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Top 10 Supplies for Mail-In Sweepstakes

By , About.com Guide

If you are interested in winning mail-in sweepstakes, it’s a good idea to put together a kit with all of the supplies that you need in one place. This will help you enter more quickly, without having to search your house for misplaced items. The top 10 items that you will want to have in your sweeping kit include:

1. Envelopes

Many mail-in sweepstakes require entrants to send their forms in envelopes. The most commonly-requested size is the #10 envelope, also known as a business-sized envelope. It's a good idea to have a large supply on hand before you get started.

2. Post Cards

Another common entry method for mail-in sweepstakes is to write your information on a post card and mail it in. A good supply of post cards will ensure that you are never left short-handed when you come across a great sweep.

3. 3x5 Index Cards

Many mail-in sweepstakes ask you to write out your entry information on an index card before mailing it in. To save time, you can write out index cards with entry information in advance. Along with your index cards, you might want to also keep a stack of paper cut to measure 3x5 inches. While many sweeps ask for 3x5 cards, others ask for entry on 3x5 paper.

4. Scissors

Scissors are very handy to have in your sweepstakes kit. You will need them to cut UPC codes from boxes, to decorate your envelopes, and to cut paper to the proper size for entry forms.

5. Stamps

Every mail-in entry that you send is going to require a stamp. It's a good idea to get a roll of self-adhesive stamps, which will save you time and a sticky tongue.

6. Ball Point Pens

It's a good idea to fill out your entry forms and address your envelopes with ball point pens, since they are less likely to smudge and smear. If your entry is not legible, it will probably be disqualified. Keep a few nice pens in your sweepstakes kit so that you don't have to go searching around for them every time.

7. Envelope Decorating Supplies

Many people like to decorate their envelopes, for the fun of it and in the hopes that it will improve the chances to win. Permanent markers in bright colors and cheerful stickers will brighten up your sweepstakes entries.

8. Return Address Labels

Although most sweepstakes require that you fill out your entry form and address by hand, you can use labels for your return address. Not having to fill out your address on every envelope will save you a good bit of time.

9. Small Sponges

Keep a couple of small sponges on hand and moisten them slightly to make sealing envelopes easier. You can save money by not needing the self-adhesive envelopes, and avoid painful paper cuts on your tongue.

10. A Sturdy Box

A sturdy plastic box with a lid helps you to keep all of your supplies in one place. Prevent clutter and make finding your sweepstakes kit a breeze.

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