Entering a giveaway

I am someone that watches Flosstube on YouTube and this is a group of channels that have a focus on cross stitch mostly. It is a great way to see what people are stitching and discovering new patterns and new designers. This community is great for sharing information about retreats and other related things that are happening.

On some of the Flosstube channels people do giveaways of patterns, fabric or stitching accessories. Now the word of warning is when you enter a giveaway you have to be aware of some of the things that can happen. In some cases, people that are not the person giving the item away may try and impersonate the actual person and then ask you to spend money to cover the cost of shipping. Well, that is a red flag because a lot of the individuals giving things away are no longer commenting on posts to say that you have won and you have to watch their video to see if you have won.

Something else that you have to be aware of is you might have to wait quite a while to receive the item once you have communicated with the Flosstuber. In one case, I won an item in June, and I immediately emailed the Flosstuber with my address as the item was going to be mailed out. Well, I knew it would take some time for the item to arrive but after two months I emailed them to let them know I hadn't received it. They said that their husband had mailed it. Now, fast forward to late October when I received an email from Canada Post informing me that there was a parcel on its way from the other country. The giveaway that I won in June was the only thing that I was expecting so figured it either just got mailed or it got unstuck. Just over two weeks from that email from Canada Post, I got another email that the item had arrived in Canada and it should be delivered within two business days. So yes, the parcel finally arrived from the giveaway that I won in June.

So, remember if you enter a giveaway you have to be prepared that the item might take some time to arrive. There are other times that the item might arrive very quickly depending on where the person lives.

What I wish more Flosstubers did was say if a giveaway is only available for people in their country or is it open to other countries. I know that postage to other countries can be extremely high and appreciate those that will only mail within their country, but it needs to be clear each time they do a giveaway. I don't enter very many giveaways because for me I have a lot of patterns and accessories so it is only when something is different then I will enter.

So, make sure that you are aware that a prize may take some time to arrive but also be aware of those individuals that start commenting/replying to your post and say that you have won something. In most cases, the Flosstuber does have their email in the description box so maybe email them to make sure it was them.