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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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Dec 13, 2012 04:05 AM
2,562 Posts
Joined Aug 2008
lemontart68Dec 13, 2012 04:05 AM
2,562 Posts
Quote from atomala :
As an "old school" sweeper from back to 2001, can I just can I can't STAND these FB contests?? Have you all had luck with them? I just can't see liking a random page for a company I'm not interested in to win some piddly little prize.
Same here, can't stand fb at all and only signed up because a lot of sweeps moved there. I've won a few on fb, most was a $500 amex gc. I do hate being part of an interactive ad and I've lost a lot of respect for some companies by moving all this to fb.
Dec 13, 2012 07:39 AM
13,686 Posts
Joined Dec 2007
heyjupiterDec 13, 2012 07:39 AM
13,686 Posts
Quote from cararo20 :
I'm new to this on a big scale, been playing my local market for years.. On IWG like My Coke Rewards, is there a best time of day? I know the current IWG for Southwest has one winner a day...any tip would be appreciated. thx
My sleep schedule is whacky, so yes, I admit to playing the coke games at 4am. In fact, the ONLY time I've won anything from MCR is at 4am, give or take 15 minutes. All four of my wins were at this time.

ETA Make that five wins... 3:40am and I just won a $10 McDonald's GC.
Last edited by heyjupiter December 13, 2012 at 12:43 AM.
Dec 13, 2012 07:56 AM
13,686 Posts
Joined Dec 2007
heyjupiterDec 13, 2012 07:56 AM
13,686 Posts
Dailies vs one time entries....

What's your strategy?

This is how I'm approaching it. I jump on the new dailies so I can get as many entries as possible in a contest, thereby increasing my odds over those who enter only once or a few times. And yes, i make sure to enter every day. If I have time (which I usually don't), I go back and enter the one time entry contests. I leave those for last because I figure I have an equal shot at winning as everyone else.

I'm new at this (started in October) so I'm learning as I go. My two biggest wins so far have been from the instant wins and the dailies.

Sorry if this was recently discussed, as I only read back a few pages.
Dec 13, 2012 03:07 PM
3,843 Posts
Joined Sep 2006
katieryszDec 13, 2012 03:07 PM
3,843 Posts
Quote from heyjupiter :
Dailies vs one time entries....

What's your strategy?

This is how I'm approaching it. I jump on the new dailies so I can get as many entries as possible in a contest, thereby increasing my odds over those who enter only once or a few times. And yes, i make sure to enter every day. If I have time (which I usually don't), I go back and enter the one time entry contests. I leave those for last because I figure I have an equal shot at winning as everyone else.

I'm new at this (started in October) so I'm learning as I go. My two biggest wins so far have been from the instant wins and the dailies.

Sorry if this was recently discussed, as I only read back a few pages.
I do the one time entries once per week. I spend an hour or so on those and then I just "ignore" the posts (you can hide the posts on here...makes it super easy).
With the dailies, I really only enter the ones where I actually want the prizes, that way it cuts down the time I spend entering.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a free autofiller? Roboform says it's going to charge me now and uh, yeah, I'm not paying. lol
Last edited by katierysz December 13, 2012 at 07:08 AM.
Dec 13, 2012 07:33 PM
23,805 Posts
Joined Jan 2010
countylineDec 13, 2012 07:33 PM
23,805 Posts
Quote from katierysz :
I do the one time entries once per week. I spend an hour or so on those and then I just "ignore" the posts (you can hide the posts on here...makes it super easy).
With the dailies, I really only enter the ones where I actually want the prizes, that way it cuts down the time I spend entering.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a free autofiller? Roboform says it's going to charge me now and uh, yeah, I'm not paying. lol
Unfortunately there are very few other choices. Delete a couple of your passcards and roboform should stay free (I believe you are allowed up to ten before it starts complaining)
Dec 13, 2012 07:42 PM
1,964 Posts
Joined Dec 2005
euuser84404Dec 13, 2012 07:42 PM
1,964 Posts
Quote from katierysz :
I do the one time entries once per week. I spend an hour or so on those and then I just "ignore" the posts (you can hide the posts on here...makes it super easy).
With the dailies, I really only enter the ones where I actually want the prizes, that way it cuts down the time I spend entering.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a free autofiller? Roboform says it's going to charge me now and uh, yeah, I'm not paying. lol
I've stopped roboform a few months ago when I started using Google Chrome that has an autofill function.
Dec 13, 2012 07:50 PM
1,964 Posts
Joined Dec 2005
euuser84404Dec 13, 2012 07:50 PM
1,964 Posts
Quote from heyjupiter :
Dailies vs one time entries....

What's your strategy?

I'm new at this (started in October) so I'm learning as I go. My two biggest wins so far have been from the instant wins and the dailies.

