Articles
Federal Lottery Laws Explained
According to Federal Lottery Laws, it is illegal to operate a lottery through the mail or over the telephone. Let’s begin by explaining what a lottery is…A lottery is generally defined as a promotion in which all three of the following elements are present: prize, chance and consideration (otherwise known as, the “Standard Lottery Rule”). Most states follow this Standard Lottery Rule; and all 50 states and the District of Columbia have statutes that prohibit lotteries, except those that are state-run. To avoid being classified as an illegal lottery in any State, at least one of the elements noted above … Continue reading
10 Amazing Prizes Under $600 Your Customers Will Want to Win
In the United States, winners are required to pay taxes on prizes they win, but if prizes are valued at over $600 then the promotion sponsor is also required to collect W-9’s and issue 1099’s to each winner. That’s why many sponsors like to find prizes under $600 that are coveted by winners, but don’t require the additional headache of having to collect additional personally identifying information (PII) in order to issue 1099’s. Here are ten prizes under $600 your customers will want to win. 1. A Tool Kit The Milwaukee M18™ Cordless LITHIUM-ION 4-Tool Combo Kit or the DeWalt 20-Volt … Continue reading
How Do I Run a Text to Win Sweepstakes?
A text to win sweepstakes provides your customers with a quick, easy way to enter a sweepstakes from a mobile phone. A text to win can be set up in days instead of weeks. This type of promotions is fast to enter. And it provides a way to collect minimal private, personal information if your brand is privacy focused. Here are 6 best practices to consider when running a text to win sweepstakes. 1. Obtain a Shortcode A shortcode is a short, abbreviated phone number used by mobile messaging providers. You can obtain a dedicated shortcode directly from a cellular … Continue reading
From the MK Promotion Archives: Marden-Kane Advertisements Through The Years
So many marketing models have been developed and advertising messages delivered over these 63+ years. Even though our address has changed a few times and new faces have joined our MK family, our advertisement messaging has been consistent. Our core brand messaging has stood the test of time and we believe that it is still relevant today. Marden-Kane’s experienced staff strengthens relationships over time by offering our clients strategy and service – thinking and doing – across all applications of Promotion Marketing. For more information about Marden-Kane, please Contact us. To read more posts by Marden-Kane, please visit our main blog … Continue reading
From the MK Promotion Archives: Hunt’s Great Recipe Hunt
Hunt’s Great Recipe Hunt The Challenge In 1989 Beatrice/Hunt-Wesson, Inc. wanted to encourage the use of Hunt’s products in new recipes. The Solution Marden-Kane administered and supervised the “Great Recipe Hunt” recipe contest, coordinating all details for a final “cook-off” event held in four major U.S. Cities. MK scouted hotel locations, oversaw the ordering, procurement and set-up for each cook-off location. We rented generators, miles of electrical cords, stoves, cookware, utensils, aprons, banners and of course flowers and balloons! The Results Consumers responded enthusiastically with thousands of new recipes using Hunt’s products. We can help you cook up the perfect … Continue reading
Why Do People LOVE Cash Prizes
When asked what prize they want, most people entering sweepstakes and contests overwhelmingly say they want cash prizes. Why? Why not a trip, or a car, or jewelry? Here are the three big reasons: 1. With cash prizes, you can buy exactly what you want. With most prizes, the sponsor customizes the choices or options for a prize, such as selecting the make and model of the car offered as a prize, or the flights and hotels for a trip. With cash, the winner can control how the money is spent, and whether they take a trip or use the … Continue reading
Mexico Sweepstakes Basics
Are you thinking of running a sweepstakes in Mexico? If the answer is yes, then you should note that the Mexico sweepstakes laws and regulations regarding promotions (e.g., games of chance and/or contests of skill) differ from US law and other countries. We compiled a list of frequently asked questions we typically receive regarding promotions in Mexico that should provide you with some general information during your planning stages. Is it permissible to run a game of chance in Mexico? Yes, as long as the sweepstakes and/or instant win games meet certain requirements. Contact us so we can review your … Continue reading
Ideas to Build Brand Equity in Times of Crisis
Before we dig into the nuts and bolts, let’s define what it means to build brand equity. By definition brand equity is the commercial value that derives from consumer perception of the brand name of a particular product or service, rather than from the product or service itself. Companies use advertising and other methods to build brand equity and make their products more memorable, recognizable, and desirable, over other similar products and brands. Good examples of brands with great brand equity are Kleenex or Pampers, whose brand names are more recognizable than the name of the product they are (facial … Continue reading
6 Creative Ways to Market Your Business on a Budget
Having a small budget doesn’t mean you can’t market your business. Here are 6 creative ways to market your business on a budget to new and current customers! 1. Put a Sign On It When you can’t pay for local advertising, rely on word of mouth and a sign or two. Put a sign in your yard, on your car, in your neighbors’ yards – you get the idea. For a variation on a theme, pay someone to dress as your mascot and hold a sign directing people to your store. 2. Customer Referrals Offering customers some sort of … Continue reading
11 Small Business Social Promotion Ideas for the Shutdown
Small businesses, especially those considered non-essential right now, have to come up with creative ideas to retain loyal customers and ensure that they will have a business to reopen. For most small business this is definitely not “business as usual,” but rather, “business unusual” that keeps you in the black. For each of these small business social promotion ideas, please remember that each social platform has promotion guidelines that still apply and the FTC is still watching to make sure you are running your hashtag promotions legally. For Retail: Make your customers into your brand ambassadors during these challenging … Continue reading
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Recent Articles
- Federal Lottery Laws Explained
- 10 Amazing Prizes Under $600 Your Customers Will Want to Win
- How Do I Run a Text to Win Sweepstakes?
- From the MK Promotion Archives: Marden-Kane Advertisements Through The Years
- From the MK Promotion Archives: Hunt’s Great Recipe Hunt
