Ruling the raffle

Over the years, I’ve gathered some best practice raffle "rules.”  While these certainly aren’t rocket science, ensuring that these simple elements don’t go overlooked when planning your raffle will make it more likely that no donor dollars are left on the table.

Amy's Raffle Rules:

• Remember to have tickets on sale in a few locations.  I suggest selling raffle tickets at registration (unless your registration process is fairly complicated - if so, be sure to place raffle promotional signage on your registration tables to prime guests to buy tickets once inside), at one or two raffle stations in your event space, and through roaming raffle ticket sales volunteers who serve as mobile sales reps throughout the event space.  Having tickets available in multiple areas ensure that all guests will have the opportunity to participate.
• For your roaming raffle ticket sellers, it’s nice to send these volunteers out in teams of two.  Not only is it easier to approach strangers to ask them to buy tickets with a buddy, but these volunteers also usually have their hands full and two people are needed to manage supplies (typically a clipboard or iPad for ticket sales, raffle tickets/pens to write on tickets, a bag for the sold tickets, stickers or schwag for ticket purchasers and more).  
• Make sure your roaming raffle ticket sales volunteers stand out.  I suggest outfitting them with colorful t-shirts with your organization's name or another theme-appropriate eye-catching outfit + a big balloon + signage (either a horizontal poster board-size sign with the words Raffle, the ticket price(s) and the prizes, or a wooden stake with foam core signs attached to either side with the same verbiage).
• Don’t underestimate the appeal of a raffle “deal.”  Many donors will be more likely to give at a higher level if the perception of value at that level is greater.   For example, instead of just selling all raffle tickets for $50 each, offer a deal: 1 for $50 or 3 for $100.  Play around with this based on your audience. You can even feature a deal people would be crazy to pass up, like 1 for $50 or 10 for $100.  There aren’t really rules here - think about your attendees and what will motivate them to donate at the higher level! Depending on the event, you may also want to introduce a silly deal, like 1 ticket for $50 or the donor’s height or “wingspan” (the distance from fingertips to fingertips when the donor’s arms are outstretched).  Note that you need a lot of raffle tickets for either of these options, but they can really generate a buzz in the room. Don’t be surprised if donors ask you to use their tall friend as the measuring stick! All this being said, in some situations, it may also make sense to limit the number of raffle tickets sold. This is typically best used when the raffle tickets/prize have a high price tag/value.  I.e. if you decided to raffle off the winner’s choice of any of your live auction items, you may choose to sell raffle tickets for $250 each, and limit sales to 100 tickets. Play around with these different options based on your prize(s) and audience.​
• Depending on your raffle prizes, you can also structure the drawing so that everyone who buys a ticket is entered to win the same prize(s), OR if you have multiple similar-value prizes, you can allow guests to choose which item they’d like to be entered to win (making their chances greater since they’ll be drawn from a smaller pool).  If you’re doing this type of “pick your prize” drawing, I suggest having guests drop their raffle tickets into clear display boxes, so people can “play the odds” and see what their competition for each item looks like. It’s a fun way to allow donors to have more flexibility in what they may win. If you’re low on donated goods, one other option for a simple “pick your prize” raffle is to work with a consignment company.  You can select 3-5 trips or experiences to include in the raffle, and have everyone who buys a ticket write which prize they want to win on their ticket. One winner is drawn, and that’s the consignment item you purchase. Make sure to price your tickets accordingly so you well exceed the consignment item’s price. ​

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• Because sales roles aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, I recommend soliciting for staff or volunteers who are specifically interested in raffle ticket sales.  Make sure that your volunteers know what the job description is, and that they’re not only comfortable with it, but excited by it. I’ve seen raffles fall flat because the team assigned to ticket sales didn’t like approaching strangers to ask for donations.  There's certainly room for all volunteer personalities at an event, but don't put your shy volunteers in a raffle sales role.  Once you have the right team in place, I also suggest introducing a fun incentive for the volunteers. Entice them with a little friendly competition and encourage them to each track how many tickets they sell. Give the top seller a prize (it can be something simple like a bottle of wine or a silly certificate you create, etc.)
• Make sure to “mark” those donors who have bought raffle tickets - this can be done by giving them a sticker to wear that says “I donated!” (or some clever verbiage), giving them a glow stick or blinky ring to wear, etc.  Guests often really get into donning their items.  Have fun with this by incorporating your event theme and your guests will too! This is especially important if you have roaming raffle ticket sellers, since they won’t otherwise know who has bought tickets, and it’s no fun to be solicited multiple times when you’ve already given. 
• Need a quick and easy raffle prize in a pinch?  Solicit your board or committee to donate a favorite bottle or two of wine for an “instant wine cellar,” or consider going with a consignment package from a company like Winspire and BlueTree.  While you’ll have to pay the consignment fee, you’ll often raise much more than that through your raffle.  If you're considering a 50/50 raffle, make sure to check your state's raffle rules to make sure it's allowed.

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