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forum threadFreebiesRGreat posted Jun 03, 2008 02:50 AM
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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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Apr 26, 2012 03:24 AM
561 Posts
Joined Aug 2011
maxximilianApr 26, 2012 03:24 AM
561 Posts
I agree on consistency for instant wins. It's like someone who plays the same 3-digit number in a daily state lottery. Statistically speaking.....it will hit eventually. The only question being whether it hit before you spent more than the amount you win....which is not usually the case.
Apr 26, 2012 03:43 AM
744 Posts
Joined Nov 2008
mike34Apr 26, 2012 03:43 AM
744 Posts
Quote from maxximilian :
Was out doing some sweeping research and came across this quote from a site with advice:



I'm not sure it holds water. I believe that daily win sweeps use a random number generator after all the entries are pooled. Is this correct? And as for long-term daily entry.....again, all the entries are pooled. The only place I can see this being valid would be instant wins....but even there I have doubts. In most rules sections I read where a computer picks a random time and inserts a "win" into the rotation (Code Marlboro) and the first person to enter after this insertion wins. Correct?
For instant win contests, I think entering when there are the fewest other people playing is the best strategy. Assuming the winning time randomly chosen from a uniform distribution, your odds of winning will be proportional to the length of time between your entry and the entry prior to yours. When there are fewer people entering (probably very early in the morning), your entry effectively counts for a longer time, giving you a greater chance of winning.
Apr 26, 2012 03:58 AM
561 Posts
Joined Aug 2011
maxximilianApr 26, 2012 03:58 AM
561 Posts
On the subject of strategy and time, I looked at long-term daily entry. Sweeps that run for a month or more and just how much an entry is worth relative to previous entries. It occurs to me that after the seond entry, you never get as much impact. In fact, you get rapidly dimishing return on your time investment, particularly if it is a long form that defies autofill and has a captcha. For example....after your initial entry, it goes something like this:

Entry 2 - Improves chances by 100%
Entry 3 - Improves chances by 50%
Entry 4 - Improves chances by 25%
Entry 5 - Improves chances by 12.5%
Entry 6 - Improves chances by 6.25%
Entry 7 - Improves chances by 3.125%
Entry 8 - Improves chances by 1.563%

Not sure of my math (probably wrong)....but you get the point. Diminishing returns as each entry has only half the impact as the previous one. After only a week, additional entries add to your chances only marginally.
Apr 26, 2012 04:59 AM
118,455 Posts
Joined May 2006
implodeApr 26, 2012 04:59 AM
118,455 Posts
Quote from maxximilian :
On the subject of strategy and time, I looked at long-term daily entry. Sweeps that run for a month or more and just how much an entry is worth relative to previous entries. It occurs to me that after the seond entry, you never get as much impact. In fact, you get rapidly dimishing return on your time investment, particularly if it is a long form that defies autofill and has a captcha. For example....after your initial entry, it goes something like this:

Entry 2 - Improves chances by 100%
Entry 3 - Improves chances by 50%
Entry 4 - Improves chances by 25%
Entry 5 - Improves chances by 12.5%
Entry 6 - Improves chances by 6.25%
Entry 7 - Improves chances by 3.125%
Entry 8 - Improves chances by 1.563%

Not sure of my math (probably wrong)....but you get the point. Diminishing returns as each entry has only half the impact as the previous one. After only a week, additional entries add to your chances only marginally.
Problem with your logic is you are assuming your entries are totality of entries...I think a more sensible approach is how your entries relate to total entries on a daily basis.

Assuming more and more people enter, yes your early entries are the most important. That is because over course of entering people lose chances to enter by not entering early on in the process.

Say the following happens
Day 1: You get 1 entry, and 99 other people enter.
Day 2: You get 1 entry and 149 people enter, you now need to look at odds as 2 in 250.

But your odds are better then the people who missed day 1. That is why constancy is key.

That is also why contests with a million different entry methods stink. Unless you are entering every single one a daily basis, chances are people exist with better odds of winning then you.

