|
|
|
 |
Sweepstakes Supply Kit |
 |
|
 |
|
A sweepstakes supply kit is important if you enter sweepstakes regularly. Keeping a well-stocked kit can save you a lot of time rummaging around junk drawers for supplies. We keep our supply kit in a large plastic storage bin so we can carry it easily from room to room.
Necessary Items
 Envelopes
Many sweepstakes require #10 envelopes, which measure 4 1/8 x 9 1/2, so make sure you have plenty of them available. Generally, the smaller envelopes are less expensive than #10 envelopes, but by shopping at a wholesale club, we can buy a box of 500 #10 envelopes for $4.98 plus tax. If you do by #10 envelopes and other size envelopes, make sure you have plenty of both. You do not need colored envelopes or fancy envelopes. Plain, white envelopes are fine for all entries.
Return address labels or stamper
Return address labels are fine for all entries. You do not have to hand print your return address, even if hand printing the send to address is required. You can also buy return address pre-inked stampers from many promotional supply catalogs or from places advertising in the Sunday newspaper inserts. These save you a lot of time when addressing envelopes.
Postcards
Many sweepstakes require entry by postcard. The minimum size postcard that is accepted by the US Postal Service is 3 1/2 x 5, and the maximum size that is accepted is 4 1/4 x 6. Anything over 4 1/4 x 6 requires additional postage. We buy the US Postal Service standard postcard, which is 3 1/2 x 5 1/2 and has postage already printed on it. Not only are these convenient, but they only cost $.20 each (just the price of the postage).
Index cards and paper
Most of the sweepstakes require 3x5 index cards or paper as the method of entry. You may use cards when paper is specified, because technically, cards are made out of paper, but DO NOT use paper when cards are specified. We use EXACTLY what is specified. In either case, use plain white cards or paper. If we cannot find plain white index cards and we have to buy ruled index cards, we turn them over and write on the plain back of them.
Ball point pens
Use ball point pens. Felt tip pen ink can smudge when it gets wet. Also, blue ink and black ink are read best by the postal machines. Red ink and purple ink are typically not read well by the postal machines and usually need to be hand sorted, which will add extra time onto the delivery time.
Ledger or other item for record keeping
Record keeping is very important. See our article on record keeping for full details on how and why you need to keep good records of which sweepstakes you enter.
Self-adhesive stamps
We like self-adhesive stamps because they are quicker to apply and much less messy. Sheets are preferable over the rolls, because no matter how pretty your roll dispenser may be, sometimes it's hard to judge how many stamps you have left. By using sheets, you can tell at a glance when you're going to need more postage.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Fun Items to Add |
|
|
|
Colored or decorated envelopes
Plain white envelopes are fine, but if you want a little variety to keep things interesting, colored or decorated envelopes can be fun.
Highlighter
Sometimes sweepstakes entry rules are hard to read. A highlighter comes in handy for accenting important information.
Magnifying glass
If you are using official entry rules, for example from a product package, a magnifying glass can help you read the fine print. It's amazing how small some of the print can be!
Return receipt cards and certified mail forms
Keep a supply of Receipt for Certified Mail forms and green Return Receipt cards. If you are unfamiliar with these, have a postal clerk show you how to fill them out. Whenever you receive sweepstakes prize notifications with affidavits, you'll need to return them to the judging agency or sponsor, and Return Receipt is the best way to send them. If you have them on hand, you'll be able to fill them out immediately and not have to waste time at the post office.
Notary public phone number
Affidavits usually need to be notarized, so we keep the number of our Notary Public handy in our sweepstakes kit. Most credit unions or pack-and-ship type places have Notaries Public, so you'll want to call ahead to see what time they will be available.
| |
|
| |
|
| | |
