2007 Frequently Asked Questions
2008 Frequently Asked Questions

What is it?
The 2008 Sweepstakes Marketing Co-op provides an exciting marketing program for three markets: high school senior, wedding, and portrait. The program is built around three different sweepstakes, with each one designed for a specific market. However, as long as the person meets the eligibility requrements(see the Rules), anyone can enter.

Do I have to buy in to all three?
No. Members can choose one, two, or all three programs. Each program is administered separately.

Why is there a separate charge for each program?
We charge separately because each program is designed for a specific market, with separate prizes, entries, and legal registrations. Rather than pushing all three into one program with a higher price, we separated them out. This way, those that do not serve the senior market do not have to buy into that program, and so on.

How do I buy in?
Fill out a 2008 Sweepstakes Marketing Cooperative application and send it in along with your one-time $100 per program payment. You can mail, fax, or sign up online by clicking here. (2008 co-op membership is closed)

Why is there such a hard deadline?
The legal requirements for a sweepstakes state that the contest must begin at the same time for all consumers. For that reason, the sign-up deadline of January 31, 2008, is an absolute. You will be unable to sign up after that date. However, you can enter clients into the sweepstakes up to the end of the contest (November 14, 2008).

How will a sweepstakes marketing plan benefit my business?
The idea is to use the contest – and the great prizes – to draw attention to your business and bring clients in your door. It may serve as a tiebreaker between yourself and a competitor, and it can increase the potency of your word-of-mouth marketing.

Besides the contest, what material can I get to help me use the sweepstakes in my marketing?
The Marketing Tool Kit is filled with a Marketing Guide (providing information on how to use the contest info and market it to your clients), a CD (full of sample marketing copy, logos, and images), and a sample poster, along with complete rules and entry forms.

When will I receive the Marketing Tool Kit?
Each time a person enters, their information is verified by PPA and SEP. We then send the contact info to Marathon, who will mail those Tool Kits.

Does someone have to first purchase some photos or contract with me to enter?
No. Because of legal requirements, no purchase can be required. However, a potential client must contact a participating member photographer to enter, allowing you the chance to upsell.

How about legal requirements?
We are taking care of the legal and registration requirements in all 50 states. Your obligation is simply to follow the rules of the contest, which can be found on this Web site.

Is following the rules difficult?
No. You must have a complete copy of the contest rules for review if asked (they are included in the Marketing Kit, and can be found online), and you must enter anyone interested. Please remember to use the 2008 rules specific to the sweepstakes you enter.

When will the contest run?
The start date for all three is March 1, 2008—that is the first date that you can take an entry. The end dates for all three is November 14, 2008—that is the last day you can accept entries. Please send all entry forms to PPA or SEP by December 1, 2008.

Who is eligible to enter?
Read the Rules for each sweepstakes you are interested in offering. The eligibility requirements are listed in each.

I have three studios. Can I buy in and offer the program at all three?
No. To use the program for three locations, you will need to sign up separately for all three. There are two reasons for this, one because of legal requirements and the second because it prevents a single photographer signing up and offering the sweepstakes program at hundreds of locations (it is a fairness factor).

Do I need a physical studio to participate?
No. Many of our members work out of their homes, and the program has been designed to allow their participation.

What happens if I run out of the padded entry forms?
You can print off more from the PDF provided on the Marketing Tool Kit CD. If you cannot print more and someone is ready to sign up, they can fill out a 3x5 card with the same information on it, including their name and contact information and your name, business name, and location.

Why isn’t there a sweepstakes specifically for sports teams/events?
Although we are looking into this possibility for future sweepstakes, we are unable to provide such at this time. However, you can use the Family Vacation and Senior Sweepstakes, especially if you shoot younger sports leagues. The Escape to Paradise sweepstakes can also be used, as long as your clients meet the eligiblity requirements.

If I don’t specifically shoot portraits, how can I use the Family Vacation Sweepstakes?
If you photograph youth leagues, sporting events, school portraits, etc., you can still use the Family Vacation Sweepstakes to entice potential clients. For instance, tell the school administrator or coach that you can offer the team members the chance to win a trip to Disney. Such a chance might be the tiebreaker between you and another photographer. Since the parents of the child will buy the team/sport photographs, the Disney vacation will appeal to the right audience. The key is to draw in new clients, but by offering the sweepstakes to those you already photograph, you increase your potential upsell.

If I don’t specifically shoot senior portraits, how can I use the Senior Portrait Sweepstakes?
Even though you may not be hired for the senior portraits, you can still use this sweepstakes if you photograph juniors or seniors. For instance, if you shoot varsity sports, school dramas, proms, etc., you can offer the Senior Portrait Sweepstakes to those eligible students. The key is to draw in new clients, but by offering the sweepstakes to those you already photograph, you increase your potential upsell.

I don’t see how I can use the sweepstakes with the type of photography I am doing.
Remember, even the marketing products you purchase from Marathon are customizable. The Family Vacation Sweepstakes will appeal to families with children; if you shoot youth sports or drama, etc, you can use that sweepstakes. The Senior Portrait Sweepstakes is directed towards high school juniors and seniors. If you work with that age group, that sweepstakes will draw them. You do not have to use the marketing copy we have provided because it is only a sample for you to rewrite. The point is that PPA and SEP are offering remarkable contests that are easy for you and your clients to enter.