Author: jennifer

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

July 24, 2020

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

July 6, 2020

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

June 26, 2020

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,

June 3, 2020

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

May 28, 2020

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

May 13, 2020

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

May 1, 2020

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.

April 21, 2020

Work From Home Security Tips

In these days of social distancing, lock-downs, and shelter-in-place directives, far more people are working from their home offices, wherever those may be. As always, though, it’s necessary to protect yourselves from potential threats, cyber and otherwise. The following are a few mostly common-sense work from home security tips. Make sure your devices are physically safe (shut down or locked, as with a mobile phone you use to check potentially-sensitive

April 14, 2020