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Mechanics comparison

QR giveaway vs raffle drum: which to choose at your event

The classic tombola — the drum, the tickets and the moment of calling the number — has a charm that's hard to match and works with no technology. But it also has its seams: you wait for the draw, print tickets, set up the drum and keep count by hand, with no data to keep.

PrizeQR's QR giveaway keeps the excitement and removes the friction: the guest scans a QR with their phone, plays and instantly finds out if they won; you control prizes and stock in real time, measure participation and celebrate winners on a live screen.

This comparison contrasts the classic raffle drum with the digital QR giveaway.

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Feature comparison

AspectQR giveaway (PrizeQR)Raffle drum / tombola
Timing of the resultInstant when playingAt the end, when the ticket is drawn from the drum
Participation mediumQR on the guest's phonePhysical ticket and drum
Prize stock controlReal timeManual and error-prone
Participation dataYes (scans, prizes, redemptions)None
Lost or duplicate ticketsNot applicableCommon risk
Live winners screenNo (just calling numbers)
Prize redemption by staffControlled redemption flowManual, against the ticket
Material costNo tickets or drum; monthly planTicket printing and a drum
Requires phone / coverageYes (guest's phone)
Traditional charm of the drum

When the QR giveaway wins

  • You want immediate excitement instead of waiting for the final draw.
  • You need data and real-time stock control, not counting by hand.
  • You want a live winners screen and redemption controlled by your team.
  • You're tired of printing tickets, setting up the drum and chasing lost tickets.

When the raffle drum wins

  • ·Your audience doesn't carry a phone or there's no coverage at the venue.
  • ·You want the traditional image of the drum and calling numbers live.
  • ·It's a very small, one-off or charity event where the drum is part of the ritual.

Our verdict

PrizeQR's QR giveaway keeps the thrill of the tombola and adds an instant result, data, stock control and a live screen, with no lost tickets. The raffle drum still has its place when phones aren't viable or you want the ritual of the drum.

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Frequently asked questions

Does the QR giveaway replace the traditional tombola?+
It can replace it or coexist with it. PrizeQR's QR giveaway gives an instant result, data and stock control the tombola doesn't offer; the tombola keeps the charm of the drum and works with no phone. It depends on the event and the audience.
Is it legal to swap a tombola for a digital giveaway?+
As with any giveaway or promotion, you must comply with the applicable rules and publish clear terms. PrizeQR is the technical tool to run the mechanic; the legal responsibility is always the organiser's. When in doubt, consult a professional.
What do I gain over the tombola?+
An instant result instead of waiting for the draw, real-time prize and stock control, participation data, a live winners screen and no lost-ticket problems.
What if someone doesn't carry a phone?+
That's the case where the tombola still fits. The QR giveaway needs the guest to use their phone with normal coverage; in exchange it removes paper friction and gives you data and control.
How much does it cost to run a QR giveaway?+
You can start on the free plan and move to a paid plan (Basic €12, Pro €29, Agency €79 per month, no lock-in) depending on participation volume and the features you need.

PrizeQR by use case

Trade fairs and stands Festivals

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