Sweepstakes, Contests or instant winner games

I checked with our legal on this one to see what our interpretation is.
We take the position that Sponsor only has to pay for return postage in connection with game piece requests. Once the winners' list is available the game is over and we do not see any need to pay for the return postage in connection with winners' list requests.

Generally speaking, as opposed to a random draw sweepstakes where an alternate, non-purchase method of entry is required, a skill contest may require some form of consideration (opening a checking account, for example). However, there are a handful of states that do not allow consideration even in the context of a skill contest. Therefore, we would have to know which states the promotion will be conducted in before any definitive advice can be given. It's also important to note that in order to truly be considered a skill contest, the rules must clearly spell out the judging criteria, and each entry must be judged on that criteria by a qualified individual. So be sure to use measurable , judgeable criteria and communicate it clearly in the rules. Also be sure the judging is done in a professinal manner.
Contests can be tricky, so we would suggest you contact a promotion agency that has in-house counsel, such as ours, to help walk you through the issues.

There are so many variables to take into account when comparing different sweepstakes that valid industry benchmarks remain elususive.
I've yet to come accross any reliable predictors and would caution you not to put too much stock in any that you use. The important thing to keep in mind when planning a sweepstakes is that they are objectives driven promotions and it's important to be sure to choose the sweepstakes tactic that matches your objectives.

Sounds like someone may have gotten a bit confused while "picking up" rules from a few different sweepstakes. I suspect that they meant to say submit your information on a 3"x5"card (which then would be placed in an envelope and mailed), or sumit your information on a Post card (which would then be mailed without an being placed into an envelope). If time allows,you can contact the judging agency and ask them for guidance. If time is tight, I doubt that any of the legitimate judging agencies would disqualify you for mailing the 3"x5" card in an envelope, as it was their mistake in the first place, and the mail-in option is typically a legal requirement.

There are a number challenges when running a global sweepstakes. The first one that comes to mind is making sure your promotion is legal in each country that you’re running in.
Many countries have unique sweepstakes laws and it is highly recommended that local counsel in each country be consulted prior to conducting a global promotion. For example, Canada requires that a skill testing question be administered in order to award a prize. In France, even a postage stamp is considered consideration. In many countries the non-purchase method has to be used as often or more than the purchase entry of method to be deemed legal. Many countries require registration with various departments and ministries. Some require that a judging be held in country before a notary. Many Muslim countries don't allow chance promotions at all. Be sure to allow ample time to do the legal work.
You also have to be careful that your promotion doesn’t offend the sensibilities of the local population. What’s considered normal and acceptable in one society may be anathema in another.
Also be sure your prizes are desireable, suitable and fulfillable in each country. Be aware of product electrical requirements and warranty exclusions.
Offline promotions have the additional logistical cosiderations of distribution and collection of consumer entries.
An experienced sweeepstakes agency, such as Don Jagoda Associates, working together with your ad agency can help you overcome these challenges and achieve success in running a global sweepstakes…but don’t wait… start planning early!!