If you’ve just stepped into the sneaker world then it’s safe to say that it might be a little intimidating for a first-timer. There’s a whole load of releases by the week and each and every one of them is likely to launch at a whole variation of places and times. now it’s likely that many of these will launch through a raffle process, but what even is a raffle you may ask? To put it simply, sneaker raffles run to give you a chance to purchase limited-edition sneakers at retail price.

Users sign-up with personal details to be in with the chance to get their hands on the pair they’re after. now there’s plenty of different types of raffles and all of them require slightly different methods of entry, so we’ve put together this useful guide that details the most common raffle types and exactly how you can enter them! read on even more for all you need to know concerning raffles best here at The Sole Supplier.

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Nike SNKRS

If it’s a pair of Swoosh sneakers you’re after, then your first port of call ought to always be Nike’s official launch platform – the Nike SNKRS app. first launched back in 2017, the app is the place to be when it concerns limited-edition releases from Nike or Jordan Brand. Raffles take place on launch day at 8am and come in the form of two minute or 15 minute launches. users have to sign up beforehand with their address and payment details to save time while the launch is taking place. It’s also worth noting that faithful users are in some cases given the opportunity to purchase sneakers early through the “Exclusive Access” feature.

We’ve wrote a extensive guide on this app, so be sure to check out ‘How To get shoes On SNKRS’.

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adidas CONFIRMED

Similar to the SNKRS app, adidas recently revived it’s very own exclusive releases app, titled adidas CONFIRMED. first used back in 2015 (way before SNKRS even existed), the confirmed app was the primary way to cop exclusive Yeezy releases back in the day. For unknown reasons, the app was shut down in 2018 for a long period of time, although it resurfaced in early 2021 and is now back and better than ever. users often have a lot longer to enter confirmed raffles, as they can run for several days prior to the launch. Of course, you should be registered with all payment details before entering any raffles.

If you would like a big much more detail around adidas’ raffle system, check out our short article ‘How Does adidas confirmed Work?’

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Traditional online Raffles

Online raffles were once the most common type of raffle in the sneaker industry, however as of late they’ve become a little less commonplace. That’s not to say that they don’t still exist though, as you can still find plenty if you look in the best places!

These raffles are extremely straightforward to enter, they typically involve leaving your name, address and contact details through an online form. After this, the seller will select the winners and contact them to organize payment. There’s not a lot to lose when entering this type of raffle so try and enter as numerous as possible to increase your chances of winning!

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In-store Raffles

Before the Internet reigned supreme, in-store raffles were the only way to cop limited edition sneaker releases! While these days the majority of raffles are online, in-store releases do still take place and often through a raffle release! If you’re wanting to enter you’ll typically have to physically go to the retail location and offer your details (often through inputting them into a tablet or by using location services on your phone), however certain sellers do allow you to choose in-store pickup when entering online. as with before, if you’re successful you’ll then be contacted to organize payment and pickup. While stock numbers in-store are always smaller, there’s also less competition, making it well worth entering these raffles.

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Pre-authorised Raffles

Pre-authorised raffles are becoming increasingly commonplace throughout the industry, as they take away the risk of the store being left with uncollected pairs. By offering payment details as they enter the draw, the full amount of the sneakers is pre-authorised from the users payment method, implying the funds are put on hold. If the user is then successful in the draw, the full amount is passed onto the seller and the goods are dispatched, however if they don’t end up winning the full amount is returned to the payment method. While this method puts numerous people off, it’s always worth entering pre-authorised raffles if you’re seriously chasing a pair.

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Instagram Raffles

While many raffles are conducted online or in-store, there are a small amount of raffles that take place across social media, many typically Instagram. There are a number of ways that this can happen, but many noteworthy sellers will ask users to comment on apost with their size, in some cases asking for a “keyword” to stop bots from entering also. other methods include sharing a post to stories, or even posting an image on your feed. While this is becoming less common, it’s the preferred method for Offspring (one of the most significant UK sneaker retailers) and works incredibly well for their consumer base. If you’re considering entering an Instagram raffle we’d absolutely recommend giving it a go, there’s not much to lose by trying!

If you’re searching for some much more information about the sneaker industry, be sure to check out some of our related articles below.

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