Bestbuy and McDonalds(10/04/05 to 10/31/05)

dugweb

Diamond Member
Oct 17, 2002
3,935
1
81
oh don't tempt me... last year i lived very near a mcdonalds and found myself taking every excuse i could to eat at mcd's in the off chance i would win :disgust: and here i am surfing ATHD, you can safely assume i didnt win :(
 

Hacp

Lifer
Jun 8, 2005
13,923
2
81
COld for me. I won't touch Mcdonalds unless its the only place for food around, and i'm really starving.
 

Ghettocowboy

Senior member
Nov 24, 2004
467
0
0
I always wanted to gain 5 lbs.
this is a perfect way to gain weight and save money at best buy, cool
 

Mojoed

Diamond Member
Jul 20, 2004
4,473
1
81
FYI, fine print -

Cannot be used toward purchase of certain products and services, including but not limited to, Best Buy? Gift Cards, video game hardware, Bose® audio products, DIRECTV service, Apple® products, satellite radio service, Cinema Systems, pay-as-you-go wireless phones, HP ink and paper, taxes, state fees, installation fees, third-party purchases, special order items, Performance Service Plans, and Product Replacement Plans.

Would "video game hardware" include both gamesystems (xbox, ps2, etc) and video cards? I'm hoping they're valid for the later. That would be about my only motivation for this promotion. :)
 

Reikon

Senior member
May 25, 2003
693
0
0
Originally posted by: Mojoed
FYI, fine print -

Cannot be used toward purchase of certain products and services, including but not limited to, Best Buy? Gift Cards, video game hardware, Bose® audio products, DIRECTV service, Apple® products, satellite radio service, Cinema Systems, pay-as-you-go wireless phones, HP ink and paper, taxes, state fees, installation fees, third-party purchases, special order items, Performance Service Plans, and Product Replacement Plans.

Would "video game hardware" include both gamesystems (xbox, ps2, etc) and video cards? I'm hoping they're valid for the later. That would be about my only motivation for this promotion. :)

Um, video cards have nothing to do with video game hardware.
 

mscdex0

Platinum Member
Apr 10, 2003
2,868
0
0
You're going to need to eat a lot of fries and/or chicken sandwiches to get free 512mb pc2700 memory from BB again :)

PORKCHOP SANDWICHES! :D
 

Mojoed

Diamond Member
Jul 20, 2004
4,473
1
81
Originally posted by: Reikon
Originally posted by: Mojoed
FYI, fine print -

Cannot be used toward purchase of certain products and services, including but not limited to, Best Buy? Gift Cards, video game hardware, Bose® audio products, DIRECTV service, Apple® products, satellite radio service, Cinema Systems, pay-as-you-go wireless phones, HP ink and paper, taxes, state fees, installation fees, third-party purchases, special order items, Performance Service Plans, and Product Replacement Plans.

Would "video game hardware" include both gamesystems (xbox, ps2, etc) and video cards? I'm hoping they're valid for the later. That would be about my only motivation for this promotion. :)

Um, video cards have nothing to do with video game hardware.

Yea I know the primary use for video cards isn't gaming. :) I'm just curious as to how BB classifies video cards for this promotion. I've seen stranger things happen. Seems like a greyish area open to manager interpretation, when purchasing from B&M stores.
 

imported_Assassin

Senior member
Feb 7, 2005
389
0
0
Better way to get the free bucks is to send a bunch of SASE's to the processing center requesting game pieces. Total cost is $0.70 for each $2 you recieve. I sent off 500 last year and did all my X-mas shopping at best buy. So I spent $350 for $1000 worth of stuff.
 

Devil2U

Senior member
Nov 11, 2004
514
0
0
How to get Best Buy Bucks, and make a profit at it.

Last time McDonalds did this contest, I read the rules and got to thinking. By requesting game pieces by mail, I could actually come out ahead with best buy bucks. Here is how it would break down...

Example: 100 requests for game pieces. (you can make requests as often as you like, but NO mechanical means can be used to address the enveloples, do it by hand) Each request will net you One (1) Game Piece and One (1) Chance Piece. You WILL get either a $1 or $3 BB Buck and you might win something else with the other piece (food, other prize, or nothing)

Given that you have a 1 in 3 chance of getting a $3 BB buck, here is what you can expect to get back.

Worst Case: $100 BB Bucks
Best Case: $300 BB Bucks
Probable Case Based on Odds in Rules: $165 BB Bucks

Cost to send 100 submissions:
Number 6 envelopes can be had from many drug stores on sale for 300 for $1. Add tax and you have $1.08. You will need 200 envelopes, as you need one to send in and one that they will send back. Total Cost: $0.72

Stamps: You will need 200 stamps. $0.37 each
Total Cost: $74.00

Complete COST: $74.72
So, using the probable outcome I discussed above. You will most likely gross $165 BB Bucks, subtract your costs ($74.72), which leaves you with $90.28.

