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Bruce Hollander
Executive Vice President
Don Jagoda Associates
(631) 454-1800
A true expert in the area of Sweepstakes, Contests and Games,Bruce has worked with hundreds of companies on thousands of promotions during his over 25 years at DJA. His expertise lies not only in developing the right promotion, but seeing that it runs flawlessly and with the least disruption to existing client operations. This becomes invaluable particularly in the areas of in or on-pack Instant Winner Games where integration with existing production, packaging and distribution systems is critical, and for on-line games, where integration with client IT is a must. So if its a "How do you? Why do you? or "Why can't you?" question about Sweepstakes, Contests, or Games...ask Bruce...He's the Expert!
Way to enter
Posted by Lorrie from Gainesville, TX, US on April 5, 2009
How does a sponsor decide “how” a contest is to be entered by mail? I am talking about a 3 x5 paper or card, 4x6 paper or card, postcard, 3x5 postcard, or 8x11 paper, ruled or unruled card, or the size of envelope? Why does it matter so much?
I don't know of any hard and fast rules, however, 3x5's are generally requested when they are to be inserted into an envelope, while a 4x6 card or post card is used when the sponsor does not wish the entry to be mailed in an envelope. 8 1/2 x 11 paper is generally used for an essay type contest. The size of the mail matters mostly form a handling perspective once entries are received at the judging facility
Conflicts of Interes?
Posted by Anna from Cathedral City, CA, US on April 1, 2009
A local car dealership in California is contemplating a giveaway promotion that is aimed at drawing customers into the business. The dealership is reaching out to area businesses for product giveaways. I see that most contest rules prohibit participation by the employees of the businesses conducting the contest and the employees of contest sponsors but I don’t see that their participation is prohibited under the California consumer protection laws. Are there other applicable laws that exclude certain individuals from participatign or is that a common business practice which is intended to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest?
Thanks!
The primary reason that employees are excluded from eligibility is what you suggested-- to avoid the appearance of impropriety. If the prize providers are not involved in the random selection process, there is no need to exclude their employees from eligibility.
Sweepstakes Rules
Posted by Kate from Dallas, TX, US on March 26, 2009
My company wants to run a sweepstakes. We have everything put together. A code is obtained through a purchase but the code can also be obtained through a no purchase necessary method as well as during promotional events during the contest period. How can we check our legal? Also, short of researching every states laws, where can we find information to know which states require fees and which states do not allow for stamps to be purchased to obtain a No purchase necessary game piece i.e. VT?
Even though you may have everything put together, until you have a complete set of rules governing your promotion, you're at risk for a host of problems. My advice would be to involve an established sweepstakes agency ( I prefer Don Jaoda Associates!! ) to review your promotion details and draft the rules. The agency should
represent that the rules comply with all state and federal law. In addition, they should review the site and all copy for compliance with advertising laws. They can also help with registration and bonding as well as certifying the program at the conclusion.
Give us a call and we'd love to discuss specifics with you.
Registration and Bonds for US Sweepstakes
Posted by Dennis from Newmarket, ON, CA on December 2, 2008
We have developed a number of sweepstakes in Canada and understand that we have to register our sweepstakes with the Regie and our clients need to post a bond for any prize over $5,000.
Wanted to know if we were running a national US sweepstakes (at consumer shows and online), who do we have to register the sweepstakes with and what are the Bond requirements?
Any consumer-based chance promotion in the U.S. with a prize structure that exceeds $5,000 needs to registered and bonded with the states of Florida and New York. Usually bonds are obtained through a Sponsor's corporate Insurance company and generally the bond premium is approx. 1% of the total prize structure. Alternatively, a sweepstakes agency like ours can handle the registration and bonding process for you.
In addition, any consumer-based chance promotion in the U.S. with a prize structure that exceeds $500 with a retail element needs to be registered in the state of Rhode Island (no bond).
Let me know if you'd like us to. help you with this process
Trade Only Sweepstakes
Posted by Jim from West Des Moines, IA, US on September 10, 2008
Does a marketer have to totally be compliant to the laws and rules for sweepstakes or instant win games (state/federal) when the targets are independent dealer and contractors? The general public is excluded
We represent an industrial manufacturer who’s customer are independent dealers and those dealers sell to contractors. We are thinking about developing a instant-win game for dealers and contractors.
Do we have to follow the same rules as consumer goods manufactuers?
Jim...Generally speaking, the same laws apply whether the promotion is aimed at consumers or at the trade. However, trade promotions do not have to be registered and bonded with the states of NY and FL. While trade promotions do not usually attract as much regulatory attention as consumer promotions, you still have to concern yourself with competitors who may blow the whistle on, for example, chance promotions that require a purchase to play. Let me know if you need help with the administration and security of the game....Bruce