Slickdeals is community-supported.  We may get paid by brands or deals, including promoted items.
Forum Thread
Sears Discounts, Deals and Coupon Codes

Contests & Sweepstakes Tips, Advice, and Questions

58,150 56,135 June 2, 2008 at 07:50 PM in Other (6) Get Sears coupons Coupons
Deal
Score
+89
2,107,883 Views

Thread Details

Last Edited by BostonGirl March 8, 2015 at 07:18 AM
+89 Deal Score
2,107,883 Views
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.
Good Deal?

Community Wiki

Last Edited by JD123 November 1, 2014 at 11:13 AM
Before we had this thread, limpstar posted this site for info on sweeps & taxes in the I Won Thread:
All About Sweepstakes Taxes
http://contests.about.com/od/taxe...gtaxes.htm

Also consider talking to your tax preparer and/or researching further into your tax responsibility.


I have found this page helpful in understanding some of sweep's law - a sweeps law co.'s site:
The Lustigman Firm; Attorneys at Law
http://www.sweepstakeslaw.com/
The Lustigman Firm provides experienced legal counsel that helps protect the business interests
of its advertising and promotional clients around the United States and Canada

What does " age of majority in your state or province " mean?

(sometimes abbreviated as AoM+ )

it's the legal age of that state or province...

The Age of majority is the threshold of adulthood as it is conceptualized in law. It is the chronological moment when children legally assume majority control over their persons and their actions and decisions, thereby terminating the legal control and legal responsibilities of their parents over and for them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_majority

there's a list by country and by US State there....

For most purposes, the age of majority in the U.S. is 18,
except for 2 states with the age of 19 (Nebraska,Alabama)
and one state with the age of 21 (Mississippi)
and two (American Samoa and Puerto Rico) that retain 14 as the age of majority.
Occasionally PA is listed under the 19+ or 21+

~javaFlower

Regarding missing prizes
If you were expecting a prize you've never received you can complain 1st to the sweepstakes administrator, then to the sweepstakes sponsor and finally to USPS Postal Inspectors

https://postalinspectors.uspis.go...laint.aspx

-Kotik


ePrize Contacts
[email protected] - Bob Marsh, Senior Vice President, Midwest Region, Phone: 248.543.7522
[email protected] - Darlene Morris, Business Manager, Phone: 248.543.7403
[email protected] - Alesya Opelt, Vice President, Marketing, Phone: 248.543.7440


Occasionally a....less than ethical sweep will get posted.
You might end up finding unauthorized charges on your phone bill. Unauthorized charges on the phone bill are what's called "Cramming". Once you contact the company that's charging you, and you have requested your phone company remove the charge, if you so choose, you can file a complaint with the FCC.

FCC Online complaint form: esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm

You can also file your complaint with the FCC's Consumer Center by e-mailing [email protected] or calling 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice or 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY

You can fax your complaint to 1-866-418-0232

Or by snail mail:
Federal Communications Commission
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau
Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20554.

I also recommend a 3rd party block on your line to prohibit this from happening. 3rd party blocks don't affect your phone in any way, except by not allowing some company outside of your local phone company from adding charges to your bill.


Slickdealers on Twitter
(I don't really know where is best to start this list, but I decided to just start it here. If anyone thinks we should move it somewhere else, please do so.)

SD name Twitter name
kdka421 k8fenner
Starbelly Lunachique
dodgers77449 michael0902
sanaperv @slicksweepberry
blueeyeleo  
Slickdealers on Facebook
(Hopefully, it is allowed to post this here. If anyone thinks this link should be deleted, please do so.)
You can find the facebook slickdeals sweepers in this group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/310504039006252/

Track incoming packages
UPS
http://www.ups.com/mychoice/
FedEx https://www.fedex.com/login/web/j...n.jsp?TYPE
USPS https://www.usps.com/manage/manage-your-mail.htm




This post can be edited by most users to provide up-to-date information about developments of this thread based on user responses, and user findings. Feel free to add, change or remove information shown here as it becomes available. This includes new coupons, rebates, ideas, thread summary, and similar items.

Once a Thread Wiki is added to a thread, "Create Wiki" button will disappear. If you would like to learn more about Thread Wiki feature, click here.



















This post can be edited by most users to provide up-to-date information about developments of this thread based on user responses, and user findings. Feel free to add, change or remove information shown here as it becomes available. This includes new coupons, rebates, ideas, thread summary, and similar items.

Once a Thread Wiki is added to a thread, "Create Wiki" button will disappear. If you would like to learn more about Thread Wiki feature, click here.

Your comment cannot be blank.

Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.

