Slickdeals is community-supported.  We may get paid by brands for deals, including promoted items.
forum threadFreebiesRGreat posted Jun 03, 2008 02:50 AM
  1. Deal Image
Item 1 of 1
forum threadFreebiesRGreat posted Jun 03, 2008 02:50 AM

Contests & Sweepstakes Tips, Advice, and Questions

Sears
9,848 Comments
2,360,260 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.

Feb 27, 2013 10:33 PM
2,930 Posts
Joined Nov 2007
Tyler1986Feb 27, 2013 10:33 PM
2,930 Posts
Yeah, the reason I do them the day before is to avoid those that end earlier than 11:59 ET. I just started sweeping again last month after a 2-3 year break, so this is my way of making sure I don't miss any sweeps, but eventually it'd be nice to fully catch up and enter as they are posted, but then again, that never happened when I was entering before either.
Feb 27, 2013 10:57 PM
173 Posts
Joined Apr 2007
WuvsnoopyFeb 27, 2013 10:57 PM
173 Posts
Quote from implode :
I want to cry, internet was down from 10:30 last night unti now...I'm so behind. Darned snow.
woot

You know you're a sweeper when.....
Feb 28, 2013 12:08 AM
118,455 Posts
Joined May 2006
implodeFeb 28, 2013 12:08 AM
118,455 Posts
Quote from Wuvsnoopy :
woot

You know you're a sweeper when.....
I'm an equal opportunity internet abuser---equal parts work abuse (compared to pleasure). LMAO
Feb 28, 2013 06:30 PM
2,930 Posts
Joined Nov 2007
Tyler1986Feb 28, 2013 06:30 PM
2,930 Posts
Sometime last month I thought I saw a site doing freebies similar to allure's first 500-1000, but now I can't seem to find it. I believe it was another magazine, and I'm not even sure if it was a monthly thing like allure's, but with those coming up it was just on my mind so I was curious if anyone knew of any similar freebies Smilie
Mar 01, 2013 12:08 AM
6,323 Posts
Joined Sep 2006
KMAMar 01, 2013 12:08 AM
6,323 Posts
I'm the potential winner of this: http://slickdeals.net/f/5718312-Nordstrom-Weddings-Pinterest-Sweepstakes-2-17-13?v=1

The prize includes a gift card, a hotel stay (no transportation, no meals, no tips, no travel allowance), and a consultation with a bridal expert (I'm not engaged, but that wasn't one of the requirements to enter). I really just want the gift card ($4K). From the rules, "If Winner elects not to receive any portion of the Prize, that portion will not be awarded and will be forfeited." So, that looks like I can request just that portion, right? That was my understanding, otherwise I wouldn't have continued to enter. The email provided a phone number if I have any questions, but wanted to run this by you experts, first.

What if I want to keep the option open for the trip (I could end up winning airfare), what will happen if take it in 2014 or if I don't take it at all? The rules state, "Advance reservation is required and must be booked by December 31, 2013. Winner will be provided a certificate for resort stay; the certificate will provide instructions for making resort arrangements. Winner must make resort arrangements in accordance with instructions provided on the certificate. Resort stay must be completed by December 1, 2014, or the resort portion of the Prize will be forfeited and no additional compensation will be provided."

If I take the trip in 2014, or if I don't take the trip at all, but don't decline it when I send in the affidavit, what will happen with the 1099? They will send the $4K gift card within a month, so I know the 1099 for that portion will be for 2013; my concern is whether they'll include the resort stay on the 1099 for 2013. Would it be best to just decline that portion right now, or is that something I should discuss with them? Any experience with this type of multi-year prize?
Mar 01, 2013 02:01 AM
1,998 Posts
Joined Jul 2007
fruitdog69Mar 01, 2013 02:01 AM
1,998 Posts
Quote :
Individual Facebook members can connect to a maximum of 5000 Pages. To like this page, you'll need to unlike a Page you're already connected to.
wtf... I hope there's an "unlike all" option or something.
Mar 01, 2013 02:04 AM
6,323 Posts
Joined Sep 2006
KMAMar 01, 2013 02:04 AM
6,323 Posts
Quote from fruitdog69 :
wtf... I hope there's an "unlike all" option or something.
Coverlaugh Guess I'll be saying good-bye to some of my friends; they don't give me prizes like the companies I follow do.

Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.

