Beginners Guide to Comping Part 2
Entering competitions and prize draws – known as ‘comping’ – is a diverse and enjoyable hobby... and, with a bit of luck or skill, it can be profitable too! Here are Compers News editor Steve Middleton’s Top Tips for getting on the winning trail...
2. Stick to the rules
The small print for any competition is very important. Quite often it can even hide a ‘free entry’ route to save you some money, so you should always get into the habit of reading it thoroughly. Never fall into the trap of thinking that, since the writing’s so small then it can’t be important. Trust me - nothing could be further from the truth!
Pay special attention to the closing date of the competition, and always make sure that your entries arrive on time. Take special care to attach the correct proof of purchase if one is needed. Look out too for any entry restrictions, and whether you must enter the competition in a particular way – using a postcard, or an official entry form for example. If the competition has a skill task, answering a question perhaps, then read the instructions carefully to make sure there’s not a ‘trick’.
I’ve heard of competitions where less than one-third of entries have made it through to the judging stage. The rest were disqualified for, in most cases, the most minor Rules infringement. So if you want to improve your own winning chances, it couldn’t be easier to give yourself a flying start. Simply read the rules!
The Beginners Guide to Comping
continues on these pages:
3. Never say never
4. The harder it is to enter, the easier it is to win
5. Write great slogans
6. Be organised
7. Be in the know
