Slickdeals is community-supported.  We may get paid by brands for deals, including promoted items.
forum threadFreebiesRGreat posted Jun 03, 2008 02:50 AM
forum threadFreebiesRGreat posted Jun 03, 2008 02:50 AM

Contests & Sweepstakes Tips, Advice, and Questions

Sears
2,360,986 Views
See Deal
Good Deal
Save
Share
Deal Details
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.

Community Voting

Deal Score
+99
Good Deal
See Deal

Leave a Comment

Unregistered (You)

9,849 Comments

Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.

Sep 05, 2012 03:54 AM
2,976 Posts
Joined Jan 2009
mikenmike0001Sep 05, 2012 03:54 AM
2,976 Posts
Hi,

I've been on SD for couple of years now and I only paid attention to FP and freebies section. I just noticed posts in the "What you got in the mail today" recently and noticed that some of you have won some good stuff from the Contests and Sweepstakes section of SD.

I haven't tried those before because I'm doubtful of winning and also, I don't want to get a lot of spam in the household mail and e-mail from what they do with your personal information:

3 questions:

1) Do you get a lot of random advertisements in your household mail from these contests and sweepstakes? That's definitely something I want to avoid because I have a mall mailbox and share it with the family. I wonder if these people sell your information to other marketers and they start sending you random ads and letters in the mailbox.

2) How about phone numbers, do you get frequent (non contest related) telemarketing calls on it?

3) Do you give them your real phone number and an e-mail address that you have to check on that is required in order for you to confirm the winning entry if you're selected or do you use some throw away and fake phone number and e-mail address?


I'm looking to start getting on this as soon as some experienced people help me answer these questions so that I know what I'm getting myself into.
Sep 05, 2012 04:04 AM
1,133 Posts
Joined Nov 2007
chuckecheezSep 05, 2012 04:04 AM
1,133 Posts
Quote from implode :
Hi,

I've been on SD for couple of years now and I only paid attention to FP and freebies section. I just noticed posts in the "What you got in the mail today" recently and noticed that some of you have won some good stuff from the Contests and Sweepstakes section of SD.

I haven't tried those before because I'm doubtful of winning and also, I don't want to get a lot of spam in the household mail and e-mail from what they do with your personal information:

3 questions:

1) Do you get a lot of random advertisements in your household mail from these contests and sweepstakes? That's definitely something I want to avoid because I have a mall mailbox and share it with the family. I wonder if these people sell your information to other marketers and they start sending you random ads and letters in the mailbox.

2) How about phone numbers, do you get frequent (non contest related) telemarketing calls on it?

3) Do you give them your real phone number and an e-mail address that you have to check on that is required in order for you to confirm the winning entry if you're selected or do you use some throw away and fake phone number and e-mail address?


I'm looking to start getting on this as soon as some experienced people help me answer these questions so that I know what I'm getting myself into.
1. Not a lot, but you will definitely get some junk mail, especially from trip-related sweeps. I've got an average of 2-3 brochures/week since I really started focusing on big sweeps.

2. I haven't gotten any more than I usually get, and the consensus seems to be that marketing calls are not a big concern; just stick to sweeps with well known sponsors.

3. If you're not willing to provide your real phone and email, may as well not bother entering. How do you expect them to contact you in the case of a win? Always be 100% truthful on the entry forms, or you risk disqualification, and then what's the point?

I would suggest doing some reading, starting with the first entry in this very thread about Tips & Tricks. There are a ton of sweeps listed here, so just pick a few that sound interesting and enter. I would suggest somehow keeping track of your entries; many people on SD like to reply to a thread with "Thanks", so that they can track it later. I personally use a spreadsheet for most of mine. I would also recommend starting with instant wins because they're fun, easy to do, and you get immediate gratification. Good luck, and welcome to the race.
Sep 05, 2012 05:11 AM
26,018 Posts
Joined Dec 2010
User1144648Sep 05, 2012 05:11 AM
26,018 Posts
Quote from mikenmike0001 :
1) Do you get a lot of random advertisements in your household mail from these contests and sweepstakes? That's definitely something I want to avoid because I have a mall mailbox and share it with the family. I wonder if these people sell your information to other marketers and they start sending you random ads and letters in the mailbox.

2) How about phone numbers, do you get frequent (non contest related) telemarketing calls on it?

3) Do you give them your real phone number and an e-mail address that you have to check on that is required in order for you to confirm the winning entry if you're selected or do you use some throw away and fake phone number and e-mail address?
1. I rarely get junk mail from entering sweeps.

2. I don't get any more telemarketing/junk calls than I did before I started sweeping, and even then, it's not that many (except in election years....bleh).

3. I give my real phone number & an email address I only use for sweeping. This keeps the sweeps related junk, newsletters, etc. away from my personal email account. A lot of people sign up for a Google Voice phone number, and use that for sweeping. Something you might want to check into.

Welcome to the crazy & fun world of sweeping!
Last edited by User1144648 September 4, 2012 at 10:14 PM.
Sep 05, 2012 05:26 AM
2,976 Posts
Joined Jan 2009
mikenmike0001Sep 05, 2012 05:26 AM
2,976 Posts
Quote from MLx3 :
1. I rarely get junk mail from entering sweeps.

2. I don't get any more telemarketing/junk calls than I did before I started sweeping, and even then, it's not that many (except in election years....bleh).

3. I give my real phone number & an email address I only use for sweeping. This keeps the sweeps related junk, newsletters, etc. away from my personal email account. A lot of people sign up for a Google Voice phone number, and use that for sweeping. Something you might want to check into.

Welcome to the crazy & fun world of sweeping!
Hey thanks for replying.

Yeah, my number one concern is getting junk and advertisement mail sent to my house on a regular basis. I already got some of that from signing up in the freebies section from some of the religious and charity programs (I should never have signed up for those freebies).

I don't mind getting an e-mail address for junk mail.

Maybe I should try a Google Voice phone number, that way, after certain sweeps have ended, I can change the phone number to something else and get rid of the chance of those people calling me right? Is it easy to change numbers frequently or are you allowed just one Google Voice number?

Do the prizes that you win require you clicking on a confirmation link when prizes are announced or accepting a phone call or do they just mail you the prize based on your initial application form?
Sep 05, 2012 05:34 AM
2,976 Posts
Joined Jan 2009
mikenmike0001Sep 05, 2012 05:34 AM
2,976 Posts
Quote from chuckecheez :
1. Not a lot, but you will definitely get some junk mail, especially from trip-related sweeps. I've got an average of 2-3 brochures/week since I really started focusing on big sweeps.

2. I haven't gotten any more than I usually get, and the consensus seems to be that marketing calls are not a big concern; just stick to sweeps with well known sponsors.

3. If you're not willing to provide your real phone and email, may as well not bother entering. How do you expect them to contact you in the case of a win? Always be 100% truthful on the entry forms, or you risk disqualification, and then what's the point?

I would suggest doing some reading, starting with the first entry in this very thread about Tips & Tricks. There are a ton of sweeps listed here, so just pick a few that sound interesting and enter. I would suggest somehow keeping track of your entries; many people on SD like to reply to a thread with "Thanks", so that they can track it later. I personally use a spreadsheet for most of mine. I would also recommend starting with instant wins because they're fun, easy to do, and you get immediate gratification. Good luck, and welcome to the race.
2/3 brochures a week is a lot. Does it eventually end after the sweeps is over or do they keep on sending?

Maybe I'll give my phone number. I figured if I put in a fake phone number and they can't reach me there, then they can contact one of my junk e-mail accounts that I registered with that I check every couple of days and verify the win that way. Would they try to contact you both ways or just pick and choose one way and then go to the next person if say, they can't reach you by phone?

I plan on commenting on threads like how you mentioned to track sweeps.


Quote from MLx3 :
1. I rarely get junk mail from entering sweeps.

2. I don't get any more telemarketing/junk calls than I did before I started sweeping, and even then, it's not that many (except in election years....bleh).

3. I give my real phone number & an email address I only use for sweeping. This keeps the sweeps related junk, newsletters, etc. away from my personal email account. A lot of people sign up for a Google Voice phone number, and use that for sweeping. Something you might want to check into.

Welcome to the crazy & fun world of sweeping!
[QUOTE=mikenmike0001;52977580]Hey thanks for replying.

Yeah, my number one concern is getting junk and advertisement mail sent to my house on a regular basis. I already got some of that from signing up in the freebies section from some of the religious and charity programs (I should never have signed up for those freebies).

I don't mind getting an e-mail address for junk mail and keeping track of sweeps that way since it's easier to get rid of an e-mail account and create another one than trying that with a phone number.

Maybe I should try a Google Voice phone number, that way, after certain sweeps have ended, I can change the phone number to something else and get rid of the chance of those people calling me right? Is it easy to change numbers frequently or are you allowed just one Google Voice number?

Do the prizes that you win require you clicking on a confirmation link when prizes are announced or accepting a phone call or do they just mail you the prize based on your initial application form?
Sep 05, 2012 05:34 AM
26,018 Posts
Joined Dec 2010
User1144648Sep 05, 2012 05:34 AM
26,018 Posts
Quote from mikenmike0001 :
Hey thanks for replying.

Yeah, my number one concern is getting junk and advertisement mail sent to my house on a regular basis. I already got some of that from signing up in the freebies section from some of the religious and charity programs (I should never have signed up for those freebies).

I don't mind getting an e-mail address for junk mail.