In other words, you are most likely going to save 45.284% on your purchase at BB.
(74.72/165=0.45284)

Now this is assuming your time is free, which it may or may not be. Consider this, if you only fill out the senders field (the TO field).
Writing the McDonnalds address took me about 45secs. Writing my address took about 25 secs. Total, 70 secs times 100 entires equals 1hr and 57 minutes. Given the figures above, you are making about $45 an hour doing this. Not bad!

Keep in mind, the max amount of BB Bucks that can be redeemed per day (and therefore per purchase) is $300. So, the sweet spot for submissions would be no more than 182 requests.

Finally, this is not meant to be a waste of time. I would rather not spend more money and eat a ton of unhealthy food in order to win something in this contest. Before you get that 100 roll of stamps, you better get your mind set on what you want to spend it on at Best Buy and ask yourself these questions...
1. Is it excluded by the rules for purchase with BB Bucks?
2. Can I get it for 45% off elsewhere?
3. Am I ready to spend 2 hours writing on envelopes?

Also, it is more fun finding loopholes in the game that will benefit you. I am going to send one request and see what I get back. If that works, then I guess I will gear up for the big one.
:D

Read up on the rules before attemping:
http://mcdstaging.promotions.com/monopoly/rules.html
 

Dubb

Platinum Member
Mar 25, 2003
2,495
0
0
Originally posted by: Devil2U
How to get Best Buy Bucks, and make a profit at it.

Last time McDonalds did this contest, I read the rules and got to thinking. By requesting game pieces by mail, I could actually come out ahead with best buy bucks. Here is how it would break down...

Example: 100 requests for game pieces. (you can make requests as often as you like, but NO mechanical means can be used to address the enveloples, do it by hand) Each request will net you One (1) Game Piece and One (1) Chance Piece. You WILL get either a $1 or $3 BB Buck and you might win something else with the other piece (food, other prize, or nothing)

Given that you have a 1 in 3 chance of getting a $3 BB buck, here is what you can expect to get back.

Worst Case: $100 BB Bucks
Best Case: $300 BB Bucks
Probable Case Based on Odds in Rules: $165 BB Bucks

Cost to send 100 submissions:
Number 6 envelopes can be had from many drug stores on sale for 300 for $1. Add tax and you have $1.08. You will need 200 envelopes, as you need one to send in and one that they will send back. Total Cost: $0.72

Stamps: You will need 200 stamps. $0.37 each
Total Cost: $74.00

Complete COST: $74.72
So, using the probable outcome I discussed above. You will most likely gross $165 BB Bucks, subtract your costs ($74.72), which leaves you with $90.28.

In other words, you are most likely going to save 45.284% on your purchase at BB.
(74.72/165=0.45284)

Now this is assuming your time is free, which it may or may not be. Consider this, if you only fill out the senders field (the TO field).
Writing the McDonnalds address took me about 45secs. Writing my address took about 25 secs. Total, 70 secs times 100 entires equals 1hr and 57 minutes. Given the figures above, you are making about $45 an hour doing this. Not bad!

Keep in mind, the max amount of BB Bucks that can be redeemed per day (and therefore per purchase) is $300. So, the sweet spot for submissions would be no more than 182 requests.

Finally, this is not meant to be a waste of time. I would rather not spend more money and eat a ton of unhealthy food in order to win something in this contest. Before you get that 100 roll of stamps, you better get your mind set on what you want to spend it on at Best Buy and ask yourself these questions...
1. Is it excluded by the rules for purchase with BB Bucks?
2. Can I get it for 45% off elsewhere?
3. Am I ready to spend 2 hours writing on envelopes?

Also, it is more fun finding loopholes in the game that will benefit you. I am going to send one request and see what I get back. If that works, then I guess I will gear up for the big one.
:D

Read up on the rules before attemping:
http://mcdstaging.promotions.com/monopoly/rules.html

no mechanical addressing, huh? darn...what about an inkjet printer with an envelop slot and a cursive font....hmm.
 

Devil2U

Senior member
Nov 11, 2004
514
0
0
Originally posted by: Dubb
Originally posted by: Devil2U
How to get Best Buy Bucks, and make a profit at it.

Last time McDonalds did this contest, I read the rules and got to thinking. By requesting game pieces by mail, I could actually come out ahead with best buy bucks. Here is how it would break down...

