Q. I have noticed that Online Sweepstakes that are listed suggest that you don't enter another person on the same computer. Does that also work for the instant wins by ePrize? I don't want to jeopardize my entries in any way!

Some people have been disqualified by entering more than one person from the same internet connection. Note that two computers using the same internet connection in your house look like the same computer to ePrize.

There was an interview with the ceo of ePrize a few years ago where he made it sound like they mostly disqualify the same computer entering multiple people within a short period of time, but there have been those on this board who have been disqualified with entries on separate days.

Personally, I enter only myself in the ePrize instants until I win. Then, the next day I start entering my husband. There have been sweeps were all 4 family members won instant prizes before it was over, and we were not disqualified. There was also a sweeps where I won instantly and my husband won the grand prize. Everyone needs to decide for themselves how much risk they're willing to take.

• Please only list prizes that you won in a sweepstakes. If possible mention the name of the sweepstakes you won the prize from.
• Only post the offer once.
• When you agree on the details from another reader please follow through on sending the prize and sending the money immediately. Communucation is key.
• readers who do not follow through on the trade will be suspended from their subscription. We expect a fair trade byall.
• Please go back to conversation corner and post that your prize has been traded. That is commom courtesy letting people know that the prize is no longer available.

1. Index of all sweeps is found on the sweeps landing page.
   1. Click on 'Member Access'.
   2. Click on 'Sweepstakes Listings'.
   3. Click on 'Index'.
   4. At the top is a box showing the year. Be sure to change that to 2016 if you're looking for an older sweeps.
2. While holding down the CTRL key on your keyboard, press down on the 'F' key.
3. Let up on both keys at the same time.  This opens up a search window.
4. Type in just one unique word from the name of the sweeps in the search window.  You'll be taken to the first instance that word is mentioned in the index.
5. if that is not the sweeps you were looking for, click the words 'find next' in the search window.

1. If the P.O. Box has closed, your entry will be returned to you, so you know not to continue sending to that sweeps.
2. If there are thousands of secondary prizes, the sponsor might take your name and address off of the return address label, rather than open the envelope. It could work in your favor if they are drawn to those with labels first. This does ~not~ mean your entry will not be chosen if it does not have a return address on it. It just means it causes less work for the judging agency if they can read your name and address right off of your label.

1. On your tool bar, click on Tools
2. Next, click on Internet Options
3. Then click on Content
4. Click on AutoComplete.
5. Place a check in all the boxes.
6. Click on OK.
7. Exit the box by clicking the tiny x in the upper right hand corner.

1. Typing addresses when the rules specify hand-addressed.
2. Using another size envelope when #10's are required.
3. Using the wrong size card than what is required.
4. Leaving off required information.
5. Mailing too close to the deadline, and thus missing it.
6. Putting all you entries into one envelope rather than mailing them separately.
7. Entering more than once when you are only allowed to enter once.
8. Entering sweeps sponsored by the same company where you or a family member work.
9. Entering sweeps for a certain age group, when you are younger or older than what is allowed.
10. Putting postcards inside envelopes.
11. Not putting flimsy 3X5 papers or 3X5 cards inside envelopes, and mailing them as is, with just the stamp right on them.
12. Entering for sweeps that aren't open to your state.
13. Writing your info in "script lettering" instead of printing it.
14. Typing or computer printing your info onto paper or cards.
15. Photocopying your 3x5's and cutting them up to send them in. (mechanically reproducing them)
16. Using a return address label on the 3x5 or postcard for your information instead of printing it out.
17. When you do win - Not getting the affidavit back to the Judging agency within the specific time limit.
18. Not reading the fine print rules.

Most, if not all, of these mistakes can be avoided by reading the fine print, but that is the number one beginner mistake.

1. First, print the address of the sponsor on the postcard the normal way.
2. Then...tilt the postcard 90 degrees and print your own entry information along that direction. (picture this as if you were endorsing a check) The reasoning behind this is because the postcards go through a postal machine, and if your own entry information is situated on the postcard exactly as is the sponsor's address, the machine might pick up your own address instead of the one it's supposed to be going to and send it to you. Thus, you get your entry right back.

1. Cut out as many postcards from your cereal or hamburger helper boxes as you can.
2. Do not write anything on the side with the picture...only use the plain side for your entry info.
3. Draw a squiggly line down the middle of it. On the right side, put the word: "TO:" and on the left side, put the word: "FROM:".
4. The stamp will go in the upper right hand corner.
5. Any card over 4 1/4"X6" inches will need more than 35¢, so take that into consideration. The smallest size postcard accepted by the post office is 3.5"X5".

1. Look at the letter accompanying the prize for an address.
2. Look at the back of their product for an address.
3. Go to the sponsor's website and look for the "contact us" link.
4. Look for the address for the judging agency, and have them forward your letter to the appropriate person.

