Dec082012

Why can Indians not participate in Giveaways where the prize is a physical item?

Saumyakant Sahoo asks:

As stated in the Giveaway rules, why are Indians not allowed to participate in such Giveaways where there are numerous tech enthusiasts?


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10 Answers - Write an Answer

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Rajaa Chowdhury

December 9, 2012

Oops, I also had this question in mind. :P

Rajaa Chowdhury

BTW, where did you get to see this rule? Can you kindly provide me the link.

December 9, 2012
0 votes
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Ashwin Ramesh

December 9, 2012

It is mentioned here Rajaa.. http://www.makeuseof.com/official-giveaway-rules/

But I received a Lacie CooKey from MUO :)

Ashwin Ramesh

But I guess you are referring to their Laptops/iPhones/Keyboard giveaways. Maybe something to do with Customs handling them? Not sure though. Someone from the MUO team can clarify this.

December 9, 2012
Jackson Chung

You’re exactly right, Ashwin.

I hope you’re enjoying your CooKey!

December 9, 2012
5 votes
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Jackson Chung

December 9, 2012

There are giveaways, then there is also Rewards. You only need to spend 25 points to participate in a GIVEAWAY and enter the drawing. As for REWARDS, you earn the required amount of points to redeem the item. I hope the distinction between the two is clear.

We introduced a list of restricted countries to our giveaway T&C page due to the unpredictable nature of their tax/custom laws and deliverability. We cannot be responsible for unforeseen taxes imposed on giveaway winners from those countries, and we wouldn’t want the winners to be unexpectedly burdened by them as well. So the new rule works out for both parties. However, if you’re from one of the restricted countries, you may still participate in giveaways if you provide a US shipping address if you’re chosen as the winner. You will then be responsible for shipping to your respective country and the taxes which may be imposed upon you.

0 votes
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Douglas Mutay

December 9, 2012

Good question. And adequate answer from MUO staff. Thanks

0 votes
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ha14

December 9, 2012

yap that’s not funny sometime prizes are very tasty and not having chances to participate will leave us with bad taste.

0 votes
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salim benhouhou

December 9, 2012

you can buy a US address at http://goo.gl/Y2XLE and when you buy something on the internet give them that address and then myus company will redirect the package that you bought to your real address in India .(it costs only 10 dollars)

Tina

Awesome alternative, Salim. Thank you for sharing it!

December 15, 2012
salim benhouhou

you are welcome Tina

December 15, 2012
Saumyakanta Sahoo

ITs awesome…..I’ll give it a try..

December 25, 2012
0 votes
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James Hudson

December 9, 2012

good question

0 votes
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Qin Tang

December 10, 2012

Good question.

0 votes
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Sri Vastav Reddy

December 10, 2012

O.M.G
I don’t know that..
looks like i have to start reading T&C..!!!!

0 votes
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Roomy Naqvy

December 10, 2012

This simply happens due to the unpredictability of customs/tax rules as also the bad experience of some shippers to new destinations. Sometimes, it is also because of mere fright at shipping to a new place. But with the passage of time, this will change slowly. Just patience. That’s it.

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