Sweepstakes are a specialized form of consumer promotion where the incentive offered in exchange for the consumer’s entry is awarded in whole, or in part, through the operation of chance or random selection. This contrasts with Contest promotions which award the incentive or prize as part of a bona fide competition involving intellectual knowledge, skill or physical prowess according to objective criteria and in which chance does not play a role in winner selection.
When you take part in a sweepstakes, you should fill in the sweepstakes form. Your sweepstakes form should be simple, specific and clean, especially that it should be easy to read in order to avoid misunderstanding and possible legal problems. Make sure that the form is compliance with all state and federal statutes, because some states require registrations, surety bonds, insurance, etc.
There is something that you must be paid attention to. You should always avoid statements like "You are a winner". On the sweepstakes entry form, a complete set of official rules and P-O-P displays should be included and also an alternate means of entering for entries without a product purchase. Disclose all requirements for eligibility, deadline date and mailing address for the entries. You should indicate where the promotion is void (states) and the odds of winning on the form. You should also make the list of winners available upon request and award all prizes timely to avoid bad publicity.
