Are you searching for a fun hobby that could actually bring you some rewards? If the usual side hustles aren’t quite your thing, maybe “comping” – the art of entering and winning competitions – might be just the ticket (‘scuse the pun). It’s something you can do from home with just a smartphone or computer and it won’t take all of your time up.
This post has been written to motivate you on the start of your comping journey, with some practical tips and insights that can set you on the path to winning everything from small prizes to major jackpots.
What is comping?
Comping is about regularly entering competitions with the aim of winning prizes. Some ‘seasoned compers’ take this hobby very seriously and they do win regularly. It’s really not just about luck; it’s about strategy, persistence, and being smart about where and how you enter.
People like Di Coke, a pretty well-known comper, have turned this hobby into a profitable venture. She has reportedly won an average of £12,000 a year in prizes since she began comping in 1997. That’s not a bad income from a side hobby, and just imagine bringing home all that extra gear, simply from entering competitions!
But how do you get started, and what can you do to really maximise your chances of winning? Here are our top tips!
1. Put aside dedicated time for your new hobby
Success in comping doesn’t happen overnight. To win prizes, you need to make comping a regular part of your daily routine. Set aside specific times each day or week to enter competitions. This could be during your commute (assuming you’re on the bus or train!), lunch break, or when you have a bit of downtime in the evening.
It’s typical for successful compers to dedicate 60 – 90 minutes each day to entering competitions. If that feels like too much, don’t stress – you can start small. Even 15 – 30 minutes a day can give you results if you’re consistent. The key really is persistence and it makes perfect sense: the more competitions you enter, the higher your chances of winning (you’ve got to be in it to win it, right?)
TOP TIP: Create a comping schedule that fits into your daily life/routine. Whether it’s 15 minutes during your morning coffee or an hour in the evening, consistency is crucial, so block off regular time. The more regularly you enter, the better your odds.
2. Set up a dedicated email account
Entering competitions often means signing up for newsletters or providing contact information, which can lead to an influx of emails. To manage this, set up a dedicated email address specifically for comping. This way, you can keep all your competition-related correspondence in one place and avoid cluttering your personal inbox.
Remember to check this email regularly, including your spam or junk folder. Many competitions notify winners by email, and you don’t want to miss out on a prize because you overlooked a message.
Some competition websites (like ours!) also offer exclusive subscriber-only comps, so don’t delete the emails – do continue to check them.
3. Find the best competitions
With so many competitions available, it’s essential to focus on those that offer a realistic prospect of winning. Here are some top sources:
Comping websites: Sites like Loquax and Super Lucky Di list hundreds of competitions daily. They are a great place to start for finding a variety of competitions in one place.
Social Media: Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are treasure troves for competitions. Use hashtags like #win, #competition, and #giveaway to find active contests. Follow brands you like, as they often run giveaways.
Forums: The Money Saving Expert (MSE) competitions forum is a really active community where members share competitions and tips. Being a part of these communities can lead you to competitions you might not have found otherwise.
Magazines and radio stations: Publications like Marie Claire or radio shows like Heart often host competitions, which can have fewer entries than online contests, increasing your chances.
TOP TIP: Consider using competition aggregator websites that gather listings from across the internet. Set up alerts on these sites or social media to notify you of new competitions as soon as they are posted.
4. Be wary of scams
Not all competitions are legitimate. To protect yourself, only enter competitions from brands or organisations you trust. Be cautious of any competition that asks for too much personal information or requires a payment to claim your prize (not the same as paying to enter). Genuine competitions will not ask you to pay to receive your winnings.
Forums like MSE often have threads dedicated to identifying and warning about scam competitions so it’s worth taking a look at these if you’re considering entering on a new site.
Prize-Draw.com is a registered company in England and Wales with Company number 15343705 and we’re registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office ICO #ZB695294. Although we actually have Jen, a regulated and practising solicitor on our team, we’ve also attained independent verification from Ellis Jones Solicitors that our site is compliant with the Gambling Act 2005. All paid prize draws have a free entry route and we draw everything live from our Midlands-based studio. You can meet our team on our ‘About‘ page and Tony, Courtney, Jen and Beth are always reachable through our email if you have any questions at all.
5. Maximise your chances with strategy
When you first start comping, it’s tempting to enter every competition you come across. However, it’s more effective to be selective and strategic about the contests you enter.
Enter competitions for prizes you want: Focus on competitions with prizes you genuinely want or need. This not only makes winning more exciting but also ensures you’re not wasting time on prizes that won’t benefit you.
Seek out low-entry competitions: Competitions that require more effort – like writing a slogan, answering a tie-breaker, or submitting a photo – tend to have fewer entries. The effort required can deter many people, increasing your chances of winning.
Look for discounts on multi ticket purchases: These are great for the comps you really want to win. They can substantially increase your chance for a lot less.
Read comping website newsletters: They often contain exclusive prize draws or point you towards low-entry competitions.
Use autofill tools: Many online competitions require filling out forms. Using browser autofill tools can save you significant time and allow you to enter more competitions faster.
TOP TIP: Competitions run by local businesses, newspapers, or radio stations typically have fewer entries than national contests, giving you better odds. However, be aware that some “local” competitions might be syndicated across multiple regions, so always check the fine print.
6. Consider purchase-required competitions
Many competitions require a purchase to enter, but don’t dismiss these altogether. Often, these contests have fewer entries because of the purchase requirement, which can work in your favour.
For example, Di Coke, a seasoned comper, has won thousands of pounds in prizes from purchase-required competitions, including a car and several holidays. She advises keeping your receipts and taking a photo of the product with the receipt as proof of purchase, as you may need it to claim your prize.
Some purchase-required competitions also have entry fees, such as texting in your entry or (like many of our comps), purchasing a ticket. These can also have fewer participants, increasing your odds if the prize is something you really want.
7. Stay organised and track your wins
Keeping track of the competitions you enter and the prizes you win can be highly motivating. Create a simple spreadsheet to log the details of each competition, such as the date entered, prize details, and when the winner will be announced.
Tracking your progress not only keeps you organised but also helps you identify which types of competitions are giving you the best results for you. You can also watch your wins accumulate over time can keep you motivated to continue comping.
8. Join comping communities
Joining comping groups or forums can provide you with valuable tips, tricks, and a bit of motivation from fellow compers. These communities often share exclusive competitions and offer advice on increasing your chances of winning.
Di Coke’s Facebook group, Lucky Learners, is a popular community where compers share their experiences and successes. This can also help you feel a bit less solitary if you’re comping on your own at home, and make it more of a social hobby.
9. Stay motivated and enjoy yourself!
The excitement of winning is of course the biggest motivator, but it’s important to enjoy the process of comping itself, since you can’t always be sure of a prize! It is the excitement of potentially winning something, no matter how small, that can make comping an enjoyable hobby.
If you find yourself getting frustrated or demotivated with the endless entries and lack of results, take a break and return when you’re feeling more positive. Comping is more like a marathon than a sprint, and any hardened comper will tell you that persistence and positivity are key.
We hope this quick guide has provided some motivation and practical advice to help you break into the world of comping. Why not start today? Set up your dedicated email, find some competitions that excite you, and get stuck in. Who knows – your next big win could be just around the corner!
