A trend in rules and regulations.

Contest and sweepstakes hints and tips #5.

Article September 2003 © Copyright Lots of Luck Advertising

Hopefully you are reviewing the rules and regulations of the contests and sweepstakes that you are entering.  I can't say it enough, that reading and following the rules and regulations can prevent you from being disqualified... it can help you to become a winner in a contest or sweepstakes.

Visit www.lots-of-luck.com for more contest and sweepstakes hints and tips, as well as access to lots of contest and sweepstakes entries.

In the past, it has been common practice for a letter to be sent via regular or registered mail to a potential winner, stating that in order for that person to be declared a winner, they have to fill in an enclosed form correctly, and, return it by a specified date (this usually has been in 1 or 2 week's time). This has worked relatively well in the past, as most people check their mailbox every day, which would normally provide ample time to respond.

The trend now it seems, with contests and sweepstakes that are available through the Internet, is that instead of a letter via regular mail, the potential winner will usually receive an email.  The catch here is that the potential winner must respond as stated in the email, which is usually within a very short time period (usually only a few days).  Sometimes, the rules state that a potential winner has only 48 hours to respond as requested... and that's not a lot of time.

What this trend means, is that if you are entering contest and sweepstakes, it is very important to check your email every day.  This can be time consuming and inconvenient, but it will allow you to grab that winning opportunity when it presents itself, and not miss out.  If you are going on vacation or out of town, before you go, look into what options are available for you to check your email away from home.

Just be aware of potential scams through emails. There are lots of scams out there, trying to get your personal information on the pretext claiming that you just won a prize. Use your common sense.

These hints and tips articles are listed as guidelines only.  They are listed as information to help you to develop your own strategy in entering contests and sweepstakes. Click on a hints and tips article from the list below, and you will be taken to a more detailed page:

Contest and Sweepstakes Hints and Tips

1. Always read and follow all the Rules and Regulations of any contest or sweepstakes.
   
2. Keep a journal of your entries into contests and sweepstakes.
   
3. More important things to be aware of.
   
4. Where to find contests and sweepstakes.
   
5. A trend in rules and regulations.
   
6. Original entry forms only.
   
7. The best time to enter contests and sweepstakes.
   
8. Be aware of scams.
   
9. Dedicated contest and sweepstakes sites.
   
10. Automated entries.
    
11. The 'UPC'.
12. The four leaf clover.

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