If you’ve recently entered sweepstakes, it’s natural for you to wonder how you’ll be notified if you win. Will the sponsor call you and personally inform you, or will the prize just show up at your doorstep? There are actually no rules that define how sponsors are supposed to contact entrants or send prizes. If you enter sweepstakes, you need to make sure you don’t miss out on getting a prize notification. To help you stay prepared, we’ve listed a few common ways that sponsors notify participants.
1. Prize notification by email: Most sponsors email a winning notification to the winner. The email address is usually taken from the entry form. So, ensure you don’t skip this or make a typo when entering it. It’s also a good idea to create a new email address solely for sweepstakes.
2. Telephone calls: Sometimes, companies may even give you a phone call to inform you that you’ve won. Keep in mind that sponsors can disqualify you if they are unable to reach you on your telephone. So, to avoid losing out on a prize, make sure to use a telephone number that you can be reached at.
3. Prize notifications by post: Many companies also send prize notifications by post to the winner. So, don’t be surprised if you receive mail from UPS(R), FedEx(R), or your regular postal service. Along with the prize notification, the company may have included other forms and affidavits for you to fill out to receive the prize.
4. Social media notifications: Many companies also run sweepstakes on social media. In this case, the company will usually contact you through social media to inform you of your win. Make sure to keep an eye on your direct messages. Also, check if the company’s messages are getting filtered.
5. Announcements on websites: Some sweepstakes companies only announce winners on their official websites or through their company newsletters. If you don’t see the notification and respond to the company within the stipulated time, your entry may be disqualified, and they will proceed to draw another entry.
Sometimes, sweepstakes prizes may also directly arrive at your doorstep, with no notification at all! Sweeps enthusiasts call this a “surprize”. After all, who wouldn’t like opening their door to a big prize!
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