yourself is an unwise move that will only cost you more in the long run.

Prizes

Prizes for raffles can be anything from travel vacations to electronics (TVs, tablets and gaming consoles). These are usually the most popular prizes because they appeal to people’s need for things like relaxation, convenience and status.

Nonprofits can also offer services as prizes like massages or coaching sessions. Services are usually easier to source than physical products.

You can ask around your organization to find out if anyone works for companies that might be willing to donate prizes to your raffle. It is also worth making a list of local businesses and approaching them directly.

You can promote your raffle by distributing flyers at work, in community centers and at events where you will be selling tickets. You can also place inexpensive ads in local lifestyle magazines and newspapers. You can also give early chook draws and discount bundles to encourage ticket sales. You can also sell tickets door-to-door or in malls. Many people are more comfortable buying tickets from a face-to-face salesperson.

Printing Raffle Tickets

Once you've settled on a theme and prizes, it's time to get the tickets printed. Look for a printing company that specializes in custom printed tickets. They can help you choose the best type of paper, which is often a heavier weight and a different color than regular printer paper to prevent ticket fraud.

When preparing your tickets, you'll also want to include instructions on how to contact the organization and how much time winners have to claim their prize. Some organizations will assign a 1-week time frame, while others may give a little more leeway.

You can sell your raffle tickets at the event itself, but it's a good idea to get started early. Many people will come to your event just to buy a ticket, and the earlier they arrive, the better chance you have of selling out! You can also promote your raffle online. Just make sure you check state regulations and that your Internet marketing fits within governing policy.

Marketing a Raffle

Marketing your raffle is a critical step for getting the word out and achieving your fundraising objectives. It’s essential that you have a well-defined strategy based on your targets and assets. The following tips and tricks can help you make the most of your resources.

Advertise your raffle on social media, websites and other platforms where your audience hangs out. It’s a good idea to target specific locations and time zones for your ads. This ensures you’re not wasting ad dollars on audiences that cannot attend your event.

Consider recruiting influencers to promote your event. This could include local celebrities, community leaders or people with large followings on social media. Their presence will draw in a lot of new attendees and build credibility for your raffle. You can also use paid advertisements like Facebook’s native ads platform to reach your target audience. This allows you to tailor your ads based on demographics, interests and past website visits.