Contest idea to make a little money?

sage55

kind of good webmaster
Aug 7, 2006
23
0
0
A few years back I used to hold a "contest" on my forum, more raffle than anything. Where I would sell a set amount of tickets and once that amount was reached I'd then give away a high price item.

I could usually bring in $50-100 doing this each month or every other month. Easy money for little to no work, plus the members loved it. Paypal however didn't like it, as their TOS says anything that related to gambling or raffles is not allowed.

I'm thinking about how I could continue doing something like but still be ok according to Paypal's TOS. I was thinking about selling a premium membership or something of the sort.

Any suggestions on how I could continue this?
 


monthly membership, each member allowed to enter in ONE raffle/month. (can have diff raffles per month, differnt items/item niches). You'd be collecting that monthly payment even if they dont use their raffle "point/ticket".
 
Just changed the wording a bit and open it up to all members even those that don't donate.

So you enter those that donate but make a free option where they must enter somewhat difficulty through say a postcard submission.

So the rules are donaters will automatically entered. If you wish to not donate you may send a postcard with your details to P.O. box whatever.

Most people should be lazy and just donate.
 
monthly membership, each member allowed to enter in ONE raffle/month. (can have diff raffles per month, differnt items/item niches). You'd be collecting that monthly payment even if they dont use their raffle "point/ticket".


This is what I initially thought of as well. The down side is that it doesn't allow users to buy multiple entries - something that made it possible to sell these tickets quickly and also allowed for high ticket items ($1,000+ items).

With a single membership package you're limited to only buying one versus buying 5 or 10 - which would also increase their odds of winning... another big thing users liked.
 
I think that you could make it like you sell a legit tangible item not selling tickets because it will appear that you sell illegal tickets in the eyes of ebay.