There are so many more ways to win sweepstakes than through the big names you're used to hearing about including through your everyday shopping trips. Many of us are in a rush to get out of the store at the end of our visit and quickly put our receipt away. But store and restaurant surveys are another great opportunity to win cash and other prizes.

The types of questions you'll encounter on these surveys generally aim to gather information about your store visit—how happy you were with the cleanliness and organization of the store and how helpful the staff was. You may be asked how often you shop there and if you plan on going again.

Restaurant surveys may ask for your server's name or ID number which should be on the receipt. Other questions may have to do with the quality of your meal and how promptly you were served.

Options of entry include calling a toll-free number and online entries. The web address of the survey site will be on the receipt. You will usually have to enter some sort of visit ID number that's also on the receipt. There most likely will also be a time frame that you're allowed to take part in the survey which could be anywhere from up to 7 days after your store visit to 30 days. I've entered surveys that had a rating system—either a numerical one or something along the lines of how much you agree or disagree with a statement on the survey, i.e. strongly disagree, strongly agree and several variations in between.

Some of the national chain surveys I've taken include:

• Dollar General


• Rite-Aid


• Kroger


• Wal-Mart

Don't forget about the local businesses you frequent every week or so. These are great sources for survey prizes. Restaurants, hair and nail salons, bakeries, etc., generally award much smaller amounts than the national chains but your odds for winning may be higher.

As mentioned, you'll find all the information you need to take the survey. The cashiers sometimes will also point out the surveys to you directly and highlight the relevant info on the receipt. Good luck to all!