SHARK BITES – To Sweep… or Not To Sweep? That is the Question
And… I’m not talking about brooms either! 😉
Let me just cut straight to the chase. “Sweepstakes Sweepers” are in it to win it! Am I right? Well, of course I am! Clearly, anyone entering any type of contest is in it to win it. Some might even say that a “sweepstakes sweeper” is the equivalent to an extreme couponer.
Question?: What got you started in Sweepstakes Sweeping?
I’m curious to know how you got started in sweeping—especially in online sweeping. What led you to FreebieShark.com? Did you just ‘stumble” across my site, or were you recommended? Either way… I’m sure glad you found me and decided to stay. 😀
When is Enough Enough?:
How much time do you put in daily? Do you just enter local sweeps or do you combine local and national sweeps? Have you found daily entries overwhelm you or burn you out? What is your breaking point? Well… don’t think you are alone. I know entering sweeps can become a daunting task at times— especially, when you aren’t seeing that “Big Payoff”. Just remember… you can’t win if you don’t play! If you go into it with the mindset that it’s simply a “game of chance”, it will help you to just have fun… win or lose. Simply put— sometimes you win and sometimes you don’t! But just remember that if you’re not entering, you can’t win.
Play For What You Want:
Just because there may be a ton of online sweepstakes to enter, doesn’t mean you HAVE TO ENTER every one. Play for what you really want to win, versus entering a host of sweepstakes that you simply have no need for, and/or take up your precious time.
Types of Sweeps:
Not all sweepstakes are alike. Many have different entry rules and methods. A few examples are mail-in sweeps, over the phone, by texts, or online. Social media is big on being incorporated into sweeps. It is definitely a smart way for Sponsors to drive more traffic to their page(s), and an easy way to get the buzz out there about a particular sweeps/promotion. Some sweeps can last a few hours like “flash sweeps”, or it can last day, a few days, weeks, months, and even up to a whole year or more. It simply just depends on what the sponsor wants to do. Some sweeps have multiple-entry time periods, where you may or may not be allowed to win from each one. It simply just depends on the rules. Winning notifications vary too. Some instantly inform you, upon completion of your entry, if you are a winner or not. Some have winner notifications at the end of a sweepstakes. Usually, emails, phone calls, and/or certified mailings serve as notifications. In addition, some may require you to fill out a form or an affidavit. My advice is to ALWAYS read the COMPLETE RULES, so that you are aware of exactly how to enter the sweeps, and what to expect if you are chosen as a winner.
Organization is the Key!:
Of course, utilizing my sweeps list is a great way to keep track of your daily entries. However, there are other options for you to get organized, and keep a list of your daily entries. You can utilize your web browsers “favorites” tab, and/or name a folder for your sweepstakes. You can also keep a Word document with all the hyperlinks of each sweep to just click on daily. Make a different document or folder, for your local sweeps versus, national sweeps. I work around the clock to make sure our Instant Win Games & Sweepstakes page is up to date to help you win — so don’t forget about that! Whatever niche fits best for you to get to your entries in— I say do. Why stress or be overwhelmed, when you can be having fun entering your sweeps?
Taking That Prize Can = Taxing That Prize!:
Did you hit the jackpot and win a great grand prize? Depending on your prize amounts and how much you have won in a year, it can eventually lead you to owing taxes. Usually the company/companies you won from will send you a 1099 form. According to About.com, if you received an affidavit where you had to fill out your social security number along with your win, you can expect to receive a tax form from the sweepstakes sponsors. The tax form in question is the 1099-MISC form which is used to report miscellaneous payments to non-employees. Any sweepstakes prizes are considered to be miscellaneous payments.
Don’t Be Fooled!:
There are scams that look or seem so believable and legit, that many fall prey. Elderly folks are major targets. However, anyone can fall prey. A few examples are as follows: You receive a winning email from a contest you did not enter. You are asked to give your social security number over the phone or upfront, you are asked to pay a fee, or wire money. If this happens… you are likely being scammed. For further in-depth examples and information click here. I make sure every instant win game and sweepstakes offer I post is completely legit, so you have nothing to worry about if you go through FreebieShark.com.
Food For Thought: There Are Rules To Winning!:
Be patient, courteous, play fair, never cheat, and keep a record of your entries. Never do more than what is asked of you, so as not to be disqualified. Don’t rush entries, as you may overlook a very important aspect to qualify.
Sharky Poll: Sharky Wants to Know:
- How long have you been sweepstakes sweeping?
- What is the best prize you ever won?
- What is the most expensive prize you ever won?
- Do you incorporate your spouse/significant other to help in your daily entries?
I love all my Sharky followers, and I will always bring you the best Contest, Instant Win Games (IWGs), and Sweepstakes information to you all! I verify all of them before I post!
Continued luck! You’re all winners in my book! 😉
~Sharky
What is “Shark Bites”? Shark Bites is a money-saving tips series here on FreebieShark that aims to help you and your family get the most out of your money. “Shark Bites” posts are both educational and straight to the point. Just another way FreebieShark is helping you save!
