Raffle tickets are a powerful tool for fundraising, event promotion, and customer engagement. Whether you’re organizing a charity auction, school fundraiser, or corporate giveaway, your raffle tickets represent more than just entry slips; they’re the face of your event. However, the smallest misstep in design or printing can lead to confusion, lost revenue, or even legal troubles.
If you’re wondering how to print raffle tickets the right way, avoiding a few key mistakes will save you time, money, and stress.
At Raffles for Less, we’ve helped thousands of customers create professional, custom printed raffle tickets that boost participation and enhance branding. In this guide, we’ll break down the top five mistakes people make when printing raffle tickets and exactly how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Using Low-Quality or Generic Raffle Ticket Templates
One of the most common mistakes is relying on poor-quality or outdated raffle ticket templates often found online for free. While they may seem convenient, generic designs don’t allow for proper customization and often lack essential elements like security features, sequential numbering, or tear-off stubs.
Why This Hurts
- Amateurish designs can make your event look unprofessional.
- Missing information (event time, location, rules) leads to confusion.
- Templates may not be formatted correctly for your printer or chosen paper size.
How to Avoid It
Instead of downloading free templates, use a custom raffle ticket printing service that allows you to design raffle tickets from scratch or with professional design support. High-quality printable raffle tickets should include:
- Unique ticket numbers
- Event branding or logos
- Terms and conditions
- Security features like barcodes or perforations
- Room for sponsors and marketing content
Need a custom design? At Raffles for Less, we offer professional custom printed raffle tickets tailored to your specific event. Just upload your artwork or work with our design team.
Mistake 2: Skipping Proofreading and Final Checks
Whether you’re printing raffle tickets at home or using a commercial printer, skipping the proofing step is a critical mistake. One wrong date or typo can ruin your entire campaign.
Why This Hurts
- Incorrect details (like date or prize info) can make tickets invalid.
- Reprinting tickets at the last minute is expensive and stressful.
- You risk losing trust from supporters and attendees.
How to Avoid It
Before sending your files to print or submitting your online ticket order:
- Double-check all text (event date, location, prize details, price)
- Confirm all ticket numbers are sequential and correct
- Ensure sponsor names, logos, and URLs are spelled properly
- Preview the design for layout or alignment issues
At Raffles for Less, we give every ticket order a detailed pre-press review to ensure your event goes smoothly, no reprints, no surprises.
Mistake 3: Choosing the Wrong Ticket Size or Format
Not all raffle tickets are created equal. Many organizers make the mistake of using a one-size-fits-all ticket, which may not fit their needs. Think of what you’ll need: stubs, numbering, barcodes, or even wristbands.
Why This Hurts
- Tickets may not tear correctly without perforation.
- Insufficient space for information or branding.
- Improper sizing leads to printing alignment issues or poor layout.
How to Avoid It
Choose the right printable raffle tickets format for your event:
- Standard tickets with a perforated stub
- Multi-part tickets for keeping records
- Booklets for large-volume raffles
- Wristbands for re-entry events
Also, think about how attendees will use and present their tickets. A well-designed, easy-to-handle ticket enhances the overall event experience.
Looking for custom formats? Explore our Pricing page to compare different ticket styles and quantities to fit your budget and goals.
Mistake 4: Printing Tickets Without Security Features
Security is often an afterthought until someone photocopies your raffle ticket and tries to claim a prize. Without basic fraud prevention, your event is vulnerable to ticket duplication and scams.
Why This Hurts
- Lost revenue from fake ticket claims.
- Legal liability in prize disputes.
- Damaged reputation if your event is seen as poorly managed.
How to Avoid It
Incorporate essential security elements in your custom printed raffle tickets:
- Sequential numbering for each ticket
- Barcodes or QR codes for scanning and validation
- Holographic foil or custom watermarking (for large events)
- Perforated stubs to retain attendee info during entry
When you order custom Raffle Tickets from Raffles for Less, we include secure numbering and perforations by default and we offer upgrades for added protection on high-value raffles.
Mistake 5: Printing Raffle Tickets at Home Without the Right Equipment
DIY is tempting. With a home printer and basic paper, you might think you’re saving money. But without the right tools, printing raffle tickets at home can become a costly mess.
Why This Hurts
- Inconsistent cuts or misaligned numbering.
- Low-quality ink fades or smudges.
- No tear-off stubs or perforations.
- Home printers can’t handle high volumes efficiently.
How to Avoid It
If you’re hosting a small neighborhood fundraiser, printing at home might work. But for anything involving 100+ tickets or paid entries, a professional custom raffle ticket printing solution is the smarter choice. Here’s why:
- Faster production – No paper jams or long print times.
- Cost-effective in bulk – You’ll save per ticket.
- Higher quality – Professionally finished tickets impress.
Want to see the difference? Browse our Home Page to explore real examples of high-impact, custom raffle ticket designs.
Bonus Tips: How to Design Raffle Tickets That Sell
Even the best-printed tickets need great design to attract buyers. Here’s how to create effective, appealing ticket visuals that boost participation:
1. Use Bold, Readable Fonts
Avoid script or cursive fonts that are hard to read. Stick to strong typefaces and maintain a clear hierarchy (event name > date > prize > price).
2. Make the Prize the Star
Highlight the prize in large, eye-catching text. Add a photo if possible. Whether it’s a luxury car, vacation package, or $10,000 cash, it should dominate the visual space.
3. Add Branding and Colors
Include your organization’s logo and match your brand colors. Consistency builds credibility and recognition.
4. Leave Room for Legal Disclaimers
You may need to include “No purchase necessary,” “Must be 18+ to enter,” or raffle permit numbers depending on your local laws.
5. Include a Call to Action
Something as simple as “Get your ticket today!” or “Support our cause” can boost urgency.
Want help with raffle ticket design? Our experts at Raffles for Less can help you craft a visually striking and high-converting ticket design that aligns with your fundraising goals.
Final Thoughts: Set Your Raffle Up for Success
Avoiding these common printing mistakes will ensure that your raffle looks professional, operates smoothly, and meets all your goals from fundraising to community engagement.
Whether you need guidance on how to print raffle tickets, help choosing the right raffle ticket template, or full-service custom raffle ticket printing, Raffles for Less has you covered.
We specialize in creating affordable, attractive, and secure printable raffle tickets for every kind of event. From small local charities to major non-profits, our customers trust us to deliver quality on time, every time.
Ready to Print Professional Raffle Tickets?
Don’t leave your event’s success to chance. Visit our Order Page to get started today, or learn more about our services on our About Us and Pricing pages.
Still have questions? Reach out via our Contact Us form we’re happy to help!
