@jeduchscherer We publish mobile applications, so we’ve given away gift cards to the stores where our apps can be found. We’ve also given away iPod Touches, iPads and a Nook since our products run on those. Additionally, we run the “fan of the week” contest which is a free facebook app for fan pages.

My recommendations:

• Fan gate when you can

• Start small (you’d be surprised how many entries you can get on a $25 gift card) and work your way up if budget is an issue

• Require them to enter their e-mail address, and write it into the rules that they are added to your e-mail list

• Try to give away a product, or a prize that is directly related to your product in some way
  

I think running a contest every now and again is a good idea anyway. It makes fans feel like you’re not always pushing product to them.

@jeduchscherer We use AppForma for Fbook promotions, they are a very friendly Israeli company, I recommend them. 

My most successful promotion was called “Your Golden Moment.” It was for a gold coin maker here in India.  Users uploaded a picture of their “Golden Moment” and other users voted for a month. Winner got their image on a gold coin. 
Hope this helps, 
Best

@jeduchscherer We use Wildfire here. I’ve never used North Social or Involver, but I’ve heard from others that they’ve got good apps for FB contests.

Let us know how it goes!

@jeduchscherer We have an app suite that includes a “Scratch Off” promotion app.  You can even set how often people can scratch off.  https://www.facebook.com/bleapp/app_160116404051502
You can completely customize the app with your own graphics and you can be very creative.  Plus it has viral benefits.  Jim

@jimoborny @leadapparel123 Thanks so much for the feedback! I’ll check out the suggestions and give some feedback.