Example: 100 requests for game pieces. (you can make requests as often as you like, but NO mechanical means can be used to address the enveloples, do it by hand) Each request will net you One (1) Game Piece and One (1) Chance Piece. You WILL get either a $1 or $3 BB Buck and you might win something else with the other piece (food, other prize, or nothing)

Given that you have a 1 in 3 chance of getting a $3 BB buck, here is what you can expect to get back.

Worst Case: $100 BB Bucks
Best Case: $300 BB Bucks
Probable Case Based on Odds in Rules: $165 BB Bucks

Cost to send 100 submissions:
Number 6 envelopes can be had from many drug stores on sale for 300 for $1. Add tax and you have $1.08. You will need 200 envelopes, as you need one to send in and one that they will send back. Total Cost: $0.72

Stamps: You will need 200 stamps. $0.37 each
Total Cost: $74.00

Complete COST: $74.72
So, using the probable outcome I discussed above. You will most likely gross $165 BB Bucks, subtract your costs ($74.72), which leaves you with $90.28.

In other words, you are most likely going to save 45.284% on your purchase at BB.
(74.72/165=0.45284)

Now this is assuming your time is free, which it may or may not be. Consider this, if you only fill out the senders field (the TO field).
Writing the McDonnalds address took me about 45secs. Writing my address took about 25 secs. Total, 70 secs times 100 entires equals 1hr and 57 minutes. Given the figures above, you are making about $45 an hour doing this. Not bad!

Keep in mind, the max amount of BB Bucks that can be redeemed per day (and therefore per purchase) is $300. So, the sweet spot for submissions would be no more than 182 requests.

Finally, this is not meant to be a waste of time. I would rather not spend more money and eat a ton of unhealthy food in order to win something in this contest. Before you get that 100 roll of stamps, you better get your mind set on what you want to spend it on at Best Buy and ask yourself these questions...
1. Is it excluded by the rules for purchase with BB Bucks?
2. Can I get it for 45% off elsewhere?
3. Am I ready to spend 2 hours writing on envelopes?

Also, it is more fun finding loopholes in the game that will benefit you. I am going to send one request and see what I get back. If that works, then I guess I will gear up for the big one.
:D

Read up on the rules before attemping:
http://mcdstaging.promotions.com/monopoly/rules.html

no mechanical addressing, huh? darn...what about an inkjet printer with an envelop slot and a cursive font....hmm.

Nope, will not work.


3. HOW TO OBTAIN A GAME BOARD AND GAME PIECE. Obtain an official Game board ("Game Board"), while supplies last, at: (a) any participating McDonald's restaurant in the United States, Guam and Saipan; (b) any participating Best Buy retail store in the United States; (c) online at www.mcdonalds.com; and/or (d) online at www.bestbuy.com. Official Monopoly Game Pieces ("Game Pieces") and Best Buy Chance Pieces ("Chance Pieces") can be obtained as follows, while distribution supplies last:

b. Without Purchase. To request a Game Piece without buying something at McDonald's, persons in the United States, Guam & Saipan may mail a self-addressed stamped envelope with sufficient postage and their return address (name, street address, city, state, country, and zip code) legibly printed thereon to: Monopoly Best Chance Game 3.0 at McDonald's, Game Piece Request, P.O. Box 49519, Strongsville, OH, 44149. Return postage may be omitted on requests that are mailed to a return address located in Vermont. DO NOT SEND POTENTIAL WINNING GAME STAMPS, COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS TO THIS ADDRESS. Participants may submit as many Game Piece requests as they desire, but each request must be mailed in a separate outer envelope. Requests that are sent in business reply envelopes, are photocopied, are mechanically reproduced or are not mailed in separate outer envelopes will NOT be honored. One (1) Game Piece and One (1) Chance Piece will be mailed in response to each request, while supplies last. Mail-in requests must be postmarked no later than October 31, 2005, and received no later than November 7, 2005. If the Game runs long in restaurants, these dates are subject to a corresponding extension. [/quote]
 

Gunther

Golden Member
Mar 6, 2001
1,292
0
0
Originally posted by: Devil2U
How to get Best Buy Bucks, and make a profit at it.

Last time McDonalds did this contest, I read the rules and got to thinking. By requesting game pieces by mail, I could actually come out ahead with best buy bucks. Here is how it would break down...

Example: 100 requests for game pieces. (you can make requests as often as you like, but NO mechanical means can be used to address the enveloples, do it by hand) Each request will net you One (1) Game Piece and One (1) Chance Piece. You WILL get either a $1 or $3 BB Buck and you might win something else with the other piece (food, other prize, or nothing)

Given that you have a 1 in 3 chance of getting a $3 BB buck, here is what you can expect to get back.

