Won "Grand Prize" but declined

beedyr

New member
Won "Grand Prize" but declined

I won the grand prize in the Big Pang Theory DVD and T-shirt contest. You would not believe what they wanted me to sign to get this prize, which can't be worth more than $100.00. Plus, it would cost the value of the T-shirt to fax the form back. I may be too conservative, but I'm not giving anyone permission to use my likeness and name in any form or distortion they wish. I'm sure the large prizes do something like this, but I'm not in any danger of winning one of those. If I do, I might re-evaluate my conservative stance. : ) Good luck to the next name on the list.
 
Re: Won "Grand Prize" but declined

It's such a shame that you wasted so much time entering that contest (for which you declined) when you could have used the time to enter the contests that don't require a photo (I certainly wouldn't ever submit a photo - but I don't have a camera, so I have a legit reason ).
 
Re: Won "Grand Prize" but declined

Hopefully they will give it to someone else. I know there are sweeps/companies that require a signed disclaimer, affy, or some paperwork for a very small money amt. worth of prizes sometimes. If it just means signing and faxing back, I have no problem with it. To each their own.
 
Re: Won "Grand Prize" but declined

Congratulations on your win. :sunny:

Sorry you had to turn it down. :cussing:
 
Re: Won "Grand Prize" but declined

Dramaactress...The contest didn't require a photo to enter. I, too, don't enter contests that require a photo...too much trouble.
 
Re: Won "Grand Prize" but declined

Congrats on the win, sorry you had to decline. I had to do that myself once too, it's a bummer i know. But a month later a big win came that was perfect for me, so don't get to discouraged maybe a better win awaits you :) Good Luck :)
 
Re: Won "Grand Prize" but declined

I had to fill out an affy for a $7 prize once. I think I did it just to see if it was real!
 
Re: Won "Grand Prize" but declined

I won two different sweeps worth over $10,000. I had to sign an affy. But once I won a movie from SheKnows and they wanted a copy of my driver's license and an Affy to receive the prize. Needless to say-I let them keep that movie. I couldn't see sending in my DL for a $20 movie when I didn't have to do it for prizes over 10 grand.
 
Re: Won "Grand Prize" but declined

On a couple of my bigger facebook wins, the sponsors politely asked me for a photo of myself holding the prize, which they could then post to their own facebook wall (I guess to show others that the contest was real). Under a photo of myself holding my new laptop, one person posted the word "FAKE!!!" Haha.
 
Re: Won "Grand Prize" but declined

:wave: Congratulations on getting the win, so sorry that they made it seem unrealistic to comply to their rules just to receive it. Maybe the next win will be perfect for you.
On another note, this morning I had to return a 20 page document by fax for a trip win for myself and 3 others that will be going with me. I took it to the Credit Union that I belong to and just asked them to fax it. They happily took my papers and faxed them at no charge. You may want to check with some of your local credit unions and banks.Open up a small account just for this purpose so that you don't have to pay to have someone fax for you.
 
Re: Won "Grand Prize" but declined

Did you ask if you could simply scan and email the forms back? Anyone who will take a fax should be just as happy with a scanned document. Also, many printers have built-in fax capability now, assuming you have a standard phone line in your house. Personally, I don't mind the documentation requirements, regardless of how small the prize. Considering all the automated sweeps sites and botting software, I'm happy that sponsors are taking the trouble to verify winners are real people with name/address info that matches the entry form. In the long run, it's actually better for sweepers so that we can eliminate the scammers from taking our prizes. The only info I would be reluctant to give would be SS#, but I know that for high value prizes that would be a requirement, so as long as it's from a well known company, I don't see the issue. You've already given them name/address/phone. Is it really that much trouble for you to sign a document and send it back? If so, maybe sweeping isn't the hobby for you.
 
Re: Won "Grand Prize" but declined

Was this the from the Delia's Facebook sweeps for seasons 1-5 on DVD?? They probably just want to announce all the winners names on their Facebook page. Not very uncommon.
 
Re: Won "Grand Prize" but declined

Which sweeps was this from beedyr? :scratch:

If you are worried about the "likeness/name" issue, you might be surprised to know that that is standard verbiage in lots of promo rules - it's standard CYA legalese.
 
Re: Won "Grand Prize" but declined

NOW, that I am a little more "seasoned" in sweeping,I'm learning to read ALL the rules prior to entering so that I DON'T WASTE MY TIME entering ones that I can't possibly comply with.Like the trip wins that end one day,and expect you to travel the following week...no possible way if I were to even win! It's so sad to see people declining big wins because they fail to really read what is required of them.Everyone must learn to be an "AMY"..she is so informed about all the sweeps,and I think we must be a little more diligent as well. Congrats on your win, but I don't think that was too much to ask...and I also can take any paperwork to my credit union and they will do what ever for free.
 
Re: Won "Grand Prize" but declined

Tooo bad, love the Big Bang Theory! . . . . . . .. Please remember why we are invited to enter sweeps. It's all about promotion. What a great way to get the word out about a new product, an old product, new movie, etc. . . . .It is about the company . . . .not you.
 
Re: Won "Grand Prize" but declined

So sorry your "Grand Prize" didn't work out but thanks for sharing information with us fellow sweepers. We all learn from each other when we post things that happen! Best wishes for another big prize very soon.
 
Re: Won "Grand Prize" but declined

To all who replied and gave good info and advice...what I really objected to was the part about posting my picture anywhere with the right to use it or DISTORT it in any way. I thought that was overkill for such a small prize. I know that the large prizes do ask for affys and such. Thanks
 
Re: Won "Grand Prize" but declined

On a couple of my bigger facebook wins, the sponsors politely asked me for a photo of myself holding the prize, which they could then post to their own facebook wall (I guess to show others that the contest was real). Under a photo of myself holding my new laptop, one person posted the word "FAKE!!!" Haha.

HAHAHAH thats so funny!
 
Re: Won "Grand Prize" but declined

To all who replied and gave good info and advice...what I really objected to was the part about posting my picture anywhere with the right to use it or DISTORT it in any way. I thought that was overkill for such a small prize. I know that the large prizes do ask for affys and such. Thanks

I can understand that. As Amy said, I think it is just common sweepstakes "lingo" (the right to use your photo and distort it) and they probably wouldn't do that. Not sure why it is part of the wording, but that is probably what it is.
 
Re: Won "Grand Prize" but declined

To all who replied and gave good info and advice...what I really objected to was the part about posting my picture anywhere with the right to use it or DISTORT it in any way. I thought that was overkill for such a small prize. I know that the large prizes do ask for affys and such. Thanks

Right, it's standard boilerplate - I always respond to wins with "Is x really required for this win" when I think they ask too much, and the answer is usually no.

I've found being respectful, saying I understand their goal {promotion of product/service} thanking them for the win, and asking "Is x really required for this win" gets good responses and as I note, so far they've been respectful and nice in return.

Everything we do involves a tradeoff, and sweeping is no different. :sunny:
 
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