My goal is always max entries, and best chance of winning...thats also why I think single entries are better for newbies. Newbies don't have the time to consistently enter and are not on the same playing field on dailies as some of us.
Apr 26, 2012 05:54 AM
87 Posts
Joined Jan 2012
dustdivaApr 26, 2012 05:54 AM
87 Posts
Quote from implode :
Problem with your logic is you are assuming your entries are totality of entries...I think a more sensible approach is how your entries relate to total entries on a daily basis.

Assuming more and more people enter, yes your early entries are the most important. That is because over course of entering people lose chances to enter by not entering early on in the process.

Say the following happens
Day 1: You get 1 entry, and 99 other people enter.
Day 2: You get 1 entry and 149 people enter, you now need to look at odds as 2 in 250.

But your odds are better then the people who missed day 1. That is why constancy is key.

That is also why contests with a million different entry methods stink. Unless you are entering every single one a daily basis, chances are people exist with better odds of winning then you.

My goal is always max entries, and best chance of winning...thats also why I think single entries are better for newbies. Newbies don't have the time to consistently enter and are not on the same playing field on dailies as some of us.
This all makes sense but........

I have only started entering sweeps since Nov. 2011 and the two large prizes I won were both only 1 single entry that I made in daily entry contests. The only commonalty between the two is that both entries were made towards the end of the entry periods. Go figure......

Quote from dustdiva :
This all makes sense but........

I have only started entering sweeps since Nov. 2011 and the two large prizes I won were both only 1 single entry that I made in daily entry contests. The only commonalty between the two is that both entries were made towards the end of the entry periods. Go figure......
The other thing I wanted to mention is that I have yet to win a sizable prize ($500) on a daily entry contest and I am pretty consistent.
Last edited by dustdiva April 25, 2012 at 10:55 PM.
Apr 26, 2012 02:20 PM
561 Posts
Joined Aug 2011
maxximilianApr 26, 2012 02:20 PM
561 Posts
Quote from implode :
Problem with your logic is you are assuming your entries are totality of entries...I think a more sensible approach is how your entries relate to total entries on a daily basis.

Assuming more and more people enter, yes your early entries are the most important. That is because over course of entering people lose chances to enter by not entering early on in the process.

Say the following happens
Day 1: You get 1 entry, and 99 other people enter.
Day 2: You get 1 entry and 149 people enter, you now need to look at odds as 2 in 250.

But your odds are better then the people who missed day 1. That is why constancy is key.

That is also why contests with a million different entry methods stink. Unless you are entering every single one a daily basis, chances are people exist with better odds of winning then you.

My goal is always max entries, and best chance of winning...thats also why I think single entries are better for newbies. Newbies don't have the time to consistently enter and are not on the same playing field on dailies as some of us.
As I say, I was looking at the value of entries relative to previous entries....not the total entries made. That number is not known until it's over. I agree with maximizing and consistency....if you have the time. Even a fraction of a fraction of a percent in your favor is a plus. But in cases where someone has to decide what to enter due to time constraints, I am thinking that a good strategy would be to ditch long term sweeps after about 10 entries or so and spend the time you save on single entry.
Apr 26, 2012 02:26 PM
118,455 Posts
Joined May 2006
implodeApr 26, 2012 02:26 PM
118,455 Posts
Quote from maxximilian :
As I say, I was looking at the value of entries relative to previous entries....not the total entries made. That number is not known until it's over. I agree with maximizing and consistency....if you have the time. Even a fraction of a fraction of a percent in your favor is a plus. But in cases where someone has to decide what to enter due to time constraints, I am thinking that a good strategy would be to ditch long term sweeps after about 10 entries or so and spend the time you save on single entry.
I would think a better strategy for those with limited time are instants and single entries...avoid forms entirely that are not fillable, avoid time consuming things that have many ways to enter, and things like essays that take a lot of time and effort.

