There is a lot of skepticism for anything that claims to be able to give you something for nothing. But what you should know is that sweepstakes leads are not that kind of scam. When you search for lists that offer company and contests names and information, you are actually making an investment, and it doesn’t come for free. For a fee you are building up a list of potential revenue and income, just like with any other kind of sales list. The difference is it usually pays in merchandise, rather than in cash.

But you may be wondering whether sweepstakes leads are genuine, or if they are a lot of useless numbers and addresses that will do nothing for you. The answer that it depends on who you buy them from. Most sweeps lists will provide plenty of well researched, active contests and drawings for you to submit your name to, as well as various competitions that require essays or other items to participate. These are usually labeled by age, location, and what it is they are giving out.

Occasionally these lists will also provide names that just give away certain promotional items for free, such as water bottles, gym bags, or coloring books, but these are usually tied in somehow with a drawing. While these are usually free (minus the cost of the list), it still takes work to submit to such a high number of contests. It also takes time and dedication, to either be done as a career or a hobby. It certainly isn’t a free lunch, though you may end up winning one!