About Prizes

It’s your store; we’re not going to tell you what to give away. But we are going to have a minimum requirement for the value of your hunt item. Some people think that isn’t fair – and that’s just fine, you don’t have to be a merchant in the hunt. But if you ARE going to be a merchant in the hunt, then we need you to commit to giving away something of real value.

Why? A lot of reasons.

First off – because anyone can give away something of no value. The grid is FILLED with recycled, low/no-value freebies. No one needs to hunt for hours for those (and they won’t). Stand in one place long enough and you’ll likely get one thrown at you. Last time we had this hunt, people were thrilled with the quality of most of the gifts they received. They ranted and raved in group chat and to their friends. We’d like them to do it again.

Second – because the whole hunt is judged by the quality of the first few items people find. And you never know which those will be. Sometimes they accidentally come across #57 while shopping, and go on to 58, then 59, and so on before deciding to start at the beginning. So every prize in the hunt, from the first to the last, stands to be someone’s first impression of the hunt. We’d like it to be “HOLY SHIT THIS IS AWESOME.” Because then it’s just good for everyone.

Third – because it’s good for YOU. Yeah, we know not everyone agrees. =P Really though, we listened to our hunters. And to other hunters from other hunts. People truly see and appreciate your generosity when they see that you’ve given them something you clearly worked hard on. And – people truly see it when you give them garbage. (And by people, we don’t mean those bottom feeders whose personal mission in life is to make everyone as miserable as they are – we mean the majority of hunters, who are pretty awesome.) We can’t tell you how many hunters IMed us personally to say how fabulous the gifts were, and how they couldn’t wait to go back and shop. They didn’t have to IM, or even speak to us – so since they went out of their way, we assume they meant it. At least once a week (still, many months later), at least one person shopping in our store tells us they found us on the Twisted Hunt. So, no kidding – it’s good for you. People will think well of you if you treat them well – and people want to do business with people they think well of.

Finally – because you should. There, we said it. It’s just right. We don’t have to tell you that it sucks to win a crappy prize. We don’t have to tell you that it seems like you got cheated – or how little you appreciate the person who GAVE it as a prize, as if they thought your sense of value was so low you’d think it was great. So, yes – just because it’s right. And awesome.

Of note…
Your prize does NOT have to somehow relate to the theme of “Spooky.” It’s nice if it does, but it’s not a requirement. We just think it’s fun to have themes. If you think it’s fun too – feel free to make your hunt gift themed. Or to make the extra fun at your location (mentioned on the suggestions page) work with the theme. Or whatever. But if it doesn’t work for you, then don’t feel like you have to. Ultimately, your gift will still be Twisted – and that’s all the theme it really needs. =)

A tip for the first-timers…
Some of the hunt merchants only make one gift (or, they make one for guys and one for girls, if they’re really cool). Many of the merchants make multiple gifts, however – and last time, some of the new merchants were wishing someone had told them sooner. So we’re telling you. :)