Contest sign up procedure

[didisea]

We have a contest where there will be more teams wanting to sign up, than there will be spots. Last year it was full in about 24 hours. I need to come up with a way for teams to sign up so that it is as equitable as it can be. I am looking for suggestions and methods if any of you have experience with this. I know how the Sam's Club sign up works, (or not) and I am not trying to sign up 750 teams simultaneously.

 

[ModelMaker]

Good problem to have!!
Online apps, he who pays first is in first.
Update,update,update via emails.
Ed

 

[columbia1]

Use the Forum, I believe I know what contest you are talking about, but if people are directed to the forum they can post in order, that they will be there. Give everyone 48 hours to pay-up from the time they posted or they lose their spot, sort of like Sam's in that aspect. If you are going to do that I would put up registration instructions a week early and let everyone know the date and time you will open the registration page.

 

[BurntFinger_Jason]

Give returning teams a pre-registration period to claim their same spot from last year. After that time passes, then any open (non-paid) spots are available for first come first served.

 

[didisea]

How common is it to find contests that give returning teams preference? (Besides the Royal)

 

[Burnt at Both Endz]

How common is it to find contests that give returning teams preference? (Besides the Royal)

I can think of 3 or 4 contests around here, more common in the South East.

 

[nkay]

I wish it was common for contest to fill up in 24 hours. Good job and good luck from NC.

 

[BoneDaddy's]

I like the idea of letting the returning teams have first crack. Then first pay, first in....

 

[FamilyManBBQ]

I say all teams with "Daddy" in the name should get in for sure! :becky:

I'll be watching for registration to go live...life has kept us out of too many events already this year. Would hate to miss this one!

Do you think last year's "celebrity" cook had anything to do with how fast things went? Plans for something similar this year??

 

[BurntFinger_Jason]

How common is it to find contests that give returning teams preference? (Besides the Royal)

It's fairly common for the higher-demand contests in this area. Its also a good way for organizers to incentivize teams to register early.

 

[Pig Headed]

One of the favorite comps in this area (New Holland Summerfest) has that policy and they always have a waiting list, both for teams and judges.

 

[JD McGee]

Easy peasy...first paid...first in. Playing favorites would not go over well...except with the chosen ones...