Raffles are lottery systems brands and retailers use to allocate limited products when demand significantly exceeds supply. Rather than first-come-first-served (which advantages bots and those able to queue) or pure online drops (which crash websites), raffles give each entrant an equal chance regardless of speed or technical capabilities. Participants register during an entry window; winners are randomly selected and given purchase opportunities. Raffles have become standard for hyped sneaker releases, with stores running in-person sign-ups and brands operating online raffles through apps and websites. The format has its critics: people enter dozens of raffles for the same release, entry doesn't guarantee purchase (winners still must complete transactions), and some raffles are suspected of being backdoor covers. However, raffles represent the industry's best attempt at fair allocation when everyone can't be served. Entering multiple raffles for a single release has become standard practice for anyone serious about copping.
Definition R
Raffle
A lottery system used to fairly distribute limited items when demand exceeds supply.
Origin & Etymology
From the general concept of a raffle—a lottery where tickets are sold and winners drawn randomly. Applied to streetwear and sneaker releases as brands sought fairer allocation methods than first-come-first-served.
Related Brands
Related Terms
Drop
A scheduled, often limited product release that creates urgency and community ritual around new pieces.
Cop
To successfully purchase or acquire an item, especially a limited release.
L
A loss—failing to purchase a desired item from a drop or release.
W
A win—successfully purchasing a desired item, especially from a competitive drop.
Bot
Automated software used to purchase limited items faster than humanly possible.