Complaint Review: sweepstakes clearinghouse ATTN: J. Johnston

They have been actually pretty good with the inquiries I have made with them. I call them and they are very nice and I purchased a computer from them 3 years ago and they sent my stuff out within 3 weeks. But acutally I offered to pay express and I got it a week earlier. I also sent it back because it wasn't really what I wanted so they refunded my money back within 2 weeks. The best thing to do is KEEP BOTHERING THEM. You will eventually get your merchandise or money back.

This was astonishing for me too.... I too got the same letter notifying me about the consilation prize of $400.00 . But i did not send my choice because of the few queries that i had in my mind :-

It was quite surprising for me to note that
1. If this was a prize win and has been especially sent for me, then why there has been a choice of use and unuse the certificate, I mean why one would forward its win to his/her friend!?.

2. No charges of shipping and handling mentioned.

3. No contact number.(i didnt see on the letter)

4. No tax mentioned (if applicable, usually they are)

I think, the points above were quite noticeable ,did nt you see?.

I have purchased several items from the clearinghouse everyone is complaining about, have never had any difficulty with the merchandise or the company, I just filled out a form for another order, am hoping to get this one within a few weeks.

I have been dealing with Sweepstakes clearing house for a few years and have had no problem with them. I have ordered a stereo and most recently a bike. The bike came in about 4 weeks after I made my last payment and the only reason that it took so long was because I was using a post office box and they needed a physical address. The bike arrived with no problem and I am enjoying it. I hope that these are isolated problems and that it will resolved quickly because I currently have two recliners w/ottoman in layaway.

This comment is more or less for Eyvett. On October 29, 2002, I had sent in a check for the home theatre. I just called today to find the stat. on my purchase and it finally went out on December 23, 2002. I was told that it would arive on January 2, 2003. That is the most rediculouse thing that I have ever heard of.

I used to work for a very well known company that makes there own product and fills hundreds of thousands of orders over the phone, via e-mail, and through the mail. Even the longest shipping time was never more than 5 weeks. and that was because of a unexpected increase in sales.

I have ordered items from Sweepstakes and have been happy with them. but as a repeat customer, I don't understand how they can do this to people. Eyvett, you are more than welcome to pay full retail for your sweepstakes items (plus shipping and handling) but I would rather go to the store and purchase the product at a lesser cost and no other charges.

This goes to Deanna from Florence, Kentucky and all those who have complained about not getting your merchandise from Sweepstakes Clearinghouse or money back needs to understand a few things.

First of all, if you sent in your full balance of the item purchased don't expect to get it in three (3) weeks like some of you have complained. If you mail in your payment today they are not going to receive it tomorrow. Depending on your location, it will take two to three weeks before they even receive your money and process your payment. Also take note that you are not the only order they are processing.

I am sure they are processing all orders accordingly and if you see that your money has not been cashed three (3) weeks after sending in your check/money order, logic would tell you that they haven't received it yet and it's in transit. Call the 800 number listed on your receipt stub, provide them w/ your account number and they will be happy to assist you. If after four (4) weeks they haven't cashed your payment, then you make take action, otherwise be patient.

I am a customer of sweepstakes clearinghouse and out of experience I can tell you that it normally takes them a little over a month for me to receive my merchandise once i have paid my full balance owed.

Secondly, if they send you a voucher and you choose to use the layaway plan as I have, and send them $15.00 as your first payment, don't expect to get your merchandise without paying the entire balance. When you shop at the grocery store, they don't give you all of the food without you paying the full purchase price of your items, right. Same goes with any other business.

If you don't understand something call their toll free number and go through the proper procedures in investigating the causes of your loss don't jump to your own conclusions and then post a negative "Rip-Off" report without knowing the facts first.

I actually did win a computer a couple of years ago in a contest that I did not know I had even entered. I had downloaded some trial software and was automatically entered. A couple of months later, get an email congratulating me on winning. Of course, being a skeptic, I didn't get too excited. Less than four days later, I received a nice Dell computer with DVD with a 21" Trinitron monitor, laserjet printer, Dolby surround sound speakers,sub-woofers, etc. My out of pocket? NOTHING. The only expenses one should have with a LEGITIMATE prize would be taxes. Prize winnings are taxable income.

If asked for upfront money, place the "prize notification" in the circular file where it belongs.

I am sorry that you have suffered the fate of many people that get caught up in the sweepstakes "mania".

For years, reports have been going around about how people lose money paying for the winnings in some sweepstakes. I, for one, cannot believe that there continue to be individuals that are so naive, or ignorant, to be drawn into these scams.

Think about it. Did you even enter the sweepstakes? If your name was selected as the winning name, why should you pay ANYTHING to claim your prize?

These scams are simply that, SCAMS! The prey on the people of our society that are always looking for the big score. If you had truly been selected as a prize winner, the notification would have come to you via first class mail, not pre-paid bulk rate. You may have to sign a verification letter, but that would be for the tax purposes of the amount that you won. Yes, the IRS will want their share of the winnings, upfront if it is over $600.

Basically, there is one easy way to prevent this.
NEVER, EVER, respond to any correspondence that requires you to "pay" in order to receive your winnings. If the money order has not been cashed, cancel it, report it as stolen, whatever it takes to get your money back because you will not see a dime from the Sweepstakes people.