When you organize a fundraising event, community fair, school raffle, charity draw, or corporate giveaway, the quality of your raffle tickets can significantly influence the overall experience for both participants and organizers. A raffle ticket printer might seem like just another piece of event equipment, but choosing the wrong one can lead to wasted time, unnecessary expenses, and even operational chaos.
At Raffles for Less, we’ve helped countless event planners, nonprofits, schools, and businesses print raffle tickets that are both cost-effective and professional. From custom printed raffle tickets to bulk orders, we know firsthand which pitfalls to avoid when selecting the right equipment or printing service.
In this guide, we’ll cover the five most common mistakes people make when choosing a raffle ticket printer and how to avoid them. Whether you plan to invest in a machine or outsource your raffle ticket printing, these tips will ensure your tickets look great, function smoothly, and fit your budget.
Why the Right Raffle Ticket Printer Matters
At first glance, a raffle ticket seems simple: a small piece of paper with numbers, maybe a logo, and a perforated stub. But in reality, a ticket is more than just an entry pass it’s part of your branding, a marketing tool, and sometimes even a security feature to prevent counterfeiting.
A reliable raffle ticket printer ensures:
- Clear, smudge-free numbers and text for easy validation
- Consistent cutting and perforation for easy tearing
- Accurate serial numbering to prevent duplicate entries
- A professional look that reflects your event’s quality
- On-time production without last-minute delays
Without the right printer or service, you risk receiving printed raffle tickets that are misaligned, hard to read, or even unusable. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.
Mistake #1: Choosing Price Over Quality
One of the most common mistakes is prioritizing the cheapest option for raffle ticket printing without considering print quality or durability. While cheap raffle ticket printing might seem like a good way to stretch your event budget, low-quality printing can cause bigger problems down the line.
Why This Is a Problem:
- Faded or smudged ink makes tickets hard to validate
- Poor perforation frustrates participants when tearing stubs
- Thin paper can tear too easily, making ticket handling difficult
- Cheap ink and paper often result in unprofessional appearance
How to Avoid It:
Invest in a printer or printing service that balances affordability and quality. At Raffles for Less, our competitive raffle ticket Pricing ensures you get excellent quality without overpaying. If you’re working on a tight budget, consider slightly reducing the number of colors or opting for standard sizes rather than sacrificing paper or print quality.
Mistake #2: Not Matching the Printer to Your Volume Needs
Another frequent oversight is selecting a raffle ticket printer without considering how many tickets you need to print. A small desktop printer might handle a few hundred tickets, but for thousands or tens of thousands you’ll need either a heavy-duty printer or a professional printing service.
Why This Is a Problem:
- Overloading a small printer causes overheating and breakdowns
- Slow print speeds delay ticket distribution
- Ink or toner costs escalate for high-volume printing on unsuitable devices
How to Avoid It:
Before purchasing equipment or placing an order, determine your exact ticket quantity. If you need thousands of custom printed raffle tickets, it’s often more cost-efficient to work with a professional raffle ticket printing provider like Raffles for Less, where bulk orders are processed quickly and at scale.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Design & Customization Options
Many organizers focus solely on functionality numbers, perforation, and size while neglecting the design potential of their tickets. A plain ticket may serve its purpose, but a custom printed raffle ticket can act as a mini billboard for your event.
Why This Is a Problem:
- Missed branding opportunities for your event, cause, or sponsors
- Lower perceived value of the ticket (and by extension, your event)
- Harder to prevent counterfeit tickets without custom elements
How to Avoid It:
Opt for printers or services that allow:
- Full-color printing
- Logo and sponsor inclusion
- Unique fonts and layouts
- QR codes or barcodes for tracking
- Security features like holographic foil or watermarking
At Raffles for Less, we offer design options that make your tickets stand out helping you create an experience from the moment your participants see their ticket.
Mistake #4: Overlooking Connectivity and Setup Requirements
If you’re purchasing your own raffle ticket printer, pay attention to how it connects to your system and whether it’s compatible with your software. Not all printers work seamlessly with every computer or design program, and setup issues can cause delays.
Why This Is a Problem:
- Printer may lack USB, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet options you need
- Incompatibility with your operating system or ticket design software
- Difficult learning curve that slows down production
How to Avoid It:
Check technical specifications before buying. Consider whether you’ll be printing raffle tickets directly from design software, using pre-formatted templates, or uploading files to an online service. If you want zero setup hassle, ordering online from Raffles for Less ensures your tickets are printed correctly and delivered ready to use.
Mistake #5: Forgetting About Turnaround Time
Even the best-designed ticket is useless if it doesn’t arrive on time for your event. This is especially important for fundraisers or promotional events with fixed start dates.
Why This Is a Problem:
- Delays can force you to use plain paper or handwritten tickets as a last-minute backup
- Stress and disorganization for event staff
- Missed early sales opportunities if tickets aren’t available
How to Avoid It:
If you’re outsourcing, always confirm production and delivery timelines before placing your order. At Raffles for Less, we specialize in fast turnaround without sacrificing quality so you can focus on running your event, not chasing your tickets.
Bonus Tip: Maintenance & Storage for Long-Term Printing
If you’re investing in your own raffle ticket printer, don’t forget that regular maintenance can significantly extend its lifespan. This includes:
- Cleaning print heads and rollers
- Using manufacturer-recommended paper and ink
- Keeping the printer dust-free
- Running test prints before large batches
For pre-printed tickets, proper storage is just as important. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight to prevent fading, especially if tickets will be sold over several weeks or months.
How to Ensure Success with Your Raffle Ticket Printing
Choosing the right printer or printing service isn’t just about avoiding mistakes, it’s about maximizing your event’s success. When you:
- Prioritize quality
- Match printer capabilities to your volume
- Leverage design for branding and security
- Ensure compatibility and ease of use
- Plan for timely delivery
…you set yourself up for a smooth, profitable, and professional raffle experience.
Ready to Print Raffle Tickets the Right Way?
Your raffle tickets are more than just entry passes; they’re a reflection of your event’s quality and credibility. Whether you need cheap raffle ticket printing for a local fundraiser or high-end custom printed raffle tickets for a major corporate gala, the right choice in printing makes all the difference.
At Raffles for Less, we combine quality, speed, and value to make your raffle ticket printing process simple and stress-free. From design to delivery, we handle it all so you can focus on making your event a success.
Visit our Home page to learn more, check our Pricing for budget-friendly options, Order your tickets online in minutes, or Contact Us for personalized assistance. Let’s make your next raffle your best one yet.
