Some sweepstakes sponsors have a negative perception of professional sweepers or individuals who regularly join sweepstakes. This is because winners appear jaded about winning rather than being genuinely excited. To stop coming off as ungracious, here are few suggestions about what NOT to do when winning huge sweepstakes prizes.
Don't brag
When they're giving away a major (or small) prize, no one needs to know that the sponsor is just another notch in the belt. Rather, let each sponsor feel like their prize is the greatest you've ever received. This doesn't mean that you have to lie if you're asked whether you've ever won sweepstakes before. Instead, say you've never won a contest like this!
Don't discredit the sponsor's products
If you join a lot of sweepstakes, you're likely to win at least a few prizes from brands you don't really care about. Keep these thoughts to yourself though. Don't get carried away and gush about how you don’t like the company, in the heat of the moment.
Don't be afraid to speak out
Sweepstakes sponsors invest a lot of time and effort into planning and executing sweepstakes with the intention of generating a lot of publicity for their company. It's likely that they might even use quotes from their winners in press releases and on their blogs as part of that publicity. That's difficult to do if the winners don't share their joy at winning. So, even though you're completely overwhelmed, pause for a moment, gather your thoughts and attempt to answer any questions the sponsor may ask.
Don't haggle over your prize
Trying to haggle for a better prize that the one offered by the sponsor is one of the most ungrateful things you can do. Asking for more time on your tour, a different car model, or a cash option are all examples of this (unless a substitution is offered in the rules). Substitutions are rarely available and may give the impression that the winner is only interested in getting more, bigger prizes. If you don't like or can't use a reward, politely refuse it, and let the sponsor select another winner.
