We want to conduct at least one raffle drawing as a fundraiser and so I’ve been searching the net for tips on how to get the most bang for my buck. Here’s my recommended plan of attack!
There’s a few key things you’ll need:
- A Raffle Committee
- Prizes
- A Game Plan
A Raffle Committee
Gather a group of people willing to help out with the raffle. Of course, the more people the better. And, if you can get people from different circles (some people from your job, others from your family, etc) that’s wonderful too. These people will be your army. They’ll help you decide on prizes, establish your game plan, and of course, spread the word and sell those tickets!
Prizes
This is where your committee members can really help out! Everyone has connections somewhere. Put your heads together and see what you can come up with. Can you get one really big item at a discount? Do you want prizes for the ticket drawn second, third? Put your committee to work! After your initial gathering where you brainstorm, give them time to think on things, talk to people, and then meet back up for a subsequent meeting with everyone before any final decisions are made.
Prizes can be anything and everything, but in order to be most effective, raffle off something that others really want! What about a mini-vacation? Gift-certificates to a nice restaurant, or a salon, or for a spa package? Everyone loves electronics. What about an iPod or a Nook?
Be sure to email or call local businesses that sell the items you’re interested in. Tell them why you’re holding the raffle and why you’d like for that particular business to be involved. Your chances are good that you’ll get discounted or free items, making your profits from sales even higher!
A Game Plan
How long will you hold the raffle for? You need to have a firm cut off date so that you can tell ticket purchasers when to expect to find out if they’ve won. Generally speaking, one to three months seems to be a good collection time.
And speaking of those awesome purchasers–how do you plan on getting ahold of that person? Do you have a website that you’ll post the winner’s name on? Will you just telephone the winner? You’ll need to give purchasers this information as well.
How much will you sell tickets for? For a $100 gift certificate, you can probably get away with selling tickets for $1 each. But, if you just purchased a $500 flat-screen, you’ll be able to get away with charging $10 or so per ticket. Also, if your rate is $1 per ticket, be sure to tell potential purchasers that they’ll get 1 ticket for $1 or 6 tickets for $5. That added incentive to purchase more (one free entry) can yield you extra cash.
Consider hosting an event during the time of your raffle. For example, we plan on having a rummage sale. I want to coordinate the date of this sale so that I can have someone sit at a table to sell tickets to individuals as they rummage. I mean, why NOT use events as a way to collect more money?
Also, be sure you and your team spread the word about what the proceeds to toward. Everyone wants to know who or what they’re contributing to. Is it possible to have little cards or flyers made up to give out? This is something I’m going to look into for us. I want purchasers to be able to check in on us and to see how their money is being used toward our goal. So, I plan on having something printed (more than likely something that is business-card sized) that says THANK YOU, contains our names, and the link to this website.
I hope you find this information helpful in organizing your raffle! Good luck!
