Instant prize, not deferred draw
Winning something immediately produces far more participation than a draw a month away. The cost spreads across small prizes rather than concentrating in one large one.
Promotional Activations
Promotional activations
Instant prizes work; a draw a month from now, far less
We run promotional activations with instant prizes: branded wheels, prize machines, draw drums and fast participation mechanics, with staff and prize-control protocols.
There are two ways to set up a promotion and one works considerably better. The first is the deferred draw: enter now and maybe you will win in a month. The second is the instant prize: play, win something small and take it away. The first generates less participation because the prize is abstract; the second generates a queue, because the reward is visible and happens right then.
So we almost always work with instant-win mechanics, even where the prize is modest. A wheel where every segment wins something, from a product to a discount, produces far more participation than a draw with one large prize. And the cost need not be higher: it is spread across many small prizes instead of concentrated in one.
The choice of element depends on brand tone and space. A classic wheel works in almost any context and is the most recognisable option. A prize machine or a human claw add spectacle and draw onlookers. A draw drum feels more institutional and fits events with a public presentation. All of them are branded with the campaign identity.
We provide prize control, the part most often neglected. Who has taken part, how many of each prize remain, how handovers are recorded and what happens when the good prize runs out mid-morning. We define it beforehand so staff have clear instructions and do not improvise in front of the public.
- +150participations per hour
- 100%prizes with handover control
- 24 hquote turnaround
- 100%customisable equipment
Branded to the campaign
Wheel segments, vinyls, screens and prizes produced in your identity. We need the artwork a few days ahead to print without rushing.
With handover control
Participation records, prize stock control and a clear protocol for when the main prize runs out. Staff do not improvise in front of the public.
How we set it up
We define the mechanic
What people do to take part, what they win and with what probability, sized to the available prize stock.
We choose the element
Wheel, prize machine, drum or digital game, depending on the space and the campaign's tone.
We produce and build
Branding, a test run and build at the agreed point with staff already briefed.
We activate and report
Delivery with handover control and a final count of participations and prizes given out.
Formats and ideas that work
- Branded wheel where every segment wins something
- Prize machine loaded with the brand's product
- Human claw as a spectacular draw
- Draw drum for a public presentation at an event
- Digital game with an instant prize based on score
- Wind machine prize grabber in a shopping centre
- Giant plinko with prizes by slot
- Physical scratch card handed over after playing
How prize stock is calculated
A common error is calculating prizes against expected attendance rather than actual participations. Not everyone who passes takes part, but plenty repeat if the mechanic allows it. Our reference is to calculate from participations per hour multiplied by activation hours, with a twenty per cent margin.
It is also worth deciding what happens if things go better than expected. Having a plan for mid-morning, limiting to one entry per person, restocking, or closing and announcing an afternoon slot, avoids the awkward scene of a long queue and staff with nothing to hand out, which is the worst way to end an activation that was going well.
Frequently asked questions
Do you supply the prizes?
Usually the brand does, because they tend to be own product or campaign vouchers. We can help with generic prizes if needed, but it works better when the prize relates to whatever is being promoted.
What happens when prizes run out?
It is planned beforehand. The norm is a limited main prize and an abundant consolation prize, so nobody leaves empty-handed. The activation can also close when stock runs out, if that is clearly announced.
Can you ask for a detail to enter?
Yes, and it is standard when the goal is capturing contacts. It is collected on a tablet or digital form with the corresponding consent information, and we hand over the records at the end.
Does it need much space?
No. A wheel takes little more than two square metres including participant space. It is one of the formats that fits best on small stands and in narrow walkways.
Can you run several days?
Yes, and it usually prices better. On multi-day campaigns we keep the same equipment built and rotate staff, with daily participation reporting so you can see which slots perform.