Winning a sweepstakes can be 90% luck and 10% knowledge or skill. There are two popular ways to enter sweepstakes. Prior to the Internet, almost 100% of sweepstaking was accomplished by mailing your information to the required promotion addresses, known as snail mail. Entering this way can be costly, having to pay 42 cents each entry. Yet, the Internet offers free entry to thousands of sweepstakes at no cost and is quick and easy to use.
Finding a Sweepstakes
Then best way to enter online sweepstakes is searching link sites. Websites such as www.online-sweepstakes.com and www.cashnetsweeps.com offer links to sweepstakes on the web. The sites organize the sweepstakes into categories of daily, weekly, monthly, unlimited, special interests, instant wins, etc. Choosing a sweepstakes to enter is a personal choice. Enter only what you want to win. You may not want to waste time winning a tee shirt when you can win a car. Be prepared to receive a 1099 for major winnings at tax time the following year.
Following the Official Rules
A lot of people are disqualified because they haven't read or followed the rules correctly. Taking the time to look over the rules is important. Find out how often you can enter and if you are eligible. Some sweepstakes have residency requirements. Age is also a factor of eligibility. A few (mainly MTV owned companies) put an upper age maximum as well. Lastly, always make sure you have filled out the required information. Entry forms will be discarded if information is missing.
Organize Your Sweepstakes Entries
You will find that certain contests are daily, weekly, monthly, and one time only. Setting up a system to keep track of entries is a must.
There are many different ways to go about it. It may take several months to find a system that works best for you. One program created for sweepers, is a free to download software program called "Sweep!". Information from your sweeps is entered into the program. This includes expiration date, frequency of entry, and any additional notes. It can be sorted into different groups such as daily, weekly, and monthly. An alarm clock will appear to remind you to enter again, and a check mark will mean you have already entered. A red "X" means the sweepstakes has ended.
It's also good to have a pattern of when you enter.
Odds of Winning
Odds of winning vary with each sweepstakes. Some rules will state the estimated odds of winning. The longer the sweepstakes runs, the lower your odds. It gives more time for people to enter. If the sweepstakes is limited to one entry per person, then your odds are the same as the other entrants. If you can enter daily, then your odds change. Enter the maximum number of times allowed. Overall, look for sweepstakes that limit the number of entrants. For example, you will come across sweepstakes limited to certain states or age groups. Recognize this as an advantage.
The Winning Results
It's fun to win, but it's easy to get caught up in sweeping. Hours a day can be spent on items you don't need or want, just for the chance of winning something. Happy sweeping!
