Blogs > Administration
September 3, 2024 RAVEN5
Many brands underestimate the level of administration required to successfully run a sweepstakes or contest. Significant behind-the-scenes work is necessary throughout the planning stages, during the live contest, and during the follow-up phase. With our experience working with brands of all sizes, we have the expertise to ensure a smooth process, avoiding any unexpected issues.
1. Planning Stages
When planning to run a contest or sweepstakes, there are numerous factors to consider. Beyond the creative aspects, prizes, and duration, it’s crucial to decide which states, provinces, or countries will be involved in the contest. This decision can be complex, as you may need to register and bond with multiple entities based on the total value (ARV) of your prizes. Full and mini rules will need to be drafted, approved, and in some cases, submitted to specific states or provinces for review before the contest can begin.
2. During the Campaign
Once the contest is live, it’s essential to strictly follow the official rules and select eligible winners on the designated dates. After the winners are drawn, they must be verified, and all necessary tax and legal forms completed before the prizes can be awarded. The method of selecting winners varies depending on the type of entry capture used. Online contests that collect opt-ins via forms are often preferred over paper ballots, which can be tedious due to the manual entry process into a computer.
3. Wrap-Up
After the contest or sweepstakes ends, legal and tax forms must be filed according to the laws of the states or provinces involved. It’s also important to download and back up the complete list of opt-ins and create final reports.
4. Additional Services
Administration | Rules Writing and Review | Insurance | Bonding and Registration | Winner Selection, Notification & Release | Back to Sweepstakes Compliance