Must a contest be open to all or can it be restricted to just those who have purchased a product?

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Must a contest be open to all or can it be restricted to just those who have purchased a product?

I want to create a contest limited to those who have ordered my product, photos on my site. This particular page is limited to those who took part in a horse event. The question is whether limiting the contest to those who have ordered only is legal.

Asked on September 1, 2011 Michigan

Answers:

FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

If you are intending to promote an actual contest for those who actually have ordered your product and limit the contestants to those who actually were customers of you and exclude non-customers, you can do so. It is your contest and you can set its terms and conditions.

I suggest that in the contest's application form you have some general language that the contest is being held as a means to thank prior customers and their patronage over the years. By having such language you are limiting the group of constestants to those as being your past customers.

I see nothing illegal about limiting your contest solely to past and existing customers. Many contests have age and residency restrictions.


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