Worst Case: $100 BB Bucks
Best Case: $300 BB Bucks
Probable Case Based on Odds in Rules: $165 BB Bucks

Cost to send 100 submissions:
Number 6 envelopes can be had from many drug stores on sale for 300 for $1. Add tax and you have $1.08. You will need 200 envelopes, as you need one to send in and one that they will send back. Total Cost: $0.72

Stamps: You will need 200 stamps. $0.37 each
Total Cost: $74.00

Complete COST: $74.72
So, using the probable outcome I discussed above. You will most likely gross $165 BB Bucks, subtract your costs ($74.72), which leaves you with $90.28.

In other words, you are most likely going to save 45.284% on your purchase at BB.
(74.72/165=0.45284)

Now this is assuming your time is free, which it may or may not be. Consider this, if you only fill out the senders field (the TO field).
Writing the McDonnalds address took me about 45secs. Writing my address took about 25 secs. Total, 70 secs times 100 entires equals 1hr and 57 minutes. Given the figures above, you are making about $45 an hour doing this. Not bad!

Keep in mind, the max amount of BB Bucks that can be redeemed per day (and therefore per purchase) is $300. So, the sweet spot for submissions would be no more than 182 requests.

Finally, this is not meant to be a waste of time. I would rather not spend more money and eat a ton of unhealthy food in order to win something in this contest. Before you get that 100 roll of stamps, you better get your mind set on what you want to spend it on at Best Buy and ask yourself these questions...
1. Is it excluded by the rules for purchase with BB Bucks?
2. Can I get it for 45% off elsewhere?
3. Am I ready to spend 2 hours writing on envelopes?

Also, it is more fun finding loopholes in the game that will benefit you. I am going to send one request and see what I get back. If that works, then I guess I will gear up for the big one.
:D

Read up on the rules before attemping:
http://mcdstaging.promotions.com/monopoly/rules.html

If its the same as last year where you could use the codes online and the physical bb bucks in store then its 165x2 :)
 

promposive

Senior member
Jun 15, 2004
912
0
71
So how long did it take you all last year to get the pieces back once you sent in your envelopes?

Week, month, etc.. ?

Strongsville, OH is only about 300 miles away from me, so should be 2 or 3 days at most for standard USPS mail..
 

cyberia

Platinum Member
Oct 22, 1999
2,535
0
0
Return postage may be omitted on requests that are mailed to a return address located in Vermont.

Find a friend in Vermont who would be willing to collect the individual envelopes sent by McDonalds and resend them to you in bulk and cut your cost and time almost in half.

I am wondering if printing labels and manually pasting them on envelopes would be acceptable?
 

bleeb

Lifer
Feb 3, 2000
10,868
0
0
Originally posted by: dugweb
oh don't tempt me... last year i lived very near a mcdonalds and found myself taking every excuse i could to eat at mcd's in the off chance i would win :disgust: and here i am surfing ATHD, you can safely assume i didnt win :(

haha yeah no kidding. ... i tried to play that game and ending up much heavier and feeling like sh*t. you might as well just buy stuff at best buy.
 

neovan

Diamond Member
Mar 8, 2001
4,676
1
81
If your job is a teacher then you can have your students write them for you!
 

r0bVious

Senior member
Oct 27, 2004
619
0
0
Originally posted by: Mojoed
FYI, fine print -

Cannot be used toward purchase of certain products and services, including but not limited to, Best Buy? Gift Cards, video game hardware, Bose® audio products, DIRECTV service, Apple® products, satellite radio service, Cinema Systems, pay-as-you-go wireless phones, HP ink and paper, taxes, state fees, installation fees, third-party purchases, special order items, Performance Service Plans, and Product Replacement Plans.

Would "video game hardware" include both gamesystems (xbox, ps2, etc) and video cards? I'm hoping they're valid for the later. That would be about my only motivation for this promotion. :)

If you wanted it, you could prolly just buy something, then return it for store credit.
 

labgeek

Platinum Member
Jan 20, 2002
2,163
0
0
Originally posted by: TecJunkie
Originally posted by: neovan
If your job is a teacher then you can have your students write them for you!

... a new HD low....

It's called "penmanship practice". Really. It's a legitimate use of student's time. ;)

 

AVP

Senior member
Jan 19, 2005
885
0
76
Ok so i am looking to jump on the whole sending in envelopes thing. Maybe then I can get a 7800gt and my parents want a new stereo reciever....is there any risk involved? why arent more people all over this? Laziness? I did read the restrictions btw...