Sorry if this was recently discussed, as I only read back a few pages.
My strategy is to keep a folder of all dailies with the expiration date (for example: Nike 12.31) so I can delete them off once they expire. Sometimes the forms continue accepting entries. I only bookmark prizes I really want or can take. For example, I've won 2 trips before that were for specific dates and I had to forfeit the prize because they conflicted with work. That's disappointing!

For keeping up to date on the new posts on Slickdeals, I keep the forum sorted by "Thread Started" and try to keep up to date. Usually I'm a week or two behind new posts so I send myself an email with the subject line "SLICK Posted 12-08-2012, 03:37 PM" so I know the next time I get on to catch up on the new posts I go back to page 11 to the post at that date/time and keep working upwards on the new posts.

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Dec 13, 2012 07:51 PM
720 Posts
Joined Sep 2008
tunetokyoDec 13, 2012 07:51 PM
720 Posts
I am having trouble entering the Womans World and In Touch Sweepstakes, both of them now have phrases to enter to confirm I am not a robot but I can't figure out where to press submit at? I press Enter Drawing because it is the only button I see to press and it gives me a new phrase...helppppp
Dec 13, 2012 08:07 PM
485 Posts
Joined Oct 2012
erueo139Dec 13, 2012 08:07 PM
485 Posts
Quote from katierysz :
I do the one time entries once per week. I spend an hour or so on those and then I just "ignore" the posts (you can hide the posts on here...makes it super easy).
With the dailies, I really only enter the ones where I actually want the prizes, that way it cuts down the time I spend entering.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a free autofiller? Roboform says it's going to charge me now and uh, yeah, I'm not paying. lol
I use LastPass and I absolutely love it! It seems pretty similar to Roboform from what I can recall when I started looking into sweeping. Has autologin, profiles, etc etc. It even works when the automatic filling has been disabled on the page.
And in the rare occasion that it does not work, I have a stickie on my desktop with my email, home address and such that's a quick go-to for copying and pasting. HTH!
Dec 13, 2012 08:13 PM
485 Posts
Joined Oct 2012
erueo139Dec 13, 2012 08:13 PM
485 Posts
Quote from tunetokyo :
I am having trouble entering the Womans World and In Touch Sweepstakes, both of them now have phrases to enter to confirm I am not a robot but I can't figure out where to press submit at? I press Enter Drawing because it is the only button I see to press and it gives me a new phrase...helppppp

I've had this happen to me a few times, try zooming out so you can see everything. For Macs, you can press [apple and - ] to achieve this. I believe it's the command button for non-Macs. Then press [apple and 0] afterwards to reset it. I have to do this for that one PineLogs sweep. HTH!
Dec 13, 2012 09:24 PM
720 Posts
Joined Sep 2008
tunetokyoDec 13, 2012 09:24 PM
720 Posts
Thanks I'll try it, I do have a Mac.....

Here is another one for you guys, all the Ryan Seacrest ones have been saying I've entered with this email, and I know I haven't, happening to anyone else?
Dec 13, 2012 09:37 PM
118,455 Posts
Joined May 2006
implodeDec 13, 2012 09:37 PM
118,455 Posts
Quote from tunetokyo :
Thanks I'll try it, I do have a Mac.....

Here is another one for you guys, all the Ryan Seacrest ones have been saying I've entered with this email, and I know I haven't, happening to anyone else?
I just assumed 12 days was a one time entry and poster was messing up...happens to me also.
Dec 13, 2012 09:46 PM
720 Posts
Joined Sep 2008
tunetokyoDec 13, 2012 09:46 PM
720 Posts
Quote from maimaimai :
I've had this happen to me a few times, try zooming out so you can see everything. For Macs, you can press [apple and - ] to achieve this. I believe it's the command button for non-Macs. Then press [apple and 0] afterwards to reset it. I have to do this for that one PineLogs sweep. HTH!
This might be a dumb question but I haven't had this mac (Macbook AIr) for long, what/where is the "Apple" on they keyboard don't see such a thing? See the Icon on he screen on the top left but nothing on keyboard....
Dec 13, 2012 11:51 PM
485 Posts
Joined Oct 2012
erueo139Dec 13, 2012 11:51 PM
485 Posts
Quote from tunetokyo :
This might be a dumb question but I haven't had this mac (Macbook AIr) for long, what/where is the "Apple" on they keyboard don't see such a thing? See the Icon on he screen on the top left but nothing on keyboard....
There are two; to the left and right of the spacebar. They should also say the word command on them. Hmm, never in my life have I used the right side command button lol.

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Dec 13, 2012 11:53 PM
465 Posts
Joined Jun 2004
elloryDec 13, 2012 11:53 PM
465 Posts
Quote from tunetokyo :
This might be a dumb question but I haven't had this mac (Macbook AIr) for long, what/where is the "Apple" on they keyboard don't see such a thing? See the Icon on he screen on the top left but nothing on keyboard....
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Command_key

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