# How It Works (In Detail)

## Getting Started with RaffleLink

### Overview

RaffleLink provides an end-to-end solution for running compliant online raffles. This guide walks you through the process from registration to fund disbursement.

### [Step 1A: Register Your Raffle](https://help.rafflelink.com.au/getting-started/registration-guide)

* Each raffle requires a new and separate registration (there are no "accounts" at RaffleLink)
* Register your raffle for free at [rafflelink.com.au/getstarted](https://www.rafflelink.com.au/getstarted)
  * [Returning users: replicate a previous raffle](https://help.rafflelink.com.au/getting-started/registration-guide/returning-users) to streamline your registration
* TIPS:
  * Registration process will indicate if permits are required for your selected states
  * [Adjust state selection based on permit requirements](https://help.rafflelink.com.au/getting-started/registration-guide/states-and-draw-step-8)
    * For example, if only a few of your followers are from a state and you don't have the time to apply for the permit, you can simply exclude that state
  * Use our "RaffleLink Recommends" buttons on ticket pricing and ticket count if you get stuck
  * Enter what you can - we can always edit and revise it later together :)

<figure><img src="https://3625998664-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FfS4dwIWWmBW5ZUO6Gdqv%2Fuploads%2FLce68qdpEJHKBHYgaVdf%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=d379222e-5918-476e-a475-a6a6757045bb" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>Registration Step 6</p></figcaption></figure>

### [Step 1B: Apply for Permits (if applicable)](https://help.rafflelink.com.au/getting-started/regulations)

* For complex raffles (multiple states/permits):
  * Contact us for a free consultation or reference our [regulations guides](https://help.rafflelink.com.au/getting-started/regulations)
  * Proceed with permit applications if familiar with process
* Access [supporting documentation](https://help.rafflelink.com.au/managing-your-raffle/resources/permit-documents) in admin portal:
  * Fundraising agreement
  * Ticket specimen
* For small raffles with no permit requirement, proceed to Step 2

### [Step 2: Page Setup](https://help.rafflelink.com.au/managing-your-raffle/setup)

#### Initial Setup

* After registering you will receive an email with your Admin Portal Login Credentials that contains your admin portal login URL, username and password
* The Admin Portal is where you will manage everything related to your raffle
* You can begin setting up your raffle page while awaiting any permits

<figure><img src="https://3625998664-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FfS4dwIWWmBW5ZUO6Gdqv%2Fuploads%2FZzk99EYMXXQarQig4M7g%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5b575243-54b5-4809-884a-bf4bad595222" alt=""><figcaption><p>Admin Portal Login Credentials:<br>- URL<br>- Username<br>- Password</p></figcaption></figure>

#### [Edit Raffle Tab](https://help.rafflelink.com.au/managing-your-raffle/setup#id-2.-configure-basic-raffle-details)

Configure core raffle details:

* Subheader text
* Raffle purpose description
* Ticket count and pricing
* Prize details (Note: After activation, additional prizes can be added but only if no permit is required)
* Make sure to hit "Update" at the bottom to save your changes

<figure><img src="https://3625998664-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FfS4dwIWWmBW5ZUO6Gdqv%2Fuploads%2FaqPcIF81lE39zT0i7ZaL%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=0f040921-89ef-4ee5-b6a5-4d44addd9fd7" alt=""><figcaption><p>Edit Raffle TAB</p></figcaption></figure>

#### [Images Tab](https://help.rafflelink.com.au/managing-your-raffle/setup/adding-changing-and-removing-images)

Customize your raffle's appearance:

<figure><img src="https://3625998664-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FfS4dwIWWmBW5ZUO6Gdqv%2Fuploads%2Fi7rjStedup0LlFeflxct%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=721db1d2-3942-41c3-9cb9-4d937e21faea" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Upload banner image (desktop & mobile)
  * TIP: use our [Grab N Go Banners](https://help.rafflelink.com.au/managing-your-raffle/setup/adding-changing-and-removing-images/grab-n-go-banners)
* Adjust color scheme
* Add prize images
* Use Preview Raffle tab to review changes in real-time
* IMPORTANT: After you upload your images, make sure to hit the "Save & Upload Files" button at the bottom of the screen (scroll down)

  <figure><img src="https://3625998664-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FfS4dwIWWmBW5ZUO6Gdqv%2Fuploads%2FoUnSSXh1ZoyCoyBYMGtt%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=111e274f-cf30-417e-99a8-b8cc8b47dee2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### [Step 3: Activation](https://help.rafflelink.com.au/managing-your-raffle/activation)

Complete the following steps:

<figure><img src="https://3625998664-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FfS4dwIWWmBW5ZUO6Gdqv%2Fuploads%2FNnSGacDCG20xwfbiRMOa%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=6c4d09d5-66f3-40ce-a105-4f2bdac9e29a" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

1. Review [activation checklist](https://help.rafflelink.com.au/managing-your-raffle/activation/the-activation-checklist)
   1. If a permit is required, wait to receive your approval and then enter in your permit number accordingly
   2. Then double check all the terms of your permit match the raffle terms in Edit Raffle Tab (e.g., dates, ticket count, pricing)

