I'm new to this, how do you get notified if you win something?

[tkkmasky]

Do they do it via email, phone, or mail something to you? (I know each contest is different but what way do you USUALLY get contacted stating you won something?

I'm asking because my email has been FLOODED with sweepstakes and other spam since I started entering. So much so that I can't sort out what is legit and what isn't. Like, some emails will say I've won something, but it turns out to be a porn site or something!! I would much rather be contaced by phone or mail IF I were to win something.

Heck, I may already have won something but my email is so bad, I've given up on it. I mean, I get like 75 emails a day, almost all junk.

[stimpy462]

For the "big" wins, I usually get notified by mail/FedEx/UPS or over the phone.

But I have gotten quite a few win notices through me email. I know a lot of people set up an email account just for sweeps and freebies to keep the spam down on the main account. It helps me keep track of things. After a while you begin to recognize which return emails are just spam and you can just delete, or block, them.

Good Luck!


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[teraberry]

If you want to get serious into sweeping you will get junk mail. My DH get up a bulk mail thingy where a lot of my junk mail goes automatically but much isn't caught and I delete every single day about 75 junk emails. I can tell now when something is legit so that if I get a "congrats" in the subject line and I see it's sent from "Prize Notification" or just "Matt" or something I don't even open it. You begin to remember bogus emailers and you also notice what is legit once you start winning stuff.

I get my small wins via email mostly - t shirts, DVDs, VHS', etc, and also have had a few just show up at the door with a letter of congrats.

My big win of a $5000 trip to NYC came by overnight UPS which is about $15 to send so I knew that was something good. But with my other big win, a $3000 exercise equipment, I was notified by email.

I've entered tons and never received a phone call for notification.

If you're just starting... it's really kind of a hobby. There is a knack to it, and it takes a while to get the hang of it. If you continue, the junk email is just part of it. It doesn't bother me, given the fact that it is still fun to win, and to see what other DODers win.


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[mickyphoenix]

Even though I didnt post the question I have to thank you for answering that question. I to am new at this but something told me to just start another email acct for just sweeps. So there I was ahead of things.
One more question I have though is how long were most of you doing this before you won something?
And do any of you have a tricks you use that you may want to pass on?

Thanks for your help

[Dyllan]

I don't know about tricks. But I entered the contest that won my truck and motorcycle about a week after I started entering contests (some of my friends on here kept pushing me to start... I sure am glad I finally listened). Of course, I think I'm the exception rather than the rule.

I usually enter most contests just once, even if they're multiple entry contests. I figure I have better chances in a single entry contest, because everyone else is only entering once also.

Also, if it's sort of a hassle to enter, I'm sure to enter on the assumption that many people won't bother, and thus I have better chances.

-Dyllan

[tkkmasky]

thanks!! luckily I did set up an email just for sweepstakes, so it's not my main account that's getting flooded, thank goodness. I guess I'll just have to bear with the spam and learn to sort through it!

[mormor]

Also, just to add, that most of the phone calls you get regarding "prize notification" or a sweepstakes entry is bogus. I have one two big prizes where I was notified via phone, but I could tell who was calling via Caller ID (for ex, when I won a bike, Raleigh bicycles came up on my caller ID.) Also, the person notifying you of the sweepstakes should be able to tell you who the sponser is for the sweepstakes, the name of the sweepstakes, prize details, etc. Be wary of a 1-800 call back number or messages from individuals who don't give you their first AND last name, along with title.

Also, both of my wins via phone left me very detailed messages. I have received some bogus ones lately saying "Please call Monica (or whoever) at this 800 number regarding your grandprize sweepstakes win." There should be no question as to which sweepstakes they are referring to in their messages.

Good luck! I could use some too.. in a slump lately!

[tkkmasky]

mormor.....thank you for bringing that up, of course it would be easy to scam someone on the phone who just started entering sweeps (like me!) now I'll be wary.....and good luck to you, too!

[mickyphoenix]

You all have been a help to me also...I thank you...
but have each of you won at least something? Or are most of you still trying...
When I use to come to DOD I went straight to the Freebie board. Now I cant stay off this one... lol
SO what kind of stuff have you all won?

lol I have to tell you all my friends are popping in my instant messanger now and saying OMG you are doing the sweeps again arnt ya? lol
This became very addicting, very fast
lol what am I going to do when its time for me to go back to work!!! LOL

[ronirp]

Yes, it is very addicting, and when you win something - even if it small, you want to do more.
I have been sweeping for over a year now. Mostly small wins - a candle, sun glasses, a DVD. This month I had one of my bigger wins - a DVD player. I also won (when I just started) $50 GC. Those bigger wins are nice!
In terms of tricks - since it can take so much time - about an hour to enter all those daily ones and add new sweeps, I choose what I will enter - particularly for those that allow multiple entries. If I do not think I will use it (for example a trip scheduled for specific dates) or cannot give it away - I will not enter.
To find out what people are winning go to the thread of wins - there is one every month at the top of this board. Always nice to see what others are winning, and some are really nice wins!
Good luck.


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[DavidsBaby]

I have been entering sweeps online since last Nov.~almost a yr now and my biggest win has been a trip to London for Harry Potter sponsored by Coke!!! However, this month I won $500 instantly from Lunchables & a laptop 'puter from Lycos(WHOOHOO!!!) Just remember that anything over $600 MUST be claimed on your taxes~so I have to get a 2nd job just to do soJK!!
I have won dvds, games, tshirts, toys, jewlery,make-up,gc,etc-too. I am hooked, lined, & sunk~basically my family calls it my 2nd job
And I haven't even gotten into snailmail sweeps,yet~shoot I don't have the time~someday.
Have fun with it~a lot of friends AND even family make fun of me, but I think they are just jealous

GOOD LUCK!!!!!

[medgirl]

Don't give up! It's so easy b/c it's free to enter, it just takes time. It is really addicting, though, especially after my first big win, in January when I won $21,000 from Coca-Cola! Then recently I just won $189 of makeup from Ellegirl. Plus small things like t-shirts, movies, etc.

I would definitely get turbosweeps and roboform, though. Much faster.


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