Entering sweepstakes is a load of fun. If you've got the time and dedication, cash, trips, iPads, or even toasters are all on the proverbial table to win. Yet, sweepstakes, like any other competitive venture, have rules. Disobedience won't get you anywhere, so we're going to detail the most common causes of disqualification to give you a leg up. Print this one out and tack it up on the fridge. If you're playing to win (why else would you play), this post will be your best buddy on the road to prize glory.
Frequent Entering
A rookie error, but you're officially no longer a rookie now that you know it. Every giveaway (or at least the legitimate ones), publish entry limit restrictions. Most will limit only one entry per day. Others lay out weekly or monthly limits, and ignoring them will never win you that bespoke doghouse, it'll get you put in one to remain. Check the Official Rules for the sweepstakes (which legally must be available).
Residency Requirements
Sponsors putting up the prizes for sweepstakes are generally interested in where you live. If you're residing in Pensacola and entering a Des Moines sweepstakes, odds are that your address will be rejected. Read the geographic fine print before entering.
Age Brackets
Most sweepstakes are open to anybody over 18 - but not all. Some are geared at seniors, while others at working adults (typically 25 to 65). If you've got your eye on a 7-day Caribbean cruise for retirees and you're barely pushing 24, it might make sense to concentrate your efforts elsewhere.
Affiliate Restrictions
This one happens a lot. You might be an employee of Nike and hear they're running a sweepstakes the following week. Already a loyal employee and die-hard fan, you naturally decide to enter. There are exceptions, but most companies close entries to their own employees. Some even extend those restrictions to immediate family members or relatives. It's all in the fine print, you just need to take the time to read it.
Skill-Based Contest No-no's
Skill-based contests (technically not considered "sweepstakes") call on the submission of essays or photos. An essay will have a word count limit, and a submitted photo will need to fall under a maximum size. One of the most typical disqualifications from skill-based contests is exceeding the limit and size on both. It's an easy rule to follow, but you'd be amazed how many simply ignore the instructions.
These five tips will automatically increase your odds of winning your next sweepstakes. Getting out of the gate on the right foot is half the battle.