<figure><img src="https://3625998664-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FfS4dwIWWmBW5ZUO6Gdqv%2Fuploads%2FCSRN1yZO50IwXd2xNFj6%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=cd3c4951-efae-49a0-a2a5-733c10474460" alt="" width="246"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. Select [payment option](https://help.rafflelink.com.au/pricing/understanding-rafflelink-pricing):

* Pay now (credit card)
* Pay later (from raffle proceeds deducted at the end)
* Existing subscriber option

<figure><img src="https://3625998664-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FfS4dwIWWmBW5ZUO6Gdqv%2Fuploads%2FmnYu0dGg33pLTzI1TEEy%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5d59a1a1-a7b1-4d58-8a70-d47573a6a955" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. Choose activation method:

* Self-activate
* Request RaffleLink team review

<figure><img src="https://3625998664-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FfS4dwIWWmBW5ZUO6Gdqv%2Fuploads%2FWdWl4bqL1cswwOdMgUAr%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=57b4a76a-0255-4503-94a9-b74109cdb2f6" alt="" width="387"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Step 4: Running Your Raffle

#### [Promotion](https://help.rafflelink.com.au/managing-your-raffle/promotion-and-sales)

* Share your unique raffle URL
  * ***[www.rafflelink.com.au/myraffle](http://www.rafflelink.com.au/myraffle)***
* Utilize our social media share buttons

<figure><img src="https://3625998664-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FfS4dwIWWmBW5ZUO6Gdqv%2Fuploads%2FxUwQa3UThM8DkfuGgI0y%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=a24052b4-ca51-49cb-a37a-3146c2ff357f" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Download and share QR code

<figure><img src="https://3625998664-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FfS4dwIWWmBW5ZUO6Gdqv%2Fuploads%2FNiybVxrjFdnDlHUhL3Fa%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=18fad5b4-414a-4738-bb65-90c1114e2312" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Test a payment and [understand how it works](https://help.rafflelink.com.au/managing-your-raffle/promotion-and-sales/payments)
  * Note: In many states, the raffle organizers and organization committee members are prohibited from participating in the raffle, so if you would like to test a ticket purchase, please do so via an eligible buyer (e.g. a friend) OR if you do decide to test a transaction, contact us to cancel the ticket and refund you accordingly.
* [Monitor sales](https://help.rafflelink.com.au/managing-your-raffle/promotion-and-sales/monitoring-and-managing-sales) through [Sales Report](https://help.rafflelink.com.au/managing-your-raffle/proceeds-and-finances/documentation/how-navigate-your-sales-report)
  * RaffleLink handles all customer transaction inquiries (e.g., chargebacks, refunds, receipt confirmation
* Master Admin can update ticket information if needed as well
  * Will send an email notification to buyer if any ticket information is changed![](https://3625998664-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FfS4dwIWWmBW5ZUO6Gdqv%2Fuploads%2F2DQEJLllTyBQv7IsC00g%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=8b9e1248-0d95-4c63-83d3-2c884927b7c9)
* Reference [promotion resources ](https://help.rafflelink.com.au/managing-your-raffle/promotion-and-sales/promotions-toolbox)for marketing tips

#### Support

* [Contact support team](https://www.rafflelink.com.au/contact/) for:
  * Amendments
  * General questions

### [Step 5: Drawing Process](https://help.rafflelink.com.au/managing-your-raffle/closing-and-drawing)

#### Standard Draw

1. Access Draw Panel tab
2. Close raffle (this button will become active on the raffle's nominated end date):
   * Manual closure at your chosen time
   * Automatic closure at midnight
3. Execute draw on scheduled date

<figure><img src="https://3625998664-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FfS4dwIWWmBW5ZUO6Gdqv%2Fuploads%2FtNd1mWpElbs092YZFzty%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=2f0df00d-f35e-4132-a6c4-fa6bef39d661" alt=""><figcaption><p>Admin Portal - Before Draw</p></figcaption></figure>

4. System uses our certified, truly random draw algorithm to automatically select winners for all prizes
5. Organizers contact winners and arrange prize collection
   1. Note: RaffleLink does NOT notify your raffle winners

<figure><img src="https://3625998664-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FfS4dwIWWmBW5ZUO6Gdqv%2Fuploads%2FXGZOHQ6DAo25t8zNIiqn%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=8ec85c30-f3cb-4c99-930d-7ba50bb50246" alt=""><figcaption><p>Admin Portal - After Draw</p></figcaption></figure>

#### Special Cases

* Reference [Manual Draw Guide ](https://help.rafflelink.com.au/managing-your-raffle/closing-and-drawing/how-to-conduct-a-manual-draw)for hybrid raffles

### [Step 6: Post-Raffle Processing](https://help.rafflelink.com.au/managing-your-raffle/proceeds-and-finances)

#### Financial Processing

* Net proceeds are transferred to your nominated bank account within 2 days after the draw
* Tax invoice provided detailing fund flow
* If you are operating with a permit, some states require posting and filing financials after the raffle has concluded. Please ensure you do so in a timely manner to avoid any penalties or delays to your next raffle

<figure><img src="https://3625998664-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FfS4dwIWWmBW5ZUO6Gdqv%2Fuploads%2F2yMLl3nexOAb11yrSwtA%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=e43b0b21-a03b-4725-a435-ce08f9735089" alt="" width="466"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Documentation

Important: Download within 90 days before archive

* Sales report
* Invoice
* Additional materials from admin portal