In the United States, winners are required to pay taxes on prizes they win, but if prizes are valued at over $600 then the promotion sponsor is also required to collect W-9’s and issue 1099’s to each winner. That’s why many sponsors like to find prizes under $600 that are coveted by winners, but don’t require the additional headache of having to collect additional personally identifying information (PII) in order to issue 1099’s. Here are ten prizes under $600 your customers will want to win.
1. A Tool Kit
The Milwaukee M18™ Cordless LITHIUM-ION 4-Tool Combo Kit or the DeWalt 20-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Cordless Combo Kit are extremely popular items right now – especially with the current quarantine situation where do-it-yourself may be the only solution for home improvement.
2. Home gym equipment
The Peloton is hard to come by right now; waiting list as of today is still several months long. Since many gyms in the US are closed, home exercise equipment is a hot commodity. This might work to your advantage in getting people to enter for a chance to win one something you have on hand or can pre-order.
3. Kayak or Standup Paddleboard (SUP)
Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are also in high demand right now as individual outdoor exercise is popular. A simple SUP or kayak, especially inflatable ones, meet the price point and can easily be shipped across the country.
4. Home Security System with hub and cameras
A full home security system, like the ones from Nest, Simplisafe or Eufy, can be a bit costly to purchase once you start adding on cameras and sensors to a base hub. Winning a full system would have entrants clamoring to enter.
5. Robovac
A robot vacuum cleaner is a must-have for most people these days. I prefer my Eufy which can handle my rescue Labrador’s daily shed of fur, but my friend with young children swears by her Robovac. Any brand you choose, winner will want one that is bagless, easy to clean, and can be run remotely from an app on their phone.
6. Meal Kit Service
A gift card to a meal kit service can be a game changer to a certain demographic who suffers from menu planning burnout or who can’t get out to shop right now. Gift subscriptions to services like SunBasket, Blue Apron and Hello Fresh will go a long way to keeping your customers loyal to your brand.
7. Meal Delivery Service
And for the customers in your demographic who don’t cook, a gift card to Uber Eats or Seamless may be the answer to their foodie prayers.
8. Activity Trackers
The Fitbit or similar fitness tracking device is still in high demand for today’s busy consumers. Even those who are stuck at home want to track their daily walks.
9. KitchenAid Mixers
In a quick poll, we found that KitchenAid mixers are the #1 item people wish they had for their kitchens, but didn’t want to buy for themselves. Hence, when they are offered as prizes people will want to enter your promotion! (Hint: the KitchenAid mixer color that people want most is pink!)
10. Apple AirPods or similar wireless headphones
2019’s #1 Christmas present is this year’s most coveted prize. Everyone could use a set of AirPods, or a backup pair, or a pair for their spouse or child. Just know that Apple does have a say in how you market their products as prizes, so contact a reseller or promotional marketing expert, like us, to help you procure AirPods to give away as prizes.
These prizes are only a guide. If you want help brainstorming prizes under $600 to give away to your customers contact us and we can help create a custom list for your next promotion.
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