How to Store Proof of Purchase Receipts for Competitions and Sweepstakes.

So you’ve jumped through all the hoops and qualified for entry to the latest competition or sweepstake you’re trying to enter. But what next? You have purchased the product, brought home the receipt and entered the draw. Now, you tuck the receipt away safely……

Amazingly that winning call comes through months later and you go to grab the receipt…………

AND IT’S BLANK!!

Nope, it’s not a joke. Many receipt printers are printed using heat sensitive paper. The huge downfall of this for compers and sweepers is that sometimes, by the time the draw takes place, your proof of purchase has been destroyed!!!

So how do you prevent this from happening?

Well, there are plenty of ideas for receipt storage, and I’ll do another post on that later, but the best recommendation I have is to either scan or photocopy every receipt in case you need it later.

If you are photocopying and printing them straight out, then store them safely with the original. If you are scanning them  onto the computer, be sure to organise some sort of file system on your computer that allows you to track your receipts via date, store or preferably both of these options.

There is of course the issue that some competitions and sweepstakes request to see the original receipt, but if this is the case, although there is a slight chance you would still lose your prize, being able to send them a photocopy and a substantially faded original should see you in a good position to be validated as a prize winner.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email them through via our contact page

Increase your chances of winning by block entering.

Hi Prizetastic,

I’ve heard that entering competitions in blocks, for example sms’s can help guarantee a win. Do you think this sort of thing works?

Thanks for your help,

Sam P

Hi Sam,

Everyone wants a way to increase their chances of winning competitions. While there are many theories on how to increase the chance of winning competitions, most are just that, theories. It’s almost impossible to guarantee that any theory actually works, and so it’s important that while you take hints and tips into consideration when entering competitions, that you always remember, there’s no guarantee of winning and the more you enter the more chance you have!

Block entering is one of the urban myths of entering competitions. While the theory does deserve some merit, in reality there’s little to support the claims it increases your chances.

Block entering is simply entering a competition via electronic means multiple times in order to increase your chances of winning if that given time is the allocated draw time. For example: If you are entering a competition via sms you decide to enter 20 consecutive sms entries at 11am. OR you decide to enter consecutively between 11:00am and 11:15am. The theory is that if the draw takes place within this time (or other times you may also block enter in) you will hold the winning timeslot.

Now while there does seem to be some logic in this theory, of course there is one very obvious flaw. If the times you choose to enter in are not the winning timeslot, then in fact you are have no better chance of winning than anyone else.

So just like most other ways of increasing your chances to win competitions, it would appear that there is little real merit in this method, at least for drawn competitions, instant wins however this can be an absolutely different case and I’ll cover that in another post.

Until next time,

GOOD LUCK and Happy winning.

What are YOUR comping Morals?

Ask anyone who enters competitions regularly, anyone who is part of a competitions forum, or anyone who’s ever scanned the “winners list” in the hope of seