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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

Sears
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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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Nov 21, 2012 04:27 AM
1,577 Posts
Joined Feb 2008
MarceilleNov 21, 2012 04:27 AM
1,577 Posts
Hi everyone,

I have a couple questions...

Can I delete all the facebook apps after entering sweeps, or are they sometimes necessary for the contests?

Also, I see some facebook posts naming winners and for them to contact the contest holder. Is that common, without emailing the person as well? I haven't been checking my wall for any of these updates.

Thanks!
Nov 21, 2012 04:39 AM
105 Posts
Joined Oct 2012
MOSCHUNONov 21, 2012 04:39 AM
105 Posts
Okay so i won a $25.00 itunes gift card and on the prize form they sent it asked for a SSN. I sent the form back filling out everything but that and they contacted me saying it was needed because the gift card is considered taxable income and they assured me that they won't share the number and can take it over the phone if i don't want to email it. Is this normal to give SSN for such a small prize?
The prize is from University of Wisconsin. Its an online school.
Nov 21, 2012 04:43 AM
118,455 Posts
Joined May 2006
implodeNov 21, 2012 04:43 AM
118,455 Posts
Quote from MOSCHUNO :
Okay so i won a $25.00 itunes gift card and on the prize form they sent it asked for a SSN. I sent the form back filling out everything but that and they contacted me saying it was needed because the gift card is considered taxable income and they assured me that they won't share the number and can take it over the phone if i don't want to email it. Is this normal to give SSN for such a small prize?
The prize is from University of Wisconsin. Its an online school.
I would say them wanting soc sec # is fairly uncommon for such a small item. Happens to all of us from time to time. I refused winning a blu ray set for that same reason from mens health about a year ago. Just a very good idea to limit instances of that data in the wild.
Nov 21, 2012 06:39 AM
8,994 Posts
Joined Jan 2006
allyn9Nov 21, 2012 06:39 AM
8,994 Posts
Quote from MOSCHUNO :
Okay so i won a $25.00 itunes gift card and on the prize form they sent it asked for a SSN. I sent the form back filling out everything but that and they contacted me saying it was needed because the gift card is considered taxable income and they assured me that they won't share the number and can take it over the phone if i don't want to email it. Is this normal to give SSN for such a small prize?
The prize is from University of Wisconsin. Its an online school.
My gut is, like the local radio stations around here who are part of the nationwide Clear Channel, the sponsor is truly following the letter of the law and reporting all wins to the IRS and thus the need for your social security number. If the sponsor is truly the University of WIsconsin, I would hope your information would be safe with them.
Nov 21, 2012 08:40 PM
2,562 Posts
Joined Aug 2008
lemontart68Nov 21, 2012 08:40 PM
2,562 Posts
Quote from MOSCHUNO :
Okay so i won a $25.00 itunes gift card and on the prize form they sent it asked for a SSN. I sent the form back filling out everything but that and they contacted me saying it was needed because the gift card is considered taxable income and they assured me that they won't share the number and can take it over the phone if i don't want to email it. Is this normal to give SSN for such a small prize?
The prize is from University of Wisconsin. Its an online school.
I've never been asked for SSN on such a small prize and frankly, I would just refuse it if it were me.
Nov 22, 2012 09:30 PM
2,399 Posts
Joined May 2007
Soinlove01Nov 22, 2012 09:30 PM
2,399 Posts
How do you guys find out how much to price wins to sell? I have a sealed 16gb iPhone 5 that will arrive on Monday. I will only sell local but I am not sure how to find a price? Hoping it sells well because I need the money for Christmas, anyone know what they are going for?
Nov 22, 2012 11:09 PM
118,455 Posts
Joined May 2006
implodeNov 22, 2012 11:09 PM
118,455 Posts
Quote from Soinlove01 :
How do you guys find out how much to price wins to sell? I have a sealed 16gb iPhone 5 that will arrive on Monday. I will only sell local but I am not sure how to find a price? Hoping it sells well because I need the money for Christmas, anyone know what they are going for?
I would think 50% might be tricky...many places phones are free with contract. Might check completed ebay auctions.

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Nov 23, 2012 12:13 AM
2,399 Posts
Joined May 2007
Soinlove01Nov 23, 2012 12:13 AM
2,399 Posts
50% of retail you mean? What is the retail value? I also don't know how to check finished ebay auctions... I was under the impression that once an auction ended it drops off the list so I can't find one that's done. Thank you for your help btw Smilie
Nov 23, 2012 12:16 AM
1,461 Posts
Joined Dec 2009
LurkedUrWinNov 23, 2012 12:16 AM
1,461 Posts
Quote from implode :
I would think 50% might be tricky...many places phones are free with contract. Might check completed ebay auctions.
Sorry Implode but I respectfully disagree here. An iPhone 5 out of contract fetches upwards of $800 because you aren't tied to a carrier and can do whatever you want with the phone (international use mostly). If you go to a store and buy one without a contract the minimum they will charge is $600 and that's if you can even find one right now.
Nov 23, 2012 12:30 AM
1,980 Posts
Joined Jan 2007
WalkingDisasterNov 23, 2012 12:30 AM
1,980 Posts
Quote from Soinlove01 :
I also don't know how to check finished ebay auctions... I was under the impression that once an auction ended it drops off the list so I can't find one that's done. Thank you for your help btw Smilie
When you're doing a search, go to the "Buying Formats" part of the left sidebar and click 'choose more.' Once you get the pop up, click on 'Completed Listings' and then 'Go.'
Here's a pic just in case the explanation is confusing.
Nov 23, 2012 03:24 AM
1,358 Posts
Joined Apr 2006
jesterfxNov 23, 2012 03:24 AM
1,358 Posts
Quote from Soinlove01 :
How do you guys find out how much to price wins to sell? I have a sealed 16gb iPhone 5 that will arrive on Monday. I will only sell local but I am not sure how to find a price? Hoping it sells well because I need the money for Christmas, anyone know what they are going for?
Easiest way to get a "real world" value is to just search for other listings on places like craigslist. See what others are offering them at, maybe even bookmark those listings and see how quick they are deleted (likely sold). If you want to sell faster beat the general average price. Having it factory sealed will help too.

Just be ready for all the low ball offers you get if you do list it. But eventually someone that is serious and knows the value will pick it up...usually after at least a little negotiations lol.

Back when Sprint had annual upgrades, where you only had to pay $200 for the brand new phones, with new two year contract extensions, I used to actually make a profit from it. I could almost always sell my year old phone for more than the $200 for the new phone. Having a more recently released iphone should be even easier to sell around this time. Phones without contracts are great for gifts.
Nov 23, 2012 05:52 PM
2,399 Posts
Joined May 2007
Soinlove01Nov 23, 2012 05:52 PM
2,399 Posts
Thank you for all the advice everyone. I checked completed ebay ads and looks like it goes from $500-$700. Does putting a firm price work or should I increase the value and expect the buyer to haggle the price to what I want?
Nov 23, 2012 09:18 PM
118,455 Posts
Joined May 2006
implodeNov 23, 2012 09:18 PM
118,455 Posts
Quote from LurkedUrWin :
Sorry Implode but I respectfully disagree here. An iPhone 5 out of contract fetches upwards of $800 because you aren't tied to a carrier and can do whatever you want with the phone (international use mostly). If you go to a store and buy one without a contract the minimum they will charge is $600 and that's if you can even find one right now.
Why would someone pay retail from a non store? That is very optimistic, considering. 1) you risk refurbs 2) you are warranty risk 3) you are a knock off risk.

I wouldn't pay full price and take those risks on an expensive item. In my area iPhones don't command a premium over msrp. Half the people are willing to accept a two year contract to get one for free. I had my new in box blackberry pearl when it came out for sale for two months on Craig's for half of msrp with no bites.
Nov 23, 2012 11:02 PM
1,461 Posts
Joined Dec 2009
LurkedUrWinNov 23, 2012 11:02 PM
1,461 Posts
Quote from implode :
Why would someone pay retail from a non store? That is very optimistic, considering. 1) you risk refurbs 2) you are warranty risk 3) you are a knock off risk.

I wouldn't pay full price and take those risks on an expensive item. In my area iPhones don't command a premium over msrp. Half the people are willing to accept a two year contract to get one for free. I had my new in box blackberry pearl when it came out for sale for two months on Craig's for half of msrp with no bites.
Blackberry and iPhone is an apples to oranges comparison. iPhone's command a premium, just take a look at Craigslist if you want to see for yourself. Also, because the iPhone 5 is so new, you really can't be at risk of warranty because it's an automatic 1 year from purchase and if you get tricked with an iPhone for a knockoff, you might deserve being ripped off because you don't know your product at all. I have had iPhone's since the 3G and have sold them all for more than I paid when I bought them because there are people that will pay to not have to sign a new contract.

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Nov 23, 2012 11:49 PM
118,455 Posts
Joined May 2006
implodeNov 23, 2012 11:49 PM
118,455 Posts
1) I was talking about new product shortly after release.

2) if someone pays over face for a new iPhone now they are an idiot...can get them well under msrp because of Black Friday. And easily for msrp before today.

3) if you are a third party you void the warranty, unless you comit fraud when registering it.

I don't think it's typical to get anywhere close to msrp on phones.

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