Why have we moved to a lottery system for releases?
The support our fans have shown over the past few years has been incredible. The unfortunate byproduct has been that our demand is exceeding our production on every release. We've moved to a lottery system because we believe it's both the most fair and most convenient purchasing option we can offer. In recent releases, we've seen instant sell-outs, bots and huge numbers of multiple entrants. Running a lottery system in partnership with EQL allows us to verify every entry and ensure 1 bottle per person and that bots, spammers, etc are eliminated from the entry pool, getting the most bottles possible into real supporters' hands.
Who is EQL and why have we partnered with them?
EQL is a commerce platform that helps manage the launch of products where demand exceeds supply. They do literally one thing-- ensure fair launches for products in high demand. We've partnered with EQL to prevent bad actors (bots, multiple entrants, etc) and deliver a fair launch.
Partnering with EQL means that:
What is the EQLizer technology?
EQLizer allows us to give additional weighting to entrants who have not been selected in previous drawings. While we don't have enough bottles to get one to everyone who wants one, we do want to make sure they get spread out to the broadest number of supporters possible. Every time you enter a lottery and are not selected, your odds in the next lottery are doubled.
How do I participate in the release lottery?
The best way is to be on our mailing list. We notify our mailing list first for every release we do (including some mailing list only releases) and the link and details for entering the lottery will be there.
Why isn't my state available to participate?
Given current liquor laws, if you cannot create an account with your current shipping address then you live in a market that we cannot yet ship to. Those states include: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Hawaii, Michigan, Mississippi, South Dakota, Tennessee and Utah.
Am I charged to enter the launch?
No, you are not charged to enter and no hold is placed on your card. EQL requires payment information to help verify your identity and to use in case you are selected at which point, you will be charged. Please note: having your entry selected does not guarantee your order.
Why do you need my credit card details when I enter?
Credit card details help EQL confirm legitimate entries. They also allow EQL to ensure there isn’t any fraudulent activity occurring on your card. This is a critical security measure that allows us to deliver a fair draw for everyone and prevent fraudulent activity.
Can I cancel my entry before the release window closes?
Yes, but only if the release window has not closed. If you want to cancel your entry before the release window closes, return to the launch page while logged in and click on “Cancel my entry” then follow the prompts. If you cancel your entry before the release window closes, you will not be charged and you may lose your opportunity to purchase this release.
Am I charged for winning a draw?
If you are successful, you will be charged the retail price, taxes and the shipping fee.
Can I cancel my entry after the release window closes?
Verified entries are binding. By entering the drawing, you agree to purchase the product should you be selected. You cannot cancel the entry after the release window closes.
Can I enter the launch multiple times?
No. We want everyone to have a fair chance of entering the launch and winning the drawing. Therefore, only one entry per person, per product will be allowed.
How do I know if my entry was successful?
If you are selected for the launch you will be alerted via email. You will also receive an additional email with the order confirmation for the item you bought. Order fulfillment and delivery will be provided in accordance with the Flaviar Terms & Conditions.
My entry was selected but my order was not processed. Why?
Having your entry selected does not guarantee an order. Sometimes orders are rejected because your method of payment failed – whether it was flagged for suspected fraud, insufficient funds, or incomplete information.
Unfortunately, at this time EQL does not send a failed payment email, but you may receive one from your financial institution. We are unable to hold inventory for customers when their payment fails to process.
What happens if there is a problem with my order during delivery?
Contact help@flaviar.com with your order number in the email subject for any issues that you have during the delivery window of your bottle. Your order number can be found on the receipt you receive from Flaviar/Found North.
At any time, if you have questions or concerns about your order, please don’t hesitate to contact us at team@foundnorthwhisky.com.
Why do I have to provide my credit card information to enter?
Credit Card information, along with billing and shipping addresses provides EQL with the most comprehensive set of details to verify a legitimate entry as well as immediately disqualify potential bad actors. In addition it ensures that only those actually interested in a bottle of Found North are entering the lottery as the entry is a commitment to purchase a bottle.
Can I, and someone else in my household, both enter the lottery for a bottle?
Yes, as long as you have separate credit card information we allow for up to two entries (distinct, different name and credit card information) per household.
I won the lottery but may not be home to receive my shipment, what can I do?
We are no longer able to change shipping or billing details once you enter the lottery to ensure fairness across all entries. However, we are more than happy to assist in holding your order for no more than 30 days to ensure that it can be sent to the address that you entered in your lottery entry originally.
I do not have a mobile phone, can I still enter Found North lotteries?
You do not need to have a mobile phone to enter. In the rare instance where you only have access to a landline telephone number, it can be used for the EQL verification process.
Can I set a UPS or FedEx location as my shipping address?
UPS and FedEx don't allow alcohol shipments directly to their locations - though customers are able to have packages that are already en route to a proper address redirected to a UPS/FedEx location for pickup. You will need to do this directly with UPS/FedEx. If you enter a UPS/FedEx location as your initial shipping address your package will be delayed till you provide a different address.