How to Enter Competitions Successfully
I used to be one of those people who said ‘I never win anything’, but that was probably because I never entered competitions. However since I started this lucrative hobby I have had a good deal of success, despite life getting in the way and have won holidays, cash, clothes, make-over, supermarket vouchers, toiletries, cinema tickets, videos and loads of smaller items. “My best win to date was winning a trip to Rome, courtesy of Basildon Bond. I won a slogan competition; out of 5000 entrants and receiving the phone call to say I was the winner was just amazing”
Here are my top tips, to get you started…
C ONGRATULATIONS
So you’re interested in comping! Well you’ve taken the first step just by reading this. It’s a great hobby, won’t cost the earth, and hopefully will bring you loads of enjoyment.
O RGANISATION
Get yourself sorted. You will need stamps, postcards, envelopes, plain paper, selotape, scissors and highlighter pens. You may want to hide this stash from the rest of the family though, so that you always have a stock ready.
M AGAZINES
There are some good monthly subscription magazines that give loads of tips and hints, competitions to enter, together with readers’ successes. One is Competitors Companion (Tel; 0844 815 0052 for details)
P REPARATION
Remember the saying “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail”. Keep a watchful eye on closing dates for entries. Don’t leave it to the last minute to send, in case of postal delays and make sure you have any necessary qualifiers, such as till receipts.
E NTRY FORMS
Competitions can be found anywhere; in supermarkets, chain stores, banks, chemists, cinemas, service stations, you name it, so be vigilant and look out for the word WIN wherever you go. Entry forms can be found on product labels, bottle collars and leaflets; easy to find or hidden away in minute writing. There are also TV and Radio phone ins, magazines as well as the Internet. Local newspaper entries can be great, as the odds will be higher, with fewer entries received. Some require slogans, or it could be lucky dip, but it just could be YOUR lucky day!
T IE-BREAKER
If a slogan is required as a tie-breaker, they will give you an opening line to then complete; ‘I want to have dinner with Brad Pitt because’… You must then keep to the number of words stated to complete the sentence, normally about 12. Remember abbreviations such as I’ll, count as 2 words (I will). Be original as you can and as complimentary about the product in question. You never know your slogan may be used in future promotions by the sponsor.
I NTERNET
Competitions on the internet are increasing dramatically, and are free, which saves on postage costs. However as most of them ask you to provide contact details or sign up for their newsletter in order to enter, then be prepared for the deluge of unwanted SPAM e-mails you may get as a result.
T IME
Competitions can take over your life and become addictive. Allocate time to spend on your new hobby and stick to it. Finding entry forms and qualifiers, completing entry forms and thinking up slogans can all take loads of time.
I N TO WIN
You have to be in to win is absolutely true. Don’t say to yourself,” I
never win
any thing”. That’s probably because you don’t enter! What have you got to lose? If you don’t try, you will never know what it feels like to receive a LWE (Long White envelope) telling you you’re a winner, or getting a phone call to tell you have beaten off all the opposition!
O BEY THE RULES
Only send one entry if that’s what is required; with ever improving technology, they will know if you enter more than once. Read all rules carefully before completing the entry and sending off. All your hard work could be for nothing if you have not obeyed the rules as you will be automatically disqualified, before they have even read your wonderful slogan or tie breaker. Good clear handwriting, full address, and phone number if required are also essential.
N EVER PAY FOR A PRIZE
If you ever receive a phone call or letter telling you that you have won a prize, but they need you to send some money as a ‘handling fee’, IGNORE IT. THIS IS NOT A BONA FIDE PRIZE. DO NOT SEND ANY MONEY. You should never have to send any money to receive your prize – EVER.
S TICK AT IT
Even successful ‘compers’ have lean times, but if you follow the rules, get organised, keep at it, then you have a much better chance, than somebody that doesn’t even enter.
SO…. HAPPY COMPING!
This content was provided by one of our users, Denzie
