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forum threadFreebiesRGreat posted Jun 03, 2008 02:50 AM
forum threadFreebiesRGreat posted Jun 03, 2008 02:50 AM

Contests & Sweepstakes Tips, Advice, and Questions

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The intent of this thread is for users, both new and not-so-new, to ask questions, and help with tips/advice. This is not by any means the "gospel". Please feel free to add your words of wisdom, and if you have questions, just ask! If you have a tip that will make sweeping easier for folks, please feel free to share. This is a community effort. We all will benefit in some way.


The Basic Advice/Tips for the new-to-sweeping folks.
Enter for the items you want/need. If you have no interest in trips, avoid the sweeps where the only prize is a trip. If you know you can't afford the tax on a new vehicle, avoid entering for those.

Set up folders in your bookmark/favorites. Create a separate one for each month, and file any sweeps you are interested in into the folder corresponding with when it ends. Then, if you have a day where you're pressed for time, enter at least the ones ending that day.

Play the instant win games.

Follow the rules! If a sweep is restricted to only females, a certain age group, certain states, etc, make sure you fit the criteria! If you don't, move on to another sweep that you do qualify for. Do not create a bunch of email addresses so you can enter something more than once, or so you can play an Instant win game more. The Sponsors can tell, and will DQ you. You're better off playing by the rules than cheating and getting disqualified and having NO entries.

Don't immediately dismiss essay required sweeps (or recipes, photos, etc)....well, unless you know you don't want to write something. A lot of people pass on them, so you might have a better shot at winning something.

Don't expect this to be lucrative enough to become a job. Yes, a lot of us win, and often, but not nearly enough to quit a job!

Expect things to go slow at first. It takes a while for the wins to roll in. But once they do...look out!

Expect to occasionally hit a dry spell. It happens to ALL of us.

DEFINITELY USE YOUR REAL INFO! If you use a fake phone number, and a sponsor is calling to notify people of wins, you'll never know what you missed out on. I, and many others, have been doing this for a long time, and we have no problems with sales calls. Also, use your real name. If your name is Robert or Catherine, using Bob or Cathy is ok, as they are known acceptable shorter versions of that name. if your name is Matilda, and you go by Fluffy, don't use Fluffy. Looking at your ID to get an affy notarized, they may reject it because the names don't match. The sponsor may also say "Fluffy won, not Matilda". So stick with using your real name, or something close to it.

Most of all, HAVE FUN! And don't be afraid to ask questions. We were all new to this at one time. Any one of us would be happy to answer questions.


For easy form filling, check out Roboform [roboform.com]. Google Tool bar and the autofill feature on IE also work well.

For Mac users, the best form filler is 1Password: http://agilewebsolutions.com/products/1Password (thanks javaFlower!)

FireFox Form Filler browser extensions: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/...ll&cat=all

To set up the autofill feature in IE: Click on Tools, then internet options, then choose 'content'. When that pops up, click on "Autocomplete", and make sure to check the boxes for forms and passwords on forms. This is not a good idea if you are on a shared/public computer!

February 17, 2009, 3:10 am: System Notice: This thread has been automatically renewed after reaching a post limit. Most of its content has been moved to this thread for reference purposes.

July 12, 2010, 3:23 pm: System Notice: This thread has been automatically renewed after reaching a post limit. Most of its content has been moved to this thread for reference purposes.
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
The intent of this thread is for users, both new and not-so-new, to ask questions, and help with tips/advice. This is not by any means the "gospel". Please feel free to add your words of wisdom, and if you have questions, just ask! If you have a tip that will make sweeping easier for folks, please feel free to share. This is a community effort. We all will benefit in some way.


The Basic Advice/Tips for the new-to-sweeping folks.
Enter for the items you want/need. If you have no interest in trips, avoid the sweeps where the only prize is a trip. If you know you can't afford the tax on a new vehicle, avoid entering for those.

Set up folders in your bookmark/favorites. Create a separate one for each month, and file any sweeps you are interested in into the folder corresponding with when it ends. Then, if you have a day where you're pressed for time, enter at least the ones ending that day.

Play the instant win games.

Follow the rules! If a sweep is restricted to only females, a certain age group, certain states, etc, make sure you fit the criteria! If you don't, move on to another sweep that you do qualify for. Do not create a bunch of email addresses so you can enter something more than once, or so you can play an Instant win game more. The Sponsors can tell, and will DQ you. You're better off playing by the rules than cheating and getting disqualified and having NO entries.

Don't immediately dismiss essay required sweeps (or recipes, photos, etc)....well, unless you know you don't want to write something. A lot of people pass on them, so you might have a better shot at winning something.

Don't expect this to be lucrative enough to become a job. Yes, a lot of us win, and often, but not nearly enough to quit a job!

Expect things to go slow at first. It takes a while for the wins to roll in. But once they do...look out!

Expect to occasionally hit a dry spell. It happens to ALL of us.