Joined Oct 2008
Sweeps Addict
> bubble2 5,152 Posts
1,583 Reputation
Sweepaholic
04-11-2013 at 11:36 AM.
04-11-2013 at 11:36 AM.
Quote from implode :
Anyone get email from Exedrin today...said I won a free bottle. So clicked link and it asked for my date of birth...submitted that info and it then said an error occurred. Now kind of concerned it was a phish attempt.
Same thing happened with me
Like
Funny
>
Helpful
Not helpful
Reply
Joined May 2006
Keeper of the Trophy
> bubble2 116,727 Posts
14,451 Reputation
implode
04-11-2013 at 11:54 AM.
04-11-2013 at 11:54 AM.
Quote from Sweepaholic :
Same thing happened with me
Well not sure it was contest related--might have been from something else...just got of phone with people from email, they said they would look into it.
Like
Funny
>
Helpful
Not helpful
Reply
Joined Aug 2010
L10: Grand Master
> bubble2 8,859 Posts
1,798 Reputation
crazeecee
04-11-2013 at 11:57 AM.
04-11-2013 at 11:57 AM.
Quote from implode :
Anyone get email from Exedrin today...said I won a free bottle. So clicked link and it asked for my date of birth...submitted that info and it then said an error occurred. Now kind of concerned it was a phish attempt.
i had actually gotten a free bottle of Excedrin in mail few days back.. don't remember which sweepstake/freebie it was from.. but may be your date of birth was missing whenever we registered for it..

edit: found it.. i think it was from this: https://slickdeals.net/f/5915060-Free-bottle-of-Excedrin-Extra-Strength-1st-20-000-Each-Day-3-19-3-23-FB-6-00-PM-EST-on-Saturday?v=1
Like
Funny
>
Helpful
Not helpful
Reply
Joined May 2006
Keeper of the Trophy
> bubble2 116,727 Posts
14,451 Reputation
implode
04-11-2013 at 12:02 PM.
04-11-2013 at 12:02 PM.
Quote from crazee_an :
i had actually gotten a free bottle of Excedrin in mail few days back.. don't remember which sweepstake/freebie it was from.. but may be your date of birth was missing whenever we registered for it..

edit: found it.. i think it was from this: https://slickdeals.net/f/5915060-Free-bottle-of-Excedrin-Extra-Strength-1st-20-000-Each-Day-3-19-3-23-FB-6-00-PM-EST-on-Saturday?v=1
Yeah, didn't participate in that--but thanks for the heads up.
Like
Funny
>
Helpful
Not helpful
Reply
Joined Jun 2009
It's fun to do bad things
> bubble2 1,844 Posts
1,298 Reputation
Jang
04-11-2013 at 03:41 PM.
04-11-2013 at 03:41 PM.
Hmm, I received a free bottle of Excedrin today.
Like
Funny
>
Helpful
Not helpful
Reply
Joined Aug 2010
L10: Grand Master
> bubble2 8,859 Posts
1,798 Reputation
crazeecee
04-11-2013 at 05:33 PM.
04-11-2013 at 05:33 PM.
Quote from riverrat317 :
Thanks! Maybe I will wait and give that a try. Sure glad I didn't wait until the last minute and my virtual CC expire.
Got this email from up2urewards regarding $0 balance on a $25 gc that I had won from camel:
"Our card processor currently is unable to load virtual cards. As a result, if
you redeemed your reward in the last 24-36 hours, you will not be able to spend
the money off of your virtual card at this time. Your money is safe and you
will be able to use your virtual card. The card processor is working diligently
to fix the problem. Please check back in 24 hours for an update."
Like
Funny
>
Helpful
Not helpful
Reply
Joined Sep 2006
L10: Grand Master
> bubble2 6,749 Posts
930 Reputation
SwampStomper
04-11-2013 at 08:59 PM.
04-11-2013 at 08:59 PM.
Quote from crazee_an :
Got this email from up2urewards regarding $0 balance on a $25 gc that I had won from camel:
"Our card processor currently is unable to load virtual cards. As a result, if
you redeemed your reward in the last 24-36 hours, you will not be able to spend
the money off of your virtual card at this time. Your money is safe and you
will be able to use your virtual card. The card processor is working diligently
to fix the problem. Please check back in 24 hours for an update."

Thanks! I got the same email.
Like
Funny
>
Helpful
Not helpful
Reply

Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.

