This isn't the post I had intended on making today but after reading in the etsy forums, I thought it would be good to share the information that was there.
How many of us bloggers have websites? How many of us do online drawings? Now you are saying what does one have to do with the other? Hmmmm....I didn't think much either but they do!
After reading this forum thread I was surprised to learn that if you offer a chance at winning something, making a purchase a condition, paypal may shut you down! WOW! Who would have thought that paypal monitors transactions, but apparently they do!
I think most bloggers are ok with how they do their giveaways, but ones that give an extra chance if there is a purchase from a website, selling blog, etc, may be flirting with disaster. Who knew?
I know that I am now rethinking my marketing strategy for my website now. How about any of you?
Dee,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. Reading that thread was an eye-opener!
Thanks for posting my "legal" giveaway on your blog. I appreciate your support!
Enjoy your day!
Barb
Thanks for sharing...I don't sell anything but I feel like something is always against the small businesses..Thanks for commenting on my blog...Lisa
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh D thank you for sharing this info off to read
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Dee~ I signed up for the issue recently.The girl was selling raffle tickets to help with spay and neuter programs.And was raffling a lovely hooked rug.The chances were only $1 each.But because she was not listed as a non profit Paypal said she was gambling and fundraising.So the drawing has been put off and we are unsure if she'll get to keep the funds or if we will get refunded.I always give a little to charity this time of year and I thought the raffle/giveaway was a fun way to give.Always something.Harvest Blessings!~Amy
ReplyDeleteBarb,
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome...it certainly was an eye opener to me also. Who would think that paypal would monitor such things, but I see now that they do.
D
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteYep, seems like the little guy is always on the short end of the stick, even if they didn't know they were doing anything wrong. I felt really bad for the gal that started the forum thread and was thankful for her that it was just a warning. Paypal can devastate a business with their rules.
D
Brenda,
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome. It's a shame that you have to be so careful with everything you do these days.
D
Amy,
ReplyDeleteAww...that's too bad. Hopefully the gal that was having the raffle will donate the money to the animal shelter as she had intended. I guess that's part of the reason why paypal take such a stand on raffles...hard to know which are legit and which aren't.
D
Very interesting. Thanks for the information!
ReplyDeleteWow, had no idea. Thanks for that info, as I'm getting ready to start giveaways on my blog.
ReplyDeleteVicky,
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. It's always interesting what one can learn while reading etsy forums.
Cave Creek,
ReplyDeleteI had no idea either. I was planning on doing a drawing from my website for all that purchased....guess not now!
D
wow..i didn't know this either. I have had my issues with paypal in the past.i haven't done this but now i know not too..thanks for the info
ReplyDeleteDeana
Dee, Mega thanks for this information. I had no idea. I just started doing this as a special thank you to folks who purchase from me anyway... but holy smokes, I had no idea. Imagine that. I thank you very, very much for sharing this info.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Susan
Wow, that's crazy! I don't sell/giveaway like that but I really don't see how it should affect them if you want to advertise/promote that way.
ReplyDelete