DEFINITELY USE YOUR REAL INFO! If you use a fake phone number, and a sponsor is calling to notify people of wins, you'll never know what you missed out on. I, and many others, have been doing this for a long time, and we have no problems with sales calls. Also, use your real name. If your name is Robert or Catherine, using Bob or Cathy is ok, as they are known acceptable shorter versions of that name. if your name is Matilda, and you go by Fluffy, don't use Fluffy. Looking at your ID to get an affy notarized, they may reject it because the names don't match. The sponsor may also say "Fluffy won, not Matilda". So stick with using your real name, or something close to it.

Most of all, HAVE FUN! And don't be afraid to ask questions. We were all new to this at one time. Any one of us would be happy to answer questions.


For easy form filling, check out Roboform [roboform.com]. Google Tool bar and the autofill feature on IE also work well.

For Mac users, the best form filler is 1Password: http://agilewebsolutions.com/products/1Password (thanks javaFlower!)

FireFox Form Filler browser extensions: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/...ll&cat=all

To set up the autofill feature in IE: Click on Tools, then internet options, then choose 'content'. When that pops up, click on "Autocomplete", and make sure to check the boxes for forms and passwords on forms. This is not a good idea if you are on a shared/public computer!

February 17, 2009, 3:10 am: System Notice: This thread has been automatically renewed after reaching a post limit. Most of its content has been moved to this thread for reference purposes.

July 12, 2010, 3:23 pm: System Notice: This thread has been automatically renewed after reaching a post limit. Most of its content has been moved to this thread for reference purposes.

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Dec 25, 2012 01:50 AM
1,064 Posts
Joined Feb 2012
superherodudeDec 25, 2012 01:50 AM
1,064 Posts
Quote from countyline :
I've had several pages flake out in the early AM because pixel.facebook doesn't load, There is one other that doesn't load either which causes pages to fail which I can't remember at the moment. Go back later and they work fine. Facebook apps in general have been kinda flaky the last week or so.
No problems with FB apps here, but I use Chrome. You may want to clear out your private data (cache, history, cookies, etc.) and see if that helps. Good luck and merry xmas, ymas and zmas 2 all!
Dec 25, 2012 03:48 AM
23,805 Posts
Joined Jan 2010
countylineDec 25, 2012 03:48 AM
23,805 Posts
Quote from superherodude :
No problems with FB apps here, but I use Chrome. You may want to clear out your private data (cache, history, cookies, etc.) and see if that helps. Good luck and merry xmas, ymas and zmas 2 all!
Yeah, done all that. FB is still coming and going..Thanks for the reply and happy holidays!
Dec 26, 2012 10:54 PM
5,164 Posts
Joined Sep 2012
robonero954Dec 26, 2012 10:54 PM
5,164 Posts
OK . Here's what I won for X-mas. a $500.00 check (already received). A Nook HD, a $50.00 American Express GC (Instant Win) , a $25.00 Amazon Gift Code (already used). and the granddaddy of all a pair of Diamond Earrings ARV 1,100!
Dec 26, 2012 11:12 PM
2 Posts
Joined Nov 2012
MrsLadyluckDec 26, 2012 11:12 PM
2 Posts
Does anyone know how to submit my photo in the Marlboro capture contest without turning it to black and white. I am using the last filter box on the right, it submits ok then shows up different?
Dec 27, 2012 11:23 PM
4,918 Posts
Joined Aug 2008
lambchop1965Dec 27, 2012 11:23 PM
4,918 Posts
Hi I have been trying for a few months at least 50 a day and use roboform do you think thats why I am not winning...does anyone win using roboform
Dec 28, 2012 12:12 AM
118,455 Posts
Joined May 2006
implodeDec 28, 2012 12:12 AM
118,455 Posts
Quote from lambchop1965 :
Hi I have been trying for a few months at least 50 a day and use roboform do you think thats why I am not winning...does anyone win using roboform
Try manually typing first entry, then saving manually typed pass card if you are concerned a sweeps is picking up robo use. Tha assures its not filling hidden fields. Though I doubt many care about the use of form fillers.
Dec 28, 2012 10:53 PM
6,323 Posts
Joined Sep 2006
KMADec 28, 2012 10:53 PM
6,323 Posts
Quote from amaroo :
It was user error. Didn't know I had to use the left ALT key for it to work.

Now I use LastPass to fill forms, manually check/uncheck extra boxes, and then Simple Form Filler to save the filled out form. Much faster than I was going and awesome for forms that don't allow autofill.
I tried using Simple Form Filler, but when I click to fill a previously saved form, nothing happens - it just remains blank. Any suggestions?

