Creating Raffles
This guide covers all the options available when creating a raffle product.
Raffle Product Type
Raffles are a special WooCommerce product type. When you select "Raffle" from the Product data dropdown, you'll see raffle-specific settings.
Basic Product Settings
General Tab
| Field | Description |
|---|
| Regular price | Ticket price (required) |
| Sale price | Discounted ticket price (optional) |
Raffle Settings Tab
Duration Settings
| Field | Description |
|---|
| Start Date | When the raffle opens for ticket sales |
| Start Time | Time the raffle starts (HH:MM format) |
| End Date | When the raffle closes |
| End Time | Time the raffle ends (HH:MM format) |
Tips:
- Leave start date empty to start immediately.
- Leave end date empty for no expiration.
- The countdown timer shows on the product page.
Ticket Settings
| Field | Description |
|---|
| Maximum Tickets | Total tickets available (empty = unlimited) |
| Max Tickets Per Customer | Limit per customer (empty = no limit) |
| Allow Gift Purchases | Enable customers to buy tickets for others |
Winner Settings
| Field | Description |
|---|
| Number of Winners | How many winners to draw (1-10) |
| Auto Draw | Automatically select winners when raffle ends |
Prize Configuration
| Field | Description |
|---|
| Prize Type | Custom, Product, or Store Credit |
| Prize Description | Description of what winner receives |
| Prize Value | Display value (for Custom type) |
Prize Types Explained
Custom Prize
- Enter any description (e.g., "Trip to Hawaii", "Cash Prize").
- Set a display value.
- Winner is notified, you fulfill manually.
Product Prize
- Select existing WooCommerce product(s) as prizes.
- Winner automatically receives a $0 order with the prize product.
- Great for physical prizes from your store.
Store Credit
- Winner receives store credit or coupon.
- If WooCommerce store credit plugin is active, creates store credit.
- Otherwise, creates a coupon code.
Multiple Prize Tiers
When "Number of Winners" is greater than 1, you can set different prizes:
- 1st Prize: Main prize.
- 2nd Prize: Runner-up prize.
- 3rd Prize: Third place prize.
- And so on...
Frontend Display
Product Page Elements
Your raffle product page shows:
- Countdown Timer - Days, hours, minutes, seconds until end.
- Progress Bar - Tickets sold vs. remaining.
- Ticket Selector - Quantity input with limits.
- Prize Information - Prize details and value.
- Buy Ticket Button - Add to cart.
Raffle States
| State | Display |
|---|
| Not Started | Shows start date, no purchasing |
| Active | Full purchasing enabled |
| Sold Out | Shows sold out message |
| Ended | Shows ended message, displays winners |
Best Practices
Pricing
- Price tickets appropriately for your audience.
- Consider bulk discounts using WooCommerce coupons.
Duration
- 1-2 weeks is typical for online raffles.
- Shorter duration creates urgency.
- Longer duration allows more promotion time.
Limits
- Set per-customer limits for fairness.
- Total ticket limits create scarcity.
Images
- Use high-quality prize photos.
- Show the actual prize, not stock images.
- Gallery images work great for multiple prizes.
Examples
Charity Fundraiser
- Price: $10
- Duration: 2 weeks
- Max tickets: 500
- Per customer: 20
- Prize: Custom ("Weekend Getaway Package - Value $1,500")
Store Promotion
- Price: $5
- Duration: 1 week
- Max tickets: Unlimited
- Per customer: 10
- Prize: Product (select from store inventory)
Club Member Draw
- Price: $25
- Duration: 1 month
- Max tickets: 200
- Per customer: 5
- Prize: Store Credit ($500)