You probably already know that you should read sweepstakes rules before you submit your entry. But, when you are short on time and faced with legalese you can’t comprehend, you may be tempted to skip it. It’s important that you don’t do this since it could cost you your chances of winning the sweepstakes. Going through the rules helps you avoid getting disqualified, which means you don’t end up wasting precious time entering a giveaway that you’re not going to win. Sometimes, the rules even include tips that will help you increase your odds of winning.
To make sure you’ve understood the restrictions, make sure to ask yourself these questions while checking the rules.
1. Who is allowed to enter the sweepstakes?
Most sweepstakes have restrictions regarding who can participate in the giveaway. Restrictions can be based on the gender of the participants, age range, place of residence, etc.
So, ensure your sweepstakes entry is not restricted in the first place.
2. How many times can I enter?
Most sweepstakes establish an entry frequency. So, if someone enters more times than they are allowed to, they may be disqualified. Check how many times you can submit an entry and make sure to adhere to the restriction.
3. Can my family members enter?
When you find sweepstakes that offer really great prizes, you may be tempted to ask your family members to submit their entries, too. After all, you wouldn’t mind if you won or someone in your family won. But, sweepstakes companies will usually have restrictions about entries submitted by family members who live in the same household. It’s not uncommon to find sweepstakes that restrict multiple entries from the same household, same email, same computer, etc.
4. What should I do to enter?
Some sweepstakes will require you to fill out a survey, while others may need you to answer trivia questions. Understand what’s required of you before you submit your entry.
5. When does the entry period start and end?
Ensure that you check when the entry period starts and ends, so you don’t send entries outside this period.
6. Are there any other prohibitions?
Sweepstakes companies may have specified other restrictions, as well. For instance, you may not be allowed to use form filling software - if you do, your entry may be disqualified. It’s important that you check whether there are any other restrictions specified by the company.