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Dec 28, 2012 11:20 PM
1,103 Posts
Joined May 2008
conehead433Dec 28, 2012 11:20 PM
1,103 Posts
Quote from lambchop1965 :
Hi I have been trying for a few months at least 50 a day and use roboform do you think thats why I am not winning...does anyone win using roboform
You're not missing out by using Roboform. Winning is entirely hit or miss. You say you're entering 50 sweeps a day which isn't really very many if you're dedicated to winning something. If those sweeps are all for single big prizes you might not hit the win column for years. Enter more sweeps with multiple prizes and sweeps with smaller prizes that you wouldn't mind winning. Mix in some instant win games and you might win something every now and then. Most IWGs have winning times that are exactly on the minute, so you can increase your chances by using this - http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/. GL
Dec 28, 2012 11:22 PM
318 Posts
Joined Dec 2011
bittripfanDec 28, 2012 11:22 PM
318 Posts
Quote from conehead433 :
You're not missing out by using Roboform. Winning is entirely hit or miss. You say you're entering 50 sweeps a day which isn't really very many if you're dedicated to winning something. If those sweeps are all for single big prizes you might not hit the win column for years. Enter more sweeps with multiple prizes and sweeps with smaller prizes that you wouldn't mind winning. Mix in some instant win games and you might win something every now and then. Most IWGs have winning times that are exactly on the minute, so you can increase your chances by using this - http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/. GL
I was under the impression that instants were completely random. Can you give a couple examples of instants where the prize are on the minute? Thanks!
Dec 28, 2012 11:26 PM
1,129 Posts
Joined Dec 2011
amarooDec 28, 2012 11:26 PM
1,129 Posts
Quote from KMA :
I tried using Simple Form Filler, but when I click to fill a previously saved form, nothing happens - it just remains blank. Any suggestions?
It doesn't seem to work for all forms, especially facebook or pop-up types. Does it work with any of your forms at all?
Dec 28, 2012 11:43 PM
6,323 Posts
Joined Sep 2006
KMADec 28, 2012 11:43 PM
6,323 Posts
Quote from amaroo :
It doesn't seem to work for all forms, especially facebook or pop-up types. Does it work with any of your forms at all?
I only started using it today and was saving all my forms. Then I decided to try it using forms I'd already filled; so far none have worked, but my sample has been very small. I'll continue to save and try. I appreciate your comment.
Dec 29, 2012 12:17 AM
1,103 Posts
Joined May 2008
conehead433Dec 29, 2012 12:17 AM
1,103 Posts
Quote from bittripfan :
I was under the impression that instants were completely random. Can you give a couple examples of instants where the prize are on the minute? Thanks!
I'm not a prize administrator so have absolutely no way to give you any examples. I play IWGs on the minute and have had my fair share of wins. You don't have to play exactly on the minute, but you are increasing your chances of winning if you do. At the beginning of a sweeps random times are assigned for the IWG prizes. These times are almost always on whole minutes and not fractions of minutes. I'm sure there may be exceptions (MCR possibly). So if you play an IWG at 15 seconds after the minute and you win it probably means you were the first person to play after the winning time.
Dec 30, 2012 07:11 PM
4,456 Posts
Joined Jul 2007
lovelyoneDec 30, 2012 07:11 PM
4,456 Posts
I won a trip earlier this year...since then I have tried to contact the person who is to help me plan the trip a few times to no avail. it's worth about $5K and I was already sent the tax form for it BUT I didn't file taxes on it because I didn't go on the trip yet (I haven't "received" it)

What would you guys do in my situation? continue trying to contact the travel person or should I contact the sponsor to see if I can get a cash option?

While I really want to go on the trip, I wasn't able to plan it before I started my new job which is what I needed to do. Now i can't go on the trip until Nov or Dec of next year. It's going to be at minimum a 10 day vacation from my job.

If I take the cash I can go on a smaller, shorter trip.
Dec 30, 2012 08:59 PM
118,455 Posts
Joined May 2006
implodeDec 30, 2012 08:59 PM
118,455 Posts
Quote from lovelyone :
I won a trip earlier this year...since then I have tried to contact the person who is to help me plan the trip a few times to no avail. it's worth about $5K and I was already sent the tax form for it BUT I didn't file taxes on it because I didn't go on the trip yet (I haven't "received" it)

What would you guys do in my situation? continue trying to contact the travel person or should I contact the sponsor to see if I can get a cash option?

While I really want to go on the trip, I wasn't able to plan it before I started my new job which is what I needed to do. Now i can't go on the trip until Nov or Dec of next year. It's going to be at minimum a 10 day vacation from my job.

If I take the cash I can go on a smaller, shorter trip.
I find cash pretty hard to bargain for, so that seems doubtful to me. Ran into a similar situation when I won a trip to see the Plain White T's from Hanes last year (2011). They didn't schedule any tour dates for the longest time so I was in limbo on getting my trip and it made scheduling off work tough. I was also in a similar situation in deferring taxes to the next year. Communication at times was pretty poor adding to my frustration.

Additionally their was a booking snafu since my concert was during the holidays. My original place I was booked had a single bed at a bed and breakfast instead of multiple beds. Needless to say, I was not sleeping in the same bed with a family member. found out B&B had a rampant cat problem and smelled like cat pee from trip advisor reviews. But all was well when they changed my accommodations to a hotel. Got to see a good concert, and tour some wineries in Napa.

A good trip is worth the extra effort you may have to put in, keep trying.

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Dec 30, 2012 09:16 PM
36 Posts
Joined Dec 2009
DamianMomDec 30, 2012 09:16 PM
36 Posts
I am wondering if anyone got their prize from the LunchAbles instant win game, and if so how long did it take to arrive? It's been over a month, and haven't gotten the prize yet. Thanks!

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