Hello, lovely readers! Tom here, your friendly guide to the wonderful world of online competitions. Now, before we dive in, let me just say—there’s no greater thrill than that little email ding saying, “Congratulations, you’re a winner!” It’s like finding a fiver in your coat pocket, but better. That said, while the thrill of the win is glorious, there’s a certain art to entering competitions, and dare I say, a bit of etiquette involved. So, pop the kettle on, and let’s have a natter about how to enter comps with style, grace, and maybe even a bit of luck on your side.
1. Play nice in the playground
First and foremost, remember your manners. The comping world is a vibrant community, and like any good neighbourhood, it thrives when everyone’s respectful and kind. If you’re in a Facebook group or following a comping forum, avoid being that person who moans about the prize not arriving the very next day. Organisers are often small businesses or busy folk doing their best to spread a little joy. A polite nudge if you’re waiting on a prize? Fine. An all-caps rant with 15 exclamation marks? Not so much.
And for the love of LEGO (you know I had to get a brick reference in somewhere), no trolling fellow entrants. Nobody likes a bad loser or a gloater. You didn’t win this time? Move on, and maybe the next one will have your name on it.
2. Read the rules (yes, all of them)
Ah, the terms and conditions. I know, they’re about as exciting as watching paint dry, but they’re there for a reason. Organisers put these in place to ensure fairness and clarity, so ignoring them can lead to heartbreak.
Didn’t spot the “UK residents only” clause? Oops. Entered a competition six months after it closed? That’s on you, mate. Taking five minutes to skim the T&Cs can save you a world of hassle—and keep you from accidentally disqualifying yourself.
Pro tip: If it says “one entry per household,” don’t be cheeky and enter under your cat’s name too. They’ll catch you out, and it’s just not cricket.
3. Don’t Overstay Your Welcome
Now, here’s one I see pop up often: the serial tagger. You know the type—every competition post has their 15 best mates tagged underneath, usually accompanied by a frantic “PLEASE HELP ME WIN!” plea. Look, tagging your friends is fine if the competition asks for it, but don’t drag poor Aunt Beryl into every giveaway under the sun. She’s here for the crochet tutorials, not for being roped into your dream of winning a garden gnome.
If the rules say, “tag one friend,” then one friend it is. More isn’t better, and it just clogs up the organiser’s feed. Let’s keep it tidy, shall we?
4. Keep Your Entries Honest
Honesty is the best policy, especially in the comping world. Fancy yourself a dab hand at creative competitions? Great! Just make sure it’s your photo, poem, or story you’re submitting.
I once saw someone win a holiday with a “stunning” photo they’d pinched off Google. Needless to say, the organisers found out, and let’s just say their next holiday destination was the land of shame. Integrity matters, folks. Winning something you genuinely worked for? Far more satisfying.
5. A Thank You Goes a Long Way
Won a prize? Hooray! Now, don’t forget to say thank you. Whether it’s a quick email, a shoutout on social media, or even a little photo of your prize in action, a bit of gratitude never goes unnoticed. It’s good manners, and it makes the organisers feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Plus, if you share your win publicly (and tag the organiser), it can lead to more comps in the future. Organisers love seeing happy winners—it’s the comping equivalent of a gold star on their fridge.
6. No Drama, Please
Okay, this one’s important. If something doesn’t go your way—a delayed prize, a competition cancellation, or a winner announcement that wasn’t you—don’t go on a public rampage. Mistakes happen, and most organisers are more than happy to sort things out if you approach them politely.
Blasting someone on social media might feel satisfying in the moment, but trust me, it’s not a good look. Besides, karma has a funny way of working things out. Keep calm and comp on.
7. Don’t Forget the Little Guys
It’s easy to gravitate towards the big, shiny prizes—holidays, cars, those whopping cash jackpots. But don’t overlook the smaller competitions. Your odds of winning a local business’s £20 gift voucher are often much better than snagging that dream trip to the Maldives. Plus, supporting smaller businesses feels good, doesn’t it?
Oh, and those small wins add up. A cheeky free coffee here, a book there—it all makes life a bit more delightful.
8. Keep Track of Your Entries
Now, I know some of you are organised comping machines with spreadsheets, colour-coded calendars, and reminders for closing dates. And honestly? I’m impressed. If that’s you, keep at it!
For the rest of us mere mortals, even a basic system can help. A little notebook or a folder for screenshots of entries does wonders. There’s nothing worse than entering a competition and forgetting all about it until you receive an email that sounds suspiciously like a scam. (Pro tip: It’s not a scam if you entered it last month!)
9. Stay Positive
Here’s the thing about comping—it’s meant to be fun. Yes, winning is fantastic, but if it’s becoming a source of stress or frustration, it’s time to step back. Nobody wins everything (not even those mythical “professional compers” you hear about). Some days you’ll hit the jackpot, and others you’ll walk away empty-handed. That’s the nature of the game.
Focus on the joy of entering, the anticipation of waiting, and the occasional thrill of the win. Oh, and if all else fails, there’s always tomorrow’s competition.
So, there you have it—Tom’s guide to competition etiquette. Remember, it’s not just about what you win, but how you play the game. A little kindness, a sprinkle of honesty, and a dollop of gratitude go a long way. Now, off you pop—there’s probably a competition or two out there with your name on it. And who knows? Maybe you’ll be the next lucky winner I get to write about.