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Sears Discounts, Deals and Coupon Codes

Contests & Sweepstakes Tips, Advice, and Questions

58,150 56,135 June 2, 2008 at 07:50 PM in Other (6) Get Sears coupons Coupons
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Last Edited by BostonGirl March 8, 2015 at 07:18 AM
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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.
Good Deal?

Community Wiki

Last Edited by JD123 November 1, 2014 at 11:13 AM
Before we had this thread, limpstar posted this site for info on sweeps & taxes in the I Won Thread:
All About Sweepstakes Taxes
http://contests.about.com/od/taxe...gtaxes.htm

Also consider talking to your tax preparer and/or researching further into your tax responsibility.


I have found this page helpful in understanding some of sweep's law - a sweeps law co.'s site:
The Lustigman Firm; Attorneys at Law
http://www.sweepstakeslaw.com/
The Lustigman Firm provides experienced legal counsel that helps protect the business interests
of its advertising and promotional clients around the United States and Canada

What does " age of majority in your state or province " mean?

(sometimes abbreviated as AoM+ )

it's the legal age of that state or province...

The Age of majority is the threshold of adulthood as it is conceptualized in law. It is the chronological moment when children legally assume majority control over their persons and their actions and decisions, thereby terminating the legal control and legal responsibilities of their parents over and for them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_majority

there's a list by country and by US State there....

For most purposes, the age of majority in the U.S. is 18,
except for 2 states with the age of 19 (Nebraska,Alabama)
and one state with the age of 21 (Mississippi)
and two (American Samoa and Puerto Rico) that retain 14 as the age of majority.
Occasionally PA is listed under the 19+ or 21+

~javaFlower

Regarding missing prizes
If you were expecting a prize you've never received you can complain 1st to the sweepstakes administrator, then to the sweepstakes sponsor and finally to USPS Postal Inspectors

https://postalinspectors.uspis.go...laint.aspx

-Kotik


ePrize Contacts
[email protected] - Bob Marsh, Senior Vice President, Midwest Region, Phone: 248.543.7522
[email protected] - Darlene Morris, Business Manager, Phone: 248.543.7403
[email protected] - Alesya Opelt, Vice President, Marketing, Phone: 248.543.7440


Occasionally a....less than ethical sweep will get posted.
You might end up finding unauthorized charges on your phone bill. Unauthorized charges on the phone bill are what's called "Cramming". Once you contact the company that's charging you, and you have requested your phone company remove the charge, if you so choose, you can file a complaint with the FCC.

FCC Online complaint form: esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm

You can also file your complaint with the FCC's Consumer Center by e-mailing [email protected] or calling 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice or 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY

You can fax your complaint to 1-866-418-0232

Or by snail mail:
Federal Communications Commission
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau
Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20554.

I also recommend a 3rd party block on your line to prohibit this from happening. 3rd party blocks don't affect your phone in any way, except by not allowing some company outside of your local phone company from adding charges to your bill.


Slickdealers on Twitter
(I don't really know where is best to start this list, but I decided to just start it here. If anyone thinks we should move it somewhere else, please do so.)

SD name Twitter name
kdka421 k8fenner
Starbelly Lunachique
dodgers77449 michael0902
sanaperv @slicksweepberry
blueeyeleo  
Slickdealers on Facebook
(Hopefully, it is allowed to post this here. If anyone thinks this link should be deleted, please do so.)
You can find the facebook slickdeals sweepers in this group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/310504039006252/

Track incoming packages
UPS
http://www.ups.com/mychoice/
FedEx https://www.fedex.com/login/web/j...n.jsp?TYPE
USPS https://www.usps.com/manage/manage-your-mail.htm




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Joined Sep 2006
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KMA
07-12-2013 at 10:36 AM.
07-12-2013 at 10:36 AM.
Quote from implode :
Anyone else notice that midwest living contests are not working properly?

