Australian Mail In Competition Secrets

While it is often the case that you can enter competitions online, via sms or phone call, there are still plenty of Australian competitions allowing you to send in a good ol’ “snail mail” entry.

When competitions run multiple entry formats there is often the question of which way is “best” to enter? Well honestly who really knows? Every competition, company and promotional agency is unique so we can never be sure exactly what occurs once we enter no matter which method we choose. Personally I like to cover all bases and if there’s a great prize with a few entry methods I will often try to do one of each kind.

So when it comes to Australian Mail In Competitions is there anything to know to increase your chances of winning? While no comper can ever be “sure” here are a few hints and tips that have been debated many times.

• Enter using a business side envelope - The standard size in Australia for most competitions is a DL size. This is generally acceptable although it’s fine to use other size envelopes if the terms and conditions don’t specify what to use.
• Use fancy envelopes - This is highly debated. Some people go to all kinds of effort with different colours, drawings, stickers etc. Honestly I have never won a prize using a decorated envelope so I gave that practice up early on and stick to standard DL although others would tell you different. It’s really a personal choice as long as you stick within the competition guidelines.
• Stuff Envelopes - Some people encourage “stuffing” your envelope to make it thicker. I have a feeling the theory behind this is to make your envelope stand out or have more chance of being grabbed by a hand scrambling to choose a winner. Not sure that it makes a difference, although I do know that often the envelopes are opened and the entry form details entered into a computer for an automated draw these days so this may not do anything other than “surprise” the person opening the envelope at the other end!!!
• Enter at different times throughout the competition - This is purely a theory based on spreading your chances around. For example if a competition runs for 4 weeks and I am going to enter multiple times via postal method, I will send in an entry at the beginning, middle and end of the competition.
• Send your entry from different Mail Boxes - This may sound odd, but sometimes mail can get lost or be delayed so if I’m posting in multiple entries, I may use a couple of different mail boxes around town, sometimes on different days, sometimes not.
• Just ENTER!!! - Don’t do what many people do (including me), buy the product, fill in the entry form, write out the envelope, possibly even put a stamp on the envelope and then don’t post it in!!!! No joke there have been many competitions I simply miss out on entering because I think “oh I’ll do it later” or I simply forget. I have sent many entries in via express post too which then ends up costing me closer to $6.00 instead of 55 cents so it sure pays just to send them in when you can!!

AUSTRALIA POST Postage Calculator - If you are still not sure of different sizes or postage costs, then the Australia post Postage calculator for letters lists the sizes and cost so check it out!
GOOD LUCK

Win Gift Vouchers at Madeit - Australian Handmade Online Store

I spotted this competition over at the lovely blog Noice. If you’re like me and love the unique and amazing hand made goods that you can buy when you take a look around online then this competition is one you will love.

Madeit an online store for Australian crafters is offering a $25 gift voucher to be won every week this month. The first draw takes place tonight so all you need to do is register over at madeit to be in with a chance.

Top 5 Tips to Win Photography Competitions

You may be thinking that photography competitions are only for professionals?… Think again!

The truth is that there are many competitions run throughout the year that are run specifically for amateur photographers, or really just require the entry of “happy snaps” and are not necessarily looking for professional photography art pieces.

Keep an eye out for websites such as Baby Express who run a monthly baby contest, or Ted’s Camera’s who also often have photography competitions running on site. If you are really interested in taking your photography to another level then there are also some great Australian Photography forums to join who also run regular competitions.

Anyway, so now you know where to keep an eye out, here are some tips to make your photos stand out above others.

1. Read the Entry Directions & Terms and Conditions. Photography competitions generally have specific entry requirements related to picture subject, content and technical specifications such as photo size etc. Be sure not to ruin your chances by entering incorrectly

2. Product Placement - If the competition you are entering is being sponsored or run by a specific company or product, do your best to include the product in the shot if it makes sense to do so.

3. Be Creative - Although this may sound easy it isn’t always simple to achieve. Get creative with your photo, take the picture from a unique angle, crop in close, include “not quite perfect expressions” if they add character. Have fun!

4. Evoke Emotion - Tell a story with your picture. Make it one that will connect with the viewer. Show your photo to some friends and colleagues and ask them what their initial reaction is. If it’s what you think the judges may be looking for then great, if not go back to the drawing board.

5. Take Plenty of Photos - Don’t just take one photo and expect it to be “the winning shot”. Even the greatest photographer will tell you it almost always takes more than one shot to get the perfect one. Experiment with different backgrounds, different lighting, zooming in and out, different angles and then choose the one you think is the best.

Above all else, just simply remember to have fun and be sure to enter. In reality even the most well planned photo entry may lose, and a random shot could just as easily become the winner. So if you have to decide between not entering and entering an “ok” picture, go with the ok one just in case it happens to be the one the judges like best!

Australian Competition - Win $25000 with Catalogue Central

This competition really is a shopper’s dream. Forget the days of missing out on the latest hot buys at retailers near you, or piles of junk mail laying around the house, catalogue central have changed lives forever.

Catalogue Central provides the most up-to-date retail catalogues online so there is no need to ever miss a sale. Plus join now and and you could win $25,000 Cash!

THE BEST PART is that when you join Catalogue Central you are in with a chance to Win $25000 and who wouldn’t enjoy that sort of cash prize right now

This is one not to be missed…. Good LUCK!!