Not enought people to justify winnings

As a semi-newb, who wants to host events in their own land, and willing to put quite a lot of money (2 or 3K) into it.

But if not enough people turn up for the event, what is the culture for paying out?

For example, if I host a best AV contest (which I am in no way doing) and one person comes do I have to pay that person, pay them a percentage or pay them nothing at all?

Can I put in the event, must have a minimum of 5 players for prize money?

I just don't want to give my money away for nothing but also don't want to be poo pooed by people if they are the only person that turns up and I have to entertain them for a hour!

I look forward to your knowledgable answers

Thx

Markie MacD

Markie - A lot of it needs to be handled on a case-by-case basis. But IMHO, it comes down to a customer service issue, and building a fair reputation for yourself. Money spent like this may be a loss in the short-term, but its a long-term gain from a PR perspective.

If you had one lone customer show up to your AV contest, but they dressed for the occasion, and attempted to participate as best as they could considering the low turnout... I'd probably give them what 1st prize would have been, and left it at that... just because I feel its the right thing to do.

Now, if you have several folks show up, not really interested in the contest - and didn't even try to participate... no, I don't think you should be obligated to pay them anything.


But again, its a huge judgement call - you just have to go with your gut when its appropriate.

Hope this helps!

Travis

Thanks Travis, I must admit I thought this would be the case.