Maybe I should try a Google Voice phone number, that way, after certain sweeps have ended, I can change the phone number to something else and get rid of the chance of those people calling me right? Is it easy to change numbers frequently or are you allowed just one Google Voice number?

Do the prizes that you win require you clicking on a confirmation link when prizes are announced or accepting a phone call or do they just mail you the prize based on your initial application form?
I don't use a Google Voice phone number, so can't answer those questions.

Most sponsors send email notifications of wins. Some just mail them (particularly the smaller prizes). Occasionally notification is by phone. Notification process is generally in the official rules. For the bigger prizes, you may have to sign & return an affidavit of eligibility & tax forms. Sometimes this is done through email & scanning the documents, other times the affy is sent through a service like Fedex. There will be a time limit on returning the documents in order to claim the prize. All this info is generally in the official rules, and also included with the documents.

My best piece of advise on entering sweepstakes is this: READ & UNDERSTAND THE OFFICIAL RULES. If you have any questions, this thread is a great place to ask them, and get answers.
Last edited by User1144648 September 4, 2012 at 10:46 PM.
Sep 05, 2012 05:37 AM
1,344 Posts
Joined Apr 2006
law123Sep 05, 2012 05:37 AM
1,344 Posts
If you do use Google Voice..Is it free and can you check the phone messages on your computer, or do you have to call it? Thanks :-)

Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.

Sep 05, 2012 05:48 AM
26,018 Posts
Joined Dec 2010
User1144648Sep 05, 2012 05:48 AM
26,018 Posts
Quote from lah123 :
If you do use Google Voice..Is it free and can you check the phone messages on your computer, or do you have to call it? Thanks :-)
Here's the link to the Google Voice website. You should be able to get your questions answered there. http://www.google.com/googlevoice...ampaign=en
Sep 05, 2012 05:54 AM
1,344 Posts
Joined Apr 2006
law123Sep 05, 2012 05:54 AM
1,344 Posts
Thank you MLx3! I tried to rep but it said I had to spread it around. :-)
Sep 05, 2012 06:01 AM
26,018 Posts
Joined Dec 2010
User1144648Sep 05, 2012 06:01 AM
26,018 Posts
Quote from lah123 :
Thank you MLx3! I tried to rep but it said I had to spread it around. :-)
You're quite welcome. Sheesh, I really dislike being told I have to "spread it around"....sounds so unsanitary. laugh out loud
Sep 05, 2012 06:15 AM
1,344 Posts
Joined Apr 2006
law123Sep 05, 2012 06:15 AM
1,344 Posts
Quote from MLx3 :
You're quite welcome. Sheesh, I really dislike being told I have to "spread it around"....sounds so unsanitary. laugh out loud
Ha Ha Ha... I agree lol
Sep 05, 2012 06:15 AM
3,884 Posts
Joined Dec 2009
sweepstakerSep 05, 2012 06:15 AM
3,884 Posts
Quote from kerri :
Got a winning email from this one today! Http://slickdeals.net/f/4008856-Embassy-Suites-Hotels-366-Days-of-More-Sweepstakes-2-28-13-Facebook?v=1 . Thank you MLx3 for posting! Won two certificates for a one night stay at Embassy Suites.

Also won the $80 visa card from this one back in August. http://slickdeals.net/f/4840042-Hershey-s-Summer-2012-Gas-Instant-Win-Game-18-8-27-12?v=1 . Thanks for posting sweepstaker
You're welcome and congrats!
Sep 05, 2012 06:41 AM
1,344 Posts
Joined Apr 2006
law123Sep 05, 2012 06:41 AM
1,344 Posts
I have another question..I looked to find how to contact someone here on SD....Can you change your name on here? I have a new last name and I would like to change my last initial.. Sorry wasn't trying to get off topic just couldn't find where to ask..Thanks :-)
Sep 05, 2012 07:11 AM
26,018 Posts
Joined Dec 2010
User1144648Sep 05, 2012 07:11 AM
26,018 Posts
Quote from lah123 :
I have another question..I looked to find how to contact someone here on SD....Can you change your name on here? I have a new last name and I would like to change my last initial.. Sorry wasn't trying to get off topic just couldn't find where to ask..Thanks :-)
Go to your account, Settings & Options, 1st tab is Account Settings, and first item is User Name - click edit, then you can request a new user name.

Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.

Sep 05, 2012 08:30 AM
1,344 Posts
Joined Apr 2006
law123Sep 05, 2012 08:30 AM
1,344 Posts
Quote from MLx3 :
Go to your account, Settings & Options, 1st tab is Account Settings, and first item is User Name - click edit, then you can request a new user name.
Thank you so very much! :-) Still wish I could rep you.. But I will be able too soon.

Leave a Comment

Unregistered (You)

Related Searches

Popular Deals

Trending Deals