Carnival Game Prize Calculator!

Its always hard to figure out how many prizes you need for most events and we have a simple solution to help you figure out exactly what you should buy in order to make your event a success! Plus a few tips to make it even more fun! We strongly suggest purchasing prizes directly in order to avoid added charges we incur for handling, etc.. Prizes may be purchased from www.smalltoys.com

Prize formula!

Each game can usually be played in a matter of 30 seconds or less and most games normally only have a 1 in 5 winner. Using this theory we have devised the following formula so you may determine the amount of consolation prizes you may need and the number of winning prizes you may need. This formula generally leaves extra's just in case you need them so you do not run out.

1. Count the total number of games you are using.
2. Multiply this number by 2.
3. Multiply that number by the amount of minutes your event will last. 1 hour is 60, 2 hours is 120, etc...

This gives you the amount of consolation prizes you will need, plus extra's.

Here's an easy example. You rent 5 games, times 2 and that equals 10. You have a 2 hour event (120 minutes) so 10 X 120 = 1,200 consolation prizes.

Now that you have the consolation prizes figured out, you need the number of winning prizes. Since that is 1 out of 5, that means 20 percent.

Take the number of consolation prizes you need, multiply that by .20 and that is the number of winning prizes you will need.

1200 X .20 = 240 winning prizes.

Prize Tips!

1. Consolation prizes should be small and should cost no more than 5 or 6 cents apiece. this way if you only charge a quarter a game, you still raise money for your event.
2. Winning prizes should not cost more than what you charge for the game. So if you only charge a quarter, the winning prize should not cost more than a quarter.
3. Use large, bulk containers of candies as consolation prizes. Suckers, gum, individually wrapped licorice sticks, tootsie rolls, etc...
4. Buy inflatable prizes for winners, they appear larger and people like getting more prize for their money.
5. Consider offering small "loot" bags for people to keep their consolation prizes in.
6. If you are running low on prizes, move them to another popular game and close that game down. This helps keep people crowded around the games that have prizes left.
7. Some people choose to offer tokens which may be redeemed at a prize table. In this case, make sure tokens have a value of about 1/5th of what the games cost to play so you keep your profits up.
8. Have your volunteers work as barkers! Yes, you know, the good old fashioned carnival game callers who taunt and tease the players. "Hey there fella, bet ya can't get the bottle to stand up". "Lets see if you can throw a winner". It all adds to the fun of the event.

Most importantly, just have fun!