been doing the hops for over 10 years now- i do not (shop)at all of the shops- there are over 150 of them-some hops have had over 180.
i do look at the shops- i have found a few that i love and do shop with- i know where to look when i am looking for something in particular- there is such a vast assortment of products offered all across the country- for a vast assortment of prices too.
i have won prizes participating- not with every hop- but often enough= i've won 1/2 yard collections of fabrics (30 fabrics) i've won many gift certificates from any where from $10 up to $75
it's one of those computer things i just do---about 10 months a year- for 10+ years now...as long as it continues i will continue-
i consider it a great resource- and fun too- the prizes are just a bonus.