Typical Techniques

    
Competitions
Attractive fixed funding, offers visibly and interest that relies on aspirational prize presentation. Entry can be qualified. eg. skill and judgement. Entries must be independently judged i.e. tie breaker. Purchase usually mandatory
Prize draws
Normally free to enter (no mandatory purchase) often generates greater volume response than a competition but delivers lower quality i.e. not linked to product purchase. The draw must be staged independently and include a NPE facility
Discounts
Presented in numerous ways e.g. money off price for a limited period, extra product for same price, multi-buys or buy one get one free etc. A crude promotional tool but popular and effective with very high response/take-up
Cash-Backs
A more subtle form of discounting that is applied retrospectively to the purchase transaction. Allows for more attractive offers because effort creates lower response/take-up. Risk can be insured
Premium offers
A free gift or reward in exchange for purchase. Requires proof of purchase, usually multiple proofs. A strong creative link with the host product or service works best. Fufilment or handling can be costly, unless free at point of purchase. Over redemption risks insurable

Part/whole self liquidators
A special reward, product or privilege is offered in exchange for proofs or purchase supported with a financial contribution. Like a premium offer but the greater the financial contribution the lower the response rate
Accumulators
An attractive reward offered for repetitive or high volume purchasing. Here the proof of purchase e.g. tokens, labels or receipts/invoices are collected or accumulated over an extended period before being redeemed for something of higher perceived value e.g. store loyalty cards/points

Instant wins
The win/loose status is normally revealed from inside a sealed game-piece, scratch card or product packaging. A no purchase entry (NPE) route must be offered. Operates along similar legal lines to a free prize draw

Share-outs
A prize budget is evenly distributed amongst those who apply for a share of it. The more applications the lower the value of each share. A minimum share value must be declared at the start
Games of chance/lotteries
Beware, unless licensed or a registered charity, it is illegal in the UK to link the chance of winning something with mandatory purchase. We can arrange or advise on legal compliance

Online
Many typical sales promotion techniques can be conducted electronically using online entry/registration procedures or SMS response. The basic rules and procedures linked to purchase often still apply as does legal compliance

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