Why do companies have sweepstakes or contests?
By offering sweepstakes with major prizes such as new cars, vacations, jet skis, money, PCs, entertainment systems, and cash prizes, companies aim to attract your attention and encourage you to buy their products. How can they afford it? Sweepstakes are part of the marketing and advertising budget. Even if the grand prize is $100,000, it’s only a fraction of what some companies pay for a 30-second TV commercial during prime time. Unlike playing a lottery, the prizes in legitimate sweepstakes are guaranteed to be awarded. Sponsors typically hire sweepstakes judging agencies to manage the promotion and ensure all prizes are awarded fairly, giving everyone the same chance to win.
How do I find sweepstakes to enter?
You can find legitimate sweepstakes in various places: grocery and department store displays, local newspapers, Sunday newspaper inserts, the internet, local radio stations, and more. Some sweepstakes newsletters compile all the legitimate sweepstakes and provide the necessary information to enter them.
How do I enter a sweepstakes?
Each sweepstakes has its own set of official rules. You’ll need the entry information (what the sponsors require), which is usually your name and address hand-printed on a 3×5 piece of paper or index card, the address to mail it to, and the deadline date for the entry. There may be certain restrictions, such as age or residency, or they may allow only one entry per person. All of this information is found in the official rules.
Do I need any special supplies to enter?
No special supplies are necessary. Typical supplies include plain white #10 envelopes, 3×5 index cards or plain paper, and postage. As you enter more sweepstakes, you might want to use colored envelopes or decorate them, but this is unnecessary. Most winners stated that they had won using plain envelopes and paper. Some sweepstakes even require plain white envelopes to ensure everyone has an equal chance.
What are the different kinds of sweepstakes?
Sweepstakes are random drawings. Your entry is put into a pool of entries, and winners are selected randomly. This usually involves sending in a 3×5 card or postcard, entering online, calling a toll-free number, visiting a store, putting your entry in a drop-in box, etc. Variations include regular sweepstakes, multiple drawing sweepstakes, and second chance sweepstakes.
Regular sweepstakes have a single-entry deadline and one drawing. Some may ask you to write a qualifying phrase or answer a few questions. Always read the rules carefully to know what is required.
Multiple-drawing sweepstakes give away prizes at intervals, such as monthly or quarterly. Each drawing has different entry deadlines, and there may be a grand prize drawing along with smaller prize drawings.
Second chance drawings are for unclaimed prizes from instant-win or match-and-win promotions. Many prizes in these types of games are not awarded during the initial promotion, so sponsors hold a second chance drawing to award the remaining prizes. These often have better odds of winning since fewer people enter.
Contests require skill, such as writing an essay, submitting a recipe or photo, or creating a jingle. A judging panel reviews the entries and selects the winner based on predetermined criteria. Because they require more effort, contests typically have fewer entrants.
Raffles are random drawings that require payment to enter. Winning Ways does not endorse raffles, so you won’t find them on our site or our newsletter.
How should I fill out my 3×5 papers or cards?
Print all information neatly and legibly. Include all requested information in the order specified, exactly as shown, including capitalization, punctuation, and abbreviations. This usually includes your name, address, zip code (NAZ), phone number, age, and sometimes a qualifier. Use plain white unlined index cards or paper unless specified otherwise. Typically, envelopes aren’t opened until entries are picked as potential winners, so there is no need to decorate your 3×5 card.
What kind of envelopes should I use?
Unless specified, you can use any size, color, or design of the envelope. Many sweepstakes require #10 envelopes (4.125 x 9.5 inches). If specified, use plain white #10 envelopes. Otherwise, feel free to use colored or designed #10 envelopes. Unless specified otherwise, you can hand address, type, or use labels on the envelope.
What is a SASE?
A self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) is an envelope you address to yourself and include postage on. Fold it and place it in another envelope to send for official rules or game pieces. Always use a #10 envelope for SASEs, even if your state does not require return postage (like WA and VT).
What should I pay attention to when addressing my entries?
Mail your entry exactly as the rules specify. Follow the exact format for addressing, including capitalization and punctuation. While minor details like periods in “P.O. Box” may not matter, pay attention to specified formats like capital letters and hand-addressed envelopes.
What about postcard entries?
Postcards should be at least 3.5×5 inches; the post office won’t deliver smaller ones. If no specific size is required, use standard postcards from the US Post Office, which measure 3.5×5.5 inches. Larger postcards may require extra postage. Do not mail a postcard in an envelope unless specified. A return address is optional, and you can use return address labels or stamps. Write your NAZ and other information opposite to the front to prevent the Post Office from returning the postcard.
Remember to follow the rules!
Entries: Adhere strictly to the rules. If the rules say “Official Entry Form Only,” do not send a hand-written 3×5. Respect entry limits, use specified materials, and provide the requested information. Legible and precise entries increase your chances of winning.
Qualifiers: Include required packaging or handwritten phrases precisely as specified. Contact the sponsor if you have questions.
Envelopes: Use the correct type and address format as specified.
What else can I do to improve my chances?
Every entry has the same odds of winning, but there are ways to improve your chances. Please look at our Hints and Tips section for ideas on how to give your entries an edge. Persistence and patience are key. Enter regularly rather than sporadically, and remember that sweepstaking is a hobby. Stick to a budget and pace yourself.
What happens when I win?
For larger prizes, you’ll need to sign and notarize an affidavit and return it within a specified time. Follow all instructions carefully. Some prizes may arrive without prior notice. Be patient, as it can take months for grand prizes to be delivered. Once you return the affidavit, the sponsor will send your prize.