Joined Jan 2012
L10: Grand Master
> bubble2 13,523 Posts
466 Reputation
princess101
04-12-2013 at 03:12 PM.
04-12-2013 at 03:12 PM.
When you win a trip, how do you get receipts for everything? I know what the airlines cost, but I was unable to get a hotel receipt. The hotel told me that the amount was 0 because it was already paid for and they couldn't see the price. The travel agency told me it was a package deal and they didn't arrange it
Like
Funny
>
Helpful
Not helpful
Reply
Joined Nov 2012
L3: Novice
> bubble2 180 Posts
167 Reputation
scootermonroe3131
04-12-2013 at 04:11 PM.
04-12-2013 at 04:11 PM.
Quote from princess101 :
When you win a trip, how do you get receipts for everything? I know what the airlines cost, but I was unable to get a hotel receipt. The hotel told me that the amount was 0 because it was already paid for and they couldn't see the price. The travel agency told me it was a package deal and they didn't arrange it

When my sister had the same thing happen 2 years ago, my mom went on the hotel's website and checked on the price of a comparable room and they used that. IRS accepted it without a problem.
Like
Funny
>
Helpful
Not helpful
Reply
Joined Jan 2012
L10: Grand Master
> bubble2 13,523 Posts
466 Reputation
princess101
04-12-2013 at 11:04 PM.
04-12-2013 at 11:04 PM.
Quote from scootermonroe3131 :
When my sister had the same thing happen 2 years ago, my mom went on the hotel's website and checked on the price of a comparable room and they used that. IRS accepted it without a problem.
thank you. I will do that
Like
Funny
>
Helpful
Not helpful
Reply
Joined Aug 2009
L6: Expert
> bubble2 1,258 Posts
334 Reputation
madgejr
04-14-2013 at 08:39 AM.
04-14-2013 at 08:39 AM.
Does anyone know what this contest is from? UPS alert: Shipper: WEBER SHANDWICK
Delivery Commitment: by 10:30 AM UPS Service: UPS 2nd Day Air A.M.
Like
Funny
>
Helpful
Not helpful
Reply
Joined May 2006
Keeper of the Trophy
> bubble2 116,727 Posts
14,451 Reputation
implode
04-14-2013 at 09:12 AM.
04-14-2013 at 09:12 AM.
Quote from madgejr :
Does anyone know what this contest is from? UPS alert: Shipper: WEBER SHANDWICK
Delivery Commitment: by 10:30 AM UPS Service: UPS 2nd Day Air A.M.
These folks have numerous clients...I recall winning from Johnsonville promo they managed a while back. Hope that helps.
Like
Funny
>
Helpful
Not helpful
Reply
Joined Aug 2009
L6: Expert
> bubble2 1,258 Posts
334 Reputation
madgejr
04-14-2013 at 10:41 AM.
04-14-2013 at 10:41 AM.
Quote from implode :
These folks have numerous clients...I recall winning from Johnsonville promo they managed a while back. Hope that helps.
Thanks, and repped, I guess I will find out soon!
Like
Funny
>
Helpful
Not helpful
Reply
Joined Mar 2009
L5: Journeyman
> bubble2 700 Posts
277 Reputation
sandyalip
04-14-2013 at 04:37 PM.
04-14-2013 at 04:37 PM.
Does anyone know if Coke Rewards has a black list? I used to win so many of their prizes, but for the last couple if years i have won zilch. I wrote to them 2x and haven't gotten a response.
Like
Funny
>
Helpful
Not helpful
Reply

Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.

Joined May 2006
Keeper of the Trophy
> bubble2 116,727 Posts
14,451 Reputation
implode
04-14-2013 at 04:43 PM.
04-14-2013 at 04:43 PM.
Quote from sandyalip :
Does anyone know if Coke Rewards has a black list? I used to win so many of their prizes, but for the last couple if years i have won zilch. I wrote to them 2x and haven't gotten a response.
I've gone 2 years without winning--always entered religiously and at the same time every day. I have horrible horrible luck with coke. I thought maybe it was because I banked a ton of points, but never spent them on entering. I used to pick up bottle caps at local stadium and max out entries all year long. Pretty sure that was not intentions of the reward program.

At any rate, the Coke contests are run by eprize, so bigger question to ask yourself is do they have a blacklists. I'm pretty sure they do. I don't think they would blacklist people from the the contests specifically, unless it was all of their contests. I think they would directly ban your acct from coke rewards (you wouldn't be able to log in) if they had an issue with you cheating. The MCR thread discusses such situations. So I guess the answer is eprize decided if you are global abuser, or a local abuser within the MCR system.

Since your account isn't locked chances are its just bad luck.
Like
Funny
>
Helpful
Not helpful
Reply
Page 266 of 643
Start the Conversation
 
Link Copied

The link has been copied to the clipboard.