Collect and win. Match to win. Listen to the radio, watch the television, check the newspaper ad to see whether your card matches the winning number. Customers activate the card by phone to see whether they're a major winner. Hit up manufacturers, suppliers and vendors for prizes and for funding.
Games generally work better for retailers with multiple locations and a broad customer base.
Companies such as Creative Promotional Solution can provide professional advice. Most games will run for a period of four to 12 weeks before wear-out occurs. All games and sweepstakes require disclosure of important elements, including the number of outlets, the odds, the geography and the value of prizes. Other states will apply stringent regulations to games conducted within specific categories, such as alcohol, gasoline and milk. If in doubt, solicit the services of a law firm that specializes in promotional law and has an intimate knowledge of FTC and state regulations.