Are you feeling lucky? Dreaming of that moment when you hit the jackpot or when the prize patrol knocks on your door with a giant check and balloons? It’s time to tap into the world of competitions and prize draws.
1. Dive into the world of comping:
Comping is the art of hunting and entering contests to win prizes. People who embrace this as a hobby are known as ‘compers.’ From small-time local competitions to large-scale national prize draws, there’s a spectrum of opportunities waiting!
2. Make sure you have the right equipment:
Before you embark on your comping journey, get equipped. You’ll want a dedicated email address to manage all your comping-related activities, plus a fine-tuned internet browser with auto-complete settings configured to speed up those entry forms.
3. Start out with a strategy:
Not all competitions are created equal. Some are like finding a four-leaf clover, while others might be more like picking daisies. Focus on contests with better odds—a local giveaway might have fewer entries compared to a national sweepstake.
Save the Student suggests:
The best way to start making money from competitions is by getting into the mindset of treating this as your job, and doing the following things:
~ Save the Student
- Plan to spend a set amount of hours a day on it
- …
- Set yourself some targets to work towards (e.g. X number of cash competitions and X freebie competitions).
4. Find out how to find the competitions:
Competitions are as plenty as stars in the sky. Scour social media platforms, brand websites, newspapers, and even the backs of your cereal boxes. Become a sleuth in your quest—keep your eyes peeled for any opportunity to participate.
Appearing in the Times, Anabel Baldock, 24, has a track record of winning lucrative prizes:
Her first big win was a seven-night all-inclusive holiday to Tenerife in 2021, which included everything from flights and airport transfers for Anabel and her partner. The competition was through Capital Radio. She had to call in and answer which country Tenerife was in, with the answer being Spain.
In January this year she also won another all-inclusive holiday through a radio competition – this time to Greece. She was offered a range of dates and is going in September with her partner.
“I’m a member of a Facebook group called Lucky Learners and people on there are really helpful – flagging up new competitions,” Anabel says.
Elizabeth Anderson, The Times Money Mentor
5. Understand the code of entry:
Read the terms and conditions—these are your treasure maps to success. They’ll tell you how to enter, who can enter, the prize details, and the closing date.
6. Variety is the spice of comping:
From photo contests to caption competitions, writing essays, or simply luck of the draw, expand your horizon. Entering different types of competitions keeps things exciting and spreads your chances of winning.
7. The art of crafting a winning entry:
When a competition requires creative input, think outside the box. Craft compelling stories, take striking photos, or create a memorable slogan. Originality and effort can make your entry stand out.
ChatGPT goes a long way when it comes to inspiration, but don’t rely on it to write the final entry – it’s not always accurate and may have lifted the idea from someone else’s website.
Competitions that require a little skill or effort are more likely to generate prizes, compers say.
Whether it is a tiebreaker to complete, a puzzle to do, or a photo to send, these contests weed out the lazy — therefore improving your chances.
Rosie Murray-West in The Metro
8. Allow fortuity and persistence to hold hands!
Luck may not always be on your side, and that’s okay. The key to comping success lies in persistence. Keep the faith and continue participating. Remember, each entry is a new chance to win.
9. Stay organised:
Keep a logbook or spreadsheet of the competitions you’ve entered, the prizes on offer, closing dates, and any other relevant details. This will help you track your entries and avoid the cardinal sin of comping—double entries.
10. Steer clear of the scams:
While comping is generally safe, beware of scams. Never divulge highly personal information. Stick to reputable sites and contests to keep your personal treasure (aka data) secure.
Some sites like Omaze or the Giveaway Guys (and our own!) charge for competition entry, although there’s usually a free route. There’s nothing wrong with paying for prize tickets on a genuine site – it’s no different to buying a raffle ticket at the school fayre! However, if the site asks you to pay a handling or postage fee for a prize you’ve won, this is likely to be a scam.
If a message or call asks you to send money for a prize you’ve won in a competition or quiz, it’s a scam. You never have to send money to get a genuine prize [that you’ve won].
Halifax
11. Use social media to your advantage:
Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are teeming with comps. Follow your favourite brands, influencers, and comping communities—these are often the treasure islands where contests are announced.
12. Form or join a comping crew:
Engage with fellow compers. Comping communities, both online and offline, offer support, advice, and cheer each other on. Find your tribe, and comping becomes more fun and less solitary.
13. Stay in control
While comping can be a thrilling voyage, ensure it doesn’t consume all your time (and money!). Balance is key. Enjoy it as a hobby and a way to snag some extras rather than an alternative to the national lottery.
14. Keep informed and claim quick!
When the winds of fortune blow in your favour, and you bag a win, respond promptly to any communications from the competition organisers. There’s often a time limit to claim your prize, and failure to respond could mean missing the boat.
15. Share your winnings
Got a prize that’s not quite your cup of tea? Consider gifting it to friends or family, or perhaps even donating to charity. Sharing the joy of winning can be as satisfying as the win itself.
16. Document your adventure
Documenting your comping journey can be rewarding. Blog about your experiences, share your triumphs and trials with others. Your story might inspire other aspiring compers.
17. Remember the taxman’s share [booooo]:
In some places, winning a prize can have tax implications and it can affect any benefits you claim. Be aware of the rules in your country and factor this into your comping strategy.
Now you’re ready to chart your course through the thrilling waters of competitions and prize draws. May your journey be filled with fun, and your bounty be plentiful! Whether it’s a freebie, a discount voucher, or a luxury holiday, the world of comping is your oyster. Keep a steady course, and happy comping!
