Mr. Sweepy's Forums

I got a letter stating I won a $1,500 gift card and was a grand prize winner. I sign a release/acknowledgement and several months went passed. Today I got a register envelope with a Best Buy gift card in the mail and it states that I was a Grand prize winner and the card is to be used toward the purchase of a 42" Flat Screen TV. I don't need a 42'" Flat Screen, however I need a office supplies and other items at Best By. Is there some way they know what is purchase? The letter with the gift card states: All taxes are my sole responsibility. No substitutions permitted except at the sole discretion of Sponsor, in which case a prize of greater or equal value will be awarded. No transfer, substitutions, or assignment of any prize permitted. sponsor make no warranty with respect to any prize.

I stopped entering sweeps for awhile feeling discourage about no wins. I don't even remember entering this sweep with the exception I know I enter one while waiting for my number to be called at the a deli counter at the market. The gift card is from a deli meat producer. Also is there anywhere on the site you can refer me to about the tax responsibility. I am excited and a little puzzeld about how to use my first win.

Thanks,

Diane5535

 if its a gift card I do not see how they can tell you what to buy congrats

Diane,

WTG!  Congratulations on a great win!

When I won and received my $1000 Visa GC from a shoe retailer, the letter pretty much stated the same thing, that they looked forward to my purchases of shoes from their website, blah-blah-blah....Well as much as I needed new shoes, by the time this card came I needed other things a whole lot more (Food, Medicine, Home, etc.) so that is what I spent it on, and although it bothered me that I never did spend any of it on their shoes, I did write them and tell them how much I appreciated winning it.  :) 

Don't know if that helps, but usually.....and I say usually, they can not tell what you purchase with those GC.  So I would go to Best Buy and purchase what you need, not what they say in letter, if there are any restrictions placed on the card, you will find out when you try to use it.  :)

Cindy

A Gift card is a gift card.  Use it as you will.  Have fun shopping.

You should receive a 1099 and report your win next year.

 try it, worst case you get a nice T.V.!

Geez, unless the sponsors placed some kind of restriction on the GC you should be able to buy anything at all with it.  I'd try using it for whatever, and if there is a restriction, the cashier will let you know.  But I don't think that would be the case.  You'll have to let us know how this turns out.... Good luck - and congratulations on your gc win!

Jeannie