Ex:
https://secure.midwestliving.com/...est=9100co
The submit button for the captcha seems broken....
On their Facebook wall they stated that they're aware of the problem and are working to repair it.
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Joined May 2006
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implode
07-12-2013 at 10:37 AM.
07-12-2013 at 10:37 AM.
Quote from KMA :
On their Facebook wall they stated that they're aware of the problem and are working to repair it.
Cool deal, thanks for the update nod
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Joined Jun 2007
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dgleeson
07-12-2013 at 11:42 AM.
07-12-2013 at 11:42 AM.
Speaking of Midwest Living, I wish Meredith would make their system like the Hearst login system where you generally STAY logged in across all sites unless you log out.
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Joined Dec 2010
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Virago06
07-13-2013 at 06:17 AM.
07-13-2013 at 06:17 AM.
On Thursday I was notified via voicemail that I was one of 3 Grand prize winners for Sundays nights show in Burggettstown PA. They said the tix would arrive Friday via mail. I rec'd a UPS alert for a .2 oz package from Don Jagoda that was to arrive Friday by 10:30 am. I rec'd an updated alert on Friday stating they did not receive the package. I called Don Jagoda & left voicemail inquiring about the tix. Never heard back though. Rec'd another UPS update this morning, the package will arrive on Monday, by 10:30. The day after the show.
https://slickdeals.net/f/6122076-Walmart-Kraft-Foods-Kool-Aid-Summer-Creations-Sweepstakes-8-6-13-photo?v=1&p=60634838
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implode
07-13-2013 at 07:52 AM.
07-13-2013 at 07:52 AM.
Quote from Virago06 :
On Thursday I was notified via voicemail that I was one of 3 Grand prize winners for Sundays nights show in Burggettstown PA. They said the tix would arrive Friday via mail. I rec'd a UPS alert for a .2 oz package from Don Jagoda that was to arrive Friday by 10:30 am. I rec'd an updated alert on Friday stating they did not receive the package. I called Don Jagoda & left voicemail inquiring about the tix. Never heard back though. Rec'd another UPS update this morning, the package will arrive on Monday, by 10:30. The day after the show.
https://slickdeals.net/f/6122076-Walmart-Kraft-Foods-Kool-Aid-Summer-Creations-Sweepstakes-8-6-13-photo?v=1&p=60634838
Maybe you could call the box office about your situation...

I would call UPS locally also and see if you can pick up the tickets. Perhaps they are sitting in your local warehouse?
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Joined Dec 2010
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Virago06
07-13-2013 at 08:27 AM.
07-13-2013 at 08:27 AM.
Quote from Virago06 :
On Thursday I was notified via voicemail that I was one of 3 Grand prize winners for Sundays nights show in Burggettstown PA. They said the tix would arrive Friday via mail. I rec'd a UPS alert for a .2 oz package from Don Jagoda that was to arrive Friday by 10:30 am. I rec'd an updated alert on Friday stating they did not receive the package. I called Don Jagoda & left voicemail inquiring about the tix. Never heard back though. Rec'd another UPS update this morning, the package will arrive on Monday, by 10:30. The day after the show.
https://slickdeals.net/f/6122076-Walmart-Kraft-Foods-Kool-Aid-Summer-Creations-Sweepstakes-8-6-13-photo?v=1&p=60634838
Quote from implode :
Maybe you could call the box office about your situation...

I would call UPS locally also and see if you can pick up the tickets. Perhaps they are sitting in your local warehouse?
Good suggestion on the box office. UPS, I don't think I'll get very far. I deal with FedEx & UPS everyday at work - have some pull with FedEx, but UPS not so much. Plus the local UPS hub moved from my town this past April to somewhere quite a distance away. I'll try the old number & see if it works. Thanks for the tips!
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implode
07-13-2013 at 09:13 AM.
07-13-2013 at 09:13 AM.
So getting facebook error on offerpop sweeps again (/n server), really annoying to constantly have to manually remove cookies...wonder whats going on with their sweeps.
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Joined Dec 2010
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Virago06
07-13-2013 at 05:57 PM.
07-13-2013 at 05:57 PM.
Quote from Virago06 :
On Thursday I was notified via voicemail that I was one of 3 Grand prize winners for Sundays nights show in Burggettstown PA. They said the tix would arrive Friday via mail. I rec'd a UPS alert for a .2 oz package from Don Jagoda that was to arrive Friday by 10:30 am. I rec'd an updated alert on Friday stating they did not receive the package. I called Don Jagoda & left voicemail inquiring about the tix. Never heard back though. Rec'd another UPS update this morning, the package will arrive on Monday, by 10:30. The day after the show.
https://slickdeals.net/f/6122076-Walmart-Kraft-Foods-Kool-Aid-Summer-Creations-Sweepstakes-8-6-13-photo?v=1&p=60634838
I emailed DJ earlier this morning & surprise - rec'd an email response before noon. Haven't heard a word back though. Box office no help. Looks like I am sol on this one. Perhaps something better is coming my way!

Emailed response is below:

I'm so sorry about this inconvenience. We are researching the delivery of your tickets with UPS and will follow-up as soon as possible
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Joined Mar 2013
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credmond
07-13-2013 at 06:10 PM.
07-13-2013 at 06:10 PM.
Quote from Virago06 :
I emailed DJ earlier this morning & surprise - rec'd an email response before noon. Haven't heard a word back though. Box office no help. Looks like I am sol on this one. Perhaps something better is coming my way!