Dear: [insert sponsor's name here]

I was so surprised and delighted to win a prize in the {insert the name of the sweepstakes here]. It arrived today, and I know I will get a lot of enjoyment from it. Thank you for sponsoring the sweepstakes. It was so much fun entering it, and while your product had always been a favorite of mine, now it will always be at the front of my mind while shopping.

Sincerely:

Carolina Sweepers Annual Fall  Festival
Location: Charlotte, NC
Date: October 19-21, 2018
Hotel: Renaissance Charlotte Suites
Website: https://csfallfestival.com/



2019 National Sweepstakes Convention
Location: San Diego, CA.
Date: August 1-4, 2019
Hotel: Town & Country Resort, San Diego.
Website: https://www.2019sweepstakesconvention.com/
 

The first place to check if you are unsure if a win is legitimate is right here on www.sweepsheet.com. Post the information on conversation corner under general discussion. Our readers are very informed and can spot a scam easily. They will let you know if it is real or not.

The FTC also works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit http://www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or TTY: 1-866-653-4261

The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

Consumers who believe they have been victimized by fraudulent promotional offers also should contact their local postmaster or U.S. Postal Inspection Service by phone, toll-free, at:
1-888-877-7644; by email at: www.uspsoig.gov; or by mail at: U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Office of Inspector General, Operations Support Group, 222 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 1250, Chicago, IL 60606-6100.

If you have a problem with a sweepstakes or prize promotion after participating, and you are unable to resolve the problem directly with the company, contact:

• The Direct Marketing Association, ConsumerLine, 1111 19th Street, NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20036-3603; phone 202-955-5030; fax 202-955-0085.
• The Better Business Bureau where the company is located.
• Call for Action, a network of radio and Television station hotlines that offer resolution services for consumers. Call 301-657-7490 or write: Call for Action, 5272 River Road, Suite 300, Bethesda, MD 20816.

1. Even though you post them yourself on the message board, if you want it posted elsewhere, you need to email the info to customerservice@sweepsheet.com
2. Wins originating from sweeps in the issue will be printed in the issue.
3. Wins originating from the Hot Flashes will be posted in the issue. 
4. If you send a photo for publication, be sure to include the name of the sweeps; where you found it (issue or Hot Flash); and any other interesting details which will help us form a caption.
5. Photos may be either mailed to us at:
   
   SweepSheet®
   2413 W. Algonquin Rd., Ste 429
   Algonquin, IL 60102
   
   or emailed to Patti directly at patti@sweepsheet.com if you prefer.

1. When picking out your postcard or envelope, pay special attention to your decorations. If the sponsor is Fox Kids, for example, do not send Cartoon Network decorated envelopes.
2. When attending a sponsor-attended function like a key turn or a pre-game party, do not wear a T-shirt or cap sporting the name of the sponsor's competitor. It's very bad form.
3. When talking with the sponsor's representatives while on a trip win, pre-game party, or key turn, don't brag about all the other sweeps prizes you have won before. They only want to hear about how much you enjoy their product, and how much fun it was to enter their sweepstakes. If they ask right out if you've won other sweepstakes, there is no need to lie. A good pat answer is: "Never like this before!"
4. Do not call the sponsor with questions about the sweeps or the drawing. They do not have the manpower or time to answer hundreds of phone calls. Trust that the prizes will be awarded in a timely manner, and your prize will arrive "when it arrives." Learn to prepare your entries and "send them into the universe." What will be, will be.
5. Never assume that sweepstakes are promoted for the benefit of sweepstakes hobbyists, and that you are entitled to them. There are millions of other consumers the sponsor is attempting to reach, not just the hobbyist-consumer. Put sweepstakes in perspective as a hobby for you, and not something that is your exclusive right.

1. Your ad must be for sweepstakes supplies or services.
2. Each change to your ad will result in one issue deducted from your account.
3. You must not abuse the privilege by posing as someone else in order to endorse your product on the message board.
4. You must not discredit SweepSheet® or its editor in any way, or in any venue. Abuses will result in your ad being pulled and possible cancellation of your SweepSheet® subscription.

1. Your wins to be published. [include the source if possible]
2. Email address changes.
3. Address changes.

1. Subscription discrepancies.
2. Late issues. [Friday, one week after the issue is mailed is considered late.]
3. Your profile stories.
4. Other business
5. Clearance for the private areas. i.e. Hot Flashes and conversation corner.
6. Website problems. i.e. broken links, etc.
7. Specific sweepstakes questions not covered in the frequently asked questions [faqs] page.
8. Letters to the editor.
9. In-box stories. 500 words. No attachments, please.

1. issues regarding conversation corner.