Configure Draw Experience
Draw experiences (also called lotteries) use random selection to fairly allocate limited products. All eligible consumers enter during an entry window, and winners are randomly selected at a specified time. This is ideal when you want to give everyone an equal chance regardless of when they enter.
When to Use Draws
Draws are best for:
- Fair allocation - Equal chance for all participants
- High-demand launches - When demand far exceeds supply
- Giveaways - Free product distributions
- Exclusive access - VIP opportunities for loyal customers
- Avoiding queues - No advantage to being first
Creating a Draw Experience
- Navigate to Experiences > Create Experience
- Select Draw from the experience type options
- Complete the draw configuration form
Caption: The draw creation form with all configuration options
Draw-Specific Settings
Entry Period
Configure when consumers can enter the draw:
Caption: Set when consumers can enter the draw
| Field | Required | Description |
|---|
| Entry Opens | Yes | When consumers can start entering |
| Entry Closes | Yes | Deadline for entries |
| Draw Time | Yes | When winners are randomly selected |
Allow at least 24-48 hours between entry close and draw time to build anticipation and give latecomers a chance to hear about the draw.
Draw Configuration
Caption: Configure how winners are selected
| Field | Required | Description |
|---|
| Number of Winners | Yes | How many winners to select |
| Selection Method | Yes | Random or weighted selection |
| Backup Winners | No | Number of alternates to select |
Selection Methods
| Method | Description | Best For |
|---|
| Pure Random | Equal chance for everyone | Fair giveaways |
| Weighted by Engagement | Higher chance for active users | Rewarding loyalty |
| Weighted by Tier | Based on loyalty tier | VIP prioritization |
Inventory Allocation
| Field | Required | Description |
|---|
| Total Inventory | Yes | Total items available |
| Per-Winner Allocation | No | Items each winner receives (default: 1) |
| Reserve for Alternates | No | Inventory held for backup winners |
Winner Handling
Selection Process
When the draw time arrives:
- System validates all entries
- Random selection algorithm runs
- Winners are determined
- Backup winners selected (if configured)
- Notifications sent
Caption: View draw results after selection
Winner Confirmation
Winners typically need to confirm their win within a timeframe:
| Setting | Description |
|---|
| Confirmation Window | Time winners have to accept (e.g., 24 hours) |
| Auto-forfeit | Automatically pass to alternates if not confirmed |
| Manual Override | Allow admin to manually confirm/reject |
If a winner doesn’t confirm:
- Winner is marked as forfeited
- First alternate is notified
- Alternate gets same confirmation window
- Process continues until inventory is allocated
Notifications
Entrant Notifications
| Event | Notification |
|---|
| Entry Confirmed | You’re entered in the draw |
| Entry Reminder | Draw happening soon |
| You Won | Congratulations + next steps |
| You Didn’t Win | Better luck next time |
| Winner Confirmation Reminder | Reminder to confirm your win |
Non-Winner Options
Configure what non-winners see:
| Option | Description |
|---|
| Waitlist | Option to join waitlist for forfeits |
| Related Products | Show similar available products |
| Next Draw | Info about upcoming draws |
Draw States
Draft → Scheduled → Entry Open → Entry Closed → Drawing → Confirmation → Completed
↓
Cancelled
| State | Description |
|---|
| Draft | Not published |
| Scheduled | Published, waiting for entry window |
| Entry Open | Accepting entries |
| Entry Closed | No more entries, waiting for draw |
| Drawing | Selection in progress |
| Confirmation | Winners confirming |
| Completed | All inventory allocated or expired |
Example: Product Launch Draw
Scenario
- Product: Limited edition sneakers
- Inventory: 200 pairs
- Expected entries: 10,000+
Configuration
Name: "Jordan Retro Launch Draw"
Product: Jordan Retro 2024
Audience: Loyalty Members
Entry Period:
Entry Opens: Monday 9 AM
Entry Closes: Wednesday 9 PM
Draw Time: Thursday 12 PM
Draw Settings:
Number of Winners: 200
Selection Method: Pure Random
Backup Winners: 50
Winner Handling:
Confirmation Window: 24 hours
Auto-forfeit: Enabled
Per-Winner:
Allocation: 1 pair
Purchase Required: Yes
Payment Window: 48 hours
Notifications:
- Entry confirmed
- Draw reminder (1 hour before)
- Win/loss results
- Confirmation reminders
Caption: A fully configured product launch draw
Best Practices
Entry Period
- Give adequate time - At least 48 hours for entry
- Promote early - Announce before entries open
- Clear deadlines - Make entry close time obvious
- Multiple reminders - Send reminders before close
Fair Selection
- Use pure random for giveaways - Ensures fairness
- Document your method - Be transparent about selection
- Exclude duplicates - Verify one entry per person
- Audit trail - Keep records of selection process
Winner Management
- Reasonable confirmation window - 24-48 hours minimum
- Clear next steps - Explain what winners need to do
- Multiple contact attempts - Don’t forfeit too quickly
- Backup winner process - Have alternates ready
Common Configurations
| Use Case | Winners | Entry Period | Confirmation |
|---|
| Small giveaway | 10 | 1 week | 48 hours |
| Product launch | 100-500 | 2-3 days | 24 hours |
| VIP access | 50 | 1 week | 72 hours |
| Large raffle | 1,000+ | 2 weeks | 48 hours |
Handling Issues
Low Entry Count
If entries are below expectations:
- Extend entry period
- Increase promotion
- Lower any entry requirements
- Partner for cross-promotion
Duplicate Entries
If you detect duplicate entries:
- Review entry patterns
- Identify linked accounts
- Remove duplicates before draw
- Consider stricter verification
Winner Disputes
If a winner disputes results:
- Provide selection documentation
- Show their entry confirmation
- Verify their eligibility
- Escalate to support if needed
Mass Forfeit
If many winners don’t confirm:
- Extend confirmation window
- Send additional reminders
- Verify notification delivery
- Consider re-drawing if needed
Compliance Considerations
Sweepstakes Rules
For promotional draws:
- Check local gambling/sweepstakes laws
- Provide official rules
- Consider “no purchase necessary” options
- Document winner selection
Data Handling
- Only collect necessary information
- Secure entry data
- Delete after required retention
- Handle winner info appropriately