subject: New Sweepstakes and Contests - Collecting Your Sweepstakes Winnings [print this page] New Sweepstakes and Contests - Collecting Your Sweepstakes Winnings
If you have a choice when entering a new sweepstake and contest, use a colored envelope to submit your entry. This may well increase your chance of winning. However, you should only consider doing this if the sweepstakes rules don't require a certain color. Any additional way that you can make your envelope stand out for example using a larger envelope may help your chances of winning.
Being organized is the key to sending multiple entry forms. When you have the time, preaddress envelopes and complete entry forms. It's okay to do them in advance. Just mail them out in a systematic fashion as previously suggested. Remember your zip code! Don't leave this out or your entry probably won't make it to the right place!
If you really want to become a big winner, you should make sweepstakes entry a regular part of your day; just like regular daily exercise. Put aside an hour a day just to work on your entries and mailings. The time you invest will pay off in the long run. Note all your mailing and entry data in the forms we've suggested for easy reference. You can also write up a mailing schedule on a weekly basis to remind you of what has to be mailed when.
Write to every advertising sponsor and request a "winners' list". This way you can see if all the prizes were awarded. It will also clue you into when a possible second chance sweepstakes would occur.
People are notified every day of their winning entry in a sweepstakes. You usually have to sign an affidavit first and return it to claim your prize. It is important that you keep the post office aware of your whereabouts. If you move, leave a forwarding address. The sponsors won't go to the ends of the earth to look for you. Make yourself easy to find.
If you win at a contest, you will be notified by the contest sponsor. Save this letter! It's your proof of winning in case the prize doesn't follow within the specified period of time. Keep a record of all your expenses incurred in sending out your entry forms. Your postage, envelopes, pens and some other office items will be deductible when you win a prize. Since you will be taxed on the value of the prize, the expense deductions will help reduce your tax liability.
The sweepstakes game is definitely one you can win if you believe in yourself and spend the necessary time submitting all the entries. Good luck!