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Apr 27, 2012 04:41 PM
1,453 Posts
Joined Aug 2011
NNKApr 27, 2012 04:41 PM
1,453 Posts
Don't know why this sweeps [deardoctor.com] struck me wrong. Prize is $5000 to $35000 of dental work. I sent the link to a friend in need and then read the rules... 10 people randomly drawn, then a committee chooses the Grand Prize Winner. No info about the committee or the criterion that will be used to pick the winner. Too vague. It makes me suspicious. The bright side is I'm reading rules (thanks to y'all). Blink
Apr 27, 2012 06:05 PM
2,432 Posts
Joined May 2006
TBotzonApr 27, 2012 06:05 PM
2,432 Posts
Quote from nnkshopping :
Don't know why this sweeps [deardoctor.com] struck me wrong. Prize is $5000 to $35000 of dental work. I sent the link to a friend in need and then read the rules... 10 people randomly drawn, then a committee chooses the Grand Prize Winner. No info about the committee or the criterion that will be used to pick the winner. Too vague. It makes me suspicious. The bright side is I'm reading rules (thanks to y'all). Blink
Wow I would kill for that if it is real!!!!!!!!laugh out loudworshipOMGLMAO No dental insurance and lots I would love to do Smilie
Apr 29, 2012 07:06 PM
710 Posts
Joined Mar 2009
sandyalipApr 29, 2012 07:06 PM
710 Posts
Quote from splattered :
In lots of rules i see postings about not being able to use bots/scripts/automated means to enter... i think i've mentioned this before but i wonder how many disqualifications i've received for using Roboform haha ... I work a full time job and i just DO NOT have the time to go through my big list of contests and enter each manually... i wonder if i've ever gotten rejected because of that. ??? :/
I'm wondering if that's why I won so many trips when I first started sweeps before I used roboform. Now I don't seem to win anything big. I might do an experiment and stop using roboform on some sweeps.
Apr 29, 2012 09:29 PM
118,455 Posts
Joined May 2006
implodeApr 29, 2012 09:29 PM
118,455 Posts
Quote from sandyalip :
I'm wondering if that's why I won so many trips when I first started sweeps before I used roboform. Now I don't seem to win anything big. I might do an experiment and stop using roboform on some sweeps.
I've won all 7 of my trip wins, over 6 years using roboform. Doubt it has any correlation, but if you told me I could win 14 trips...I would be sad.
Apr 30, 2012 03:23 AM
720 Posts
Joined Sep 2008
tunetokyoApr 30, 2012 03:23 AM
720 Posts
Quote from sandyalip :
I'm wondering if that's why I won so many trips when I first started sweeps before I used roboform. Now I don't seem to win anything big. I might do an experiment and stop using roboform on some sweeps.
Probably because there was less people entering then?

When did you first start?
Apr 30, 2012 10:15 PM
561 Posts
Joined Aug 2011
maxximilianApr 30, 2012 10:15 PM
561 Posts
I have wandered into a dry spell as well and have wondered about auto-filling and DQ. Would be nice to know the methods that a sponsor uses to detect their use. I still think that only the most anal sponsors have a problem with roboform and and autofill. I think it's the services and fully automated programs running locally that allow people to enter without visiting the site....that gets under their skin. Has anyone ever gotten a message that actually said they got the boot because of automation? Not that a sponsor is required to do that of course....

One way to look at it, though.....the number of disqualifications a person gets is outweighed by the fact that auto and robo allow for vastly more entries. In short....despite DQ threats....you are still better off mathematically using robo and auto. Just my two cents.....which used to be worth 25 cents, but has been devalued due to inflation.
Apr 30, 2012 11:00 PM
135 Posts
Joined Apr 2012
ReloadedApr 30, 2012 11:00 PM
135 Posts
Quote from implode :
I've won all 7 of my trip wins, over 6 years using roboform. Doubt it has any correlation, but if you told me I could win 14 trips...I would be sad.
Question for you: Over what period of time did you win those 7 trips? And if you had to guess, on average, how many contests are you entering a day?

Thanks.

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Apr 30, 2012 11:43 PM
118,455 Posts
Joined May 2006
implodeApr 30, 2012 11:43 PM
118,455 Posts
Quote from Reloaded :
Question for you: Over what period of time did you win those 7 trips? And if you had to guess, on average, how many contests are you entering a day?

Thanks.
I won my first trip to New Zealand 18 months in. Its been pretty even ever since hitting trip wins. My best year was 2009 where I won both Super Bowl Trip and Tim Mcgraw about about 4-5 months apart. I won 1 trip this year to UFC, and won a single trip last year that I'm still hoping to schedule if it works out. All of that is over 6 years time.

I'm all in kind of person, I generally enter 400-600 entries most days, baring my schedule not getting in the way.

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