Mar 01, 2013 02:16 AM
26,018 Posts
Joined Dec 2010
User1144648Mar 01, 2013 02:16 AM
26,018 Posts
Quote from fruitdog69 :
wtf... I hope there's an "unlike all" option or something.
Try this app, makes unliking pages much quicker, especially if you use it on a fairly regular basis (I use it at least monthly). https://apps.facebook.com/unlikeit/
Quote from KMA :
Coverlaugh Guess I'll be saying good-bye to some of my friends; they don't give me prizes like the companies I follow do.
The 5000 page like limit doesn't include friends, only pages. Once you exceed the limit, you have to unlike pages (business/company pages) in order to like more. So, keep your friends, and clear out some page likes if you're close to the limit.
Mar 01, 2013 02:35 AM
1,998 Posts
Joined Jul 2007
fruitdog69Mar 01, 2013 02:35 AM
1,998 Posts
Quote from MLx3 :
Try this app, makes unliking pages much quicker, especially if you use it on a fairly regular basis (I use it at least monthly). https://apps.facebook.com/unlikeit/
Awesome. Pretty annoying they'd cap it but I guess I can see why. Page is taking forever to load but I'm guessing it has to process all those likes. Wouldn't have known what to do otherwise.
Mar 01, 2013 04:53 AM
1,268 Posts
Joined Dec 2008
melan26Mar 01, 2013 04:53 AM
1,268 Posts
Quote from KMA :
I'm the potential winner of this: http://slickdeals.net/f/5718312-Nordstrom-Weddings-Pinterest-Sweepstakes-2-17-13?v=1

The prize includes a gift card, a hotel stay (no transportation, no meals, no tips, no travel allowance), and a consultation with a bridal expert (I'm not engaged, but that wasn't one of the requirements to enter). I really just want the gift card ($4K). From the rules, "If Winner elects not to receive any portion of the Prize, that portion will not be awarded and will be forfeited." So, that looks like I can request just that portion, right? That was my understanding, otherwise I wouldn't have continued to enter. The email provided a phone number if I have any questions, but wanted to run this by you experts, first.

What if I want to keep the option open for the trip (I could end up winning airfare), what will happen if take it in 2014 or if I don't take it at all? The rules state, "Advance reservation is required and must be booked by December 31, 2013. Winner will be provided a certificate for resort stay; the certificate will provide instructions for making resort arrangements. Winner must make resort arrangements in accordance with instructions provided on the certificate. Resort stay must be completed by December 1, 2014, or the resort portion of the Prize will be forfeited and no additional compensation will be provided."

If I take the trip in 2014, or if I don't take the trip at all, but don't decline it when I send in the affidavit, what will happen with the 1099? They will send the $4K gift card within a month, so I know the 1099 for that portion will be for 2013; my concern is whether they'll include the resort stay on the 1099 for 2013. Would it be best to just decline that portion right now, or is that something I should discuss with them? Any experience with this type of multi-year prize?
Congrats! I was hoping to win that gift card. If you really don't want any of the other prizes, it looks like you can opt out of it. As far as the trip, here's hoping you win airline tickets. It looks like you'll be given certificates for resort stay, I wonder if those are transferable. From reading the rules, it looks like you'll get the 1099 for resort stay for the year of 2013 since they'll be issuing you a certificate, so that is considered fulfilled. Talk to them, I don't know exactly how rigid they are in following their own rules. Congrats again.
Mar 01, 2013 05:17 AM
6,323 Posts
Joined Sep 2006
KMAMar 01, 2013 05:17 AM
6,323 Posts
Quote from melan26 :
Congrats! I was hoping to win that gift card. If you really don't want any of the other prizes, it looks like you can opt out of it. As far as the trip, here's hoping you win airline tickets. It looks like you'll be given certificates for resort stay, I wonder if those are transferable. From reading the rules, it looks like you'll get the 1099 for resort stay for the year of 2013 since they'll be issuing you a certificate, so that is considered fulfilled. Talk to them, I don't know exactly how rigid they are in following their own rules. Congrats again.
Thank you so much for your input I'll let you know what happens after I call tomorrow.
Pro
QA
Mar 01, 2013 02:05 PM
3,567 Posts
Joined Feb 2009
rachaelm
Pro
QA
Mar 01, 2013 02:05 PM
3,567 Posts
Quote from KMA :
I'm the potential winner of this: http://slickdeals.net/f/5718312-Nordstrom-Weddings-Pinterest-Sweepstakes-2-17-13?v=1

The prize includes a gift card, a hotel stay (no transportation, no meals, no tips, no travel allowance), and a consultation with a bridal expert (I'm not engaged, but that wasn't one of the requirements to enter). I really just want the gift card ($4K). From the rules, "If Winner elects not to receive any portion of the Prize, that portion will not be awarded and will be forfeited." So, that looks like I can request just that portion, right? That was my understanding, otherwise I wouldn't have continued to enter. The email provided a phone number if I have any questions, but wanted to run this by you experts, first.

What if I want to keep the option open for the trip (I could end up winning airfare), what will happen if take it in 2014 or if I don't take it at all? The rules state, "Advance reservation is required and must be booked by December 31, 2013. Winner will be provided a certificate for resort stay; the certificate will provide instructions for making resort arrangements. Winner must make resort arrangements in accordance with instructions provided on the certificate. Resort stay must be completed by December 1, 2014, or the resort portion of the Prize will be forfeited and no additional compensation will be provided."