Emailed response is below:

I'm so sorry about this inconvenience. We are researching the delivery of your tickets with UPS and will follow-up as soon as possible
There should be a way to get the tickets reissued and available for you at will call. Or at least find you another pair. I feel for you, I'd be so disappointed and angry. Hope they can just have it delivered to you tomorrow. Good luck.
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Virago06
07-14-2013 at 08:44 AM.
07-14-2013 at 08:44 AM.
Quote from Virago06 :
On Thursday I was notified via voicemail that I was one of 3 Grand prize winners for Sundays nights show in Burggettstown PA. They said the tix would arrive Friday via mail. I rec'd a UPS alert for a .2 oz package from Don Jagoda that was to arrive Friday by 10:30 am. I rec'd an updated alert on Friday stating they did not receive the package. I called Don Jagoda & left voicemail inquiring about the tix. Never heard back though. Rec'd another UPS update this morning, the package will arrive on Monday, by 10:30. The day after the show.
https://slickdeals.net/f/6122076-Walmart-Kraft-Foods-Kool-Aid-Summer-Creations-Sweepstakes-8-6-13-photo?v=1&p=60634838
Quote from Virago06 :
I emailed DJ earlier this morning & surprise - rec'd an email response before noon. Haven't heard a word back though. Box office no help. Looks like I am sol on this one. Perhaps something better is coming my way!

Emailed response is below:

I'm so sorry about this inconvenience. We are researching the delivery of your tickets with UPS and will follow-up as soon as possible
Quote from credmond :
There should be a way to get the tickets reissued and available for you at will call. Or at least find you another pair. I feel for you, I'd be so disappointed and angry. Hope they can just have it delivered to you tomorrow. Good luck.
Good to go now!

Sorry again for any inconvenience this delay has caused you. We have secured new tickets for you! They will be available when you check-in for the meet & greet. Following are the details for the meet & greet with Big Time Rush!
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Joined May 2006
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implode
07-14-2013 at 11:23 AM.
07-14-2013 at 11:23 AM.
Quote from Virago06 :
Good to go now!

Sorry again for any inconvenience this delay has caused you. We have secured new tickets for you! They will be available when you check-in for the meet & greet. Following are the details for the meet & greet with Big Time Rush!
Glad this worked out for you, was concerned it wouldn't. Have a good time at the show Smilie
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Joined May 2006
Keeper of the Trophy
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implode
07-14-2013 at 08:28 PM.
07-14-2013 at 08:28 PM.
Ethics Question: Say you find some info on a contest, that web developers were sloppy. Do you you write them to expose the mistake? exploit it to get ahead in the contest? While I don't think the mistake would give me a statistical advantage over others, it might help me in in other ways.
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Joined Nov 2008
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elangomatt
07-15-2013 at 09:03 AM.
07-15-2013 at 09:03 AM.
Quote from implode :
Ethics Question: Say you find some info on a contest, that web developers were sloppy. Do you you write them to expose the mistake? exploit it to get ahead in the contest? While I don't think the mistake would give me a statistical advantage over others, it might help me in in other ways.
I personally would not take advantage of the exploit because is there really anything worse than winning a big prize then having it taken back because they found out you took advantage of some exploit? Even if it was a mistake on their part there is usually something in the rules that says they can do that. I would take a few minutes to try to find contact info for the sweep admins, but I wouldn't waste too much time looking. I figure that if I'm not going to exploit it, then why should I let someone else take advantage and possibly not get caught.
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Joined May 2006
Keeper of the Trophy
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implode
07-15-2013 at 01:57 PM.
07-15-2013 at 01:57 PM.
Quote from elangomatt :
I personally would not take advantage of the exploit because is there really anything worse than winning a big prize then having it taken back because they found out you took advantage of some exploit? Even if it was a mistake on their part there is usually something in the rules that says they can do that. I would take a few minutes to try to find contact info for the sweep admins, but I wouldn't waste too much time looking. I figure that if I'm not going to exploit it, then why should I let someone else take advantage and possibly not get caught.
I have tried to report the issue, but not getting a response from the company/judging agency. Maybe they are reluctant to admit they made a mistake. I'm kind of afraid me doing the right thing and pointing it out may get me disqualified. Sadwalk Even though I have good intentions.
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Joined Oct 2010
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JD123
07-15-2013 at 02:40 PM.
07-15-2013 at 02:40 PM.
Quote from implode :
Ethics Question: Say you find some info on a contest, that web developers were sloppy. Do you you write them to expose the mistake? exploit it to get ahead in the contest? While I don't think the mistake would give me a statistical advantage over others, it might help me in in other ways.
Of course you let them know.
Quote from implode :
I have tried to report the issue, but not getting a response from the company/judging agency. Maybe they are reluctant to admit they made a mistake. I'm kind of afraid me doing the right thing and pointing it out may get me disqualified. Sadwalk Even though I have good intentions.
When you let them know depends on the specifics. Is it unabusable? or just that you personally aren't going to abuse it? Is it a large sweeps company or a Mom and Pop whose kid is learning how to make websites? Is it something simple like having the answers in the html, or something more serious like posting private information? If they were accidentally posting the answers to inane, tedious questions, I might abuse the info until the end of the contest. If it were something more like Marlboro OWTW, I'd let them know immediately*.

I'm not sure why they'd DQ you--they should be hiring you to help them.
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Last edited by JD123 July 15, 2013 at 02:41 PM.
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