If I take the trip in 2014, or if I don't take the trip at all, but don't decline it when I send in the affidavit, what will happen with the 1099? They will send the $4K gift card within a month, so I know the 1099 for that portion will be for 2013; my concern is whether they'll include the resort stay on the 1099 for 2013. Would it be best to just decline that portion right now, or is that something I should discuss with them? Any experience with this type of multi-year prize?
Sorry, I've never won a multi-part big prize like that, but congratulations on an awesome win. I hope the sponsor works with you & you get all you want!
Mar 01, 2013 09:17 PM
6,323 Posts
Joined Sep 2006
KMAMar 01, 2013 09:17 PM
6,323 Posts
Quote from melan26 :
Congrats! I was hoping to win that gift card. If you really don't want any of the other prizes, it looks like you can opt out of it. As far as the trip, here's hoping you win airline tickets. It looks like you'll be given certificates for resort stay, I wonder if those are transferable. From reading the rules, it looks like you'll get the 1099 for resort stay for the year of 2013 since they'll be issuing you a certificate, so that is considered fulfilled. Talk to them, I don't know exactly how rigid they are in following their own rules. Congrats again.
Quote from rachaelm :
Sorry, I've never won a multi-part big prize like that, but congratulations on an awesome win. I hope the sponsor works with you & you get all you want!
Just following up to let you both know that I just got off the phone with the lady handling the sweepstakes and I am able to take just the gift card(s). As for as the 1099 goes, the resort stay portion would be included for the year I actually went to the resort. But, if I accepted the resort stay as part of the prize, then even if I decided not to use it I would still have to pay taxes on it (my understanding is that they'd be purchasing the voucher once I accepted the prize, even if it went unused).
Pro
QA
Mar 01, 2013 09:18 PM
3,567 Posts
Joined Feb 2009
rachaelm
Pro
QA
Mar 01, 2013 09:18 PM
3,567 Posts
Quote from KMA :
Just following up to let you both know that I just got off the phone with the lady handling the sweepstakes and I am able to take just the gift card(s). As for as the 1099 goes, the resort stay portion would be included for the year I actually went to the resort. But, if I accepted the resort stay as part of the prize, then even if I decided not to use it I would still have to pay taxes on it (my understanding is that they'd be purchasing the voucher once I accepted the prize, even if it went unused).
Super cool, glad you're getting exactly what you wanted! I'm always happy to hear of a sponsor who is willing to work with the winners!bounce

Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.

Mar 01, 2013 09:58 PM
1,336 Posts
Joined Aug 2008
jamminsport16Mar 01, 2013 09:58 PM
1,336 Posts
I literally have over 7,000 emails in my Gmail. Does anyone know how one can set up a filter for like the phrases "you win" "you won" or "congratulations" and set up some notification somehow in gmail, because I'm afraid I'm going to win something and miss out because I have too many emails to read over lol.

Leave a Comment

Unregistered (You)

Related Searches

OtherKmartSears

Popular Deals

See All
Found by neomatrixviper
Jun 09, 2026 11:33 PM
Forum Thread
Milo Falls 72" Accent Console, Black $449.99 delivery included Costco.com$450
1
Found by ItsSoCheap
Today 08:22 AM
Forum Thread
29.5" Wilson NBA DRV Series Basketball (Size 6) $9.99 + Free S&H w/ Walmart+ or on $35+$9.99$17
41% off
1
Found by neomatrixviper
Yesterday 02:56 AM
Forum Thread
Homedics Premium Steam Sauna $179.99 cream or Black Free Shipping Costco.com$180$280
35% off
1
Found by Taco_Doomsday
Jun 10, 2026 04:13 AM
Forum Thread
CRAFTSMAN 20-volt max 10-in Straight Shaft Battery String Trimmer Edger Conversion Capable one_size | CMCST915B $49$49$149
67% off
2
Found by wsm
Today 08:58 PM
Forum Thread
WORKPRO 9-Piece Anti-Slip Ratcheting Combination Wrench Set, Metric 8-19 mm $36 at Amazon
0

Trending Deals

See All
Found by hawkblu09
Today 05:36 PM
Forum Thread
10.58-oz Fusion Select Organic Miso Paste (various) from $3.19 w/S&S + Free Shipping w/ Prime or on $35+$4.24$8.99
52% off
2
Found by pennysave
Today 04:22 PM
Forum Thread
$17.99: Nintendo Switch Online 12-Month Individual Membership [Digital Code] at Newegg$18$20
10% off
3
Found by serra
Today 07:04 PM
Forum Thread
Select AirBNB Stays Get Free FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets For All In Party With Booking (Avg $385 Per Night) Across All Host Cities
5
Found by 3NU
Today 06:57 PM
Forum Thread
Disney+ Members: FREE Small Popcorn for Regal Crown Club Members Seeing Toy Story 5$9.00
1
Found by LolaBunny21
Today 06:53 PM
Forum Thread
5-Pack IWOLLENCE Women's Cotton High-Waisted Full Coverage Postpartum Underwear (Various) $8.99 ($1.79 each) + Free Shipping w/ Prime or on $35+$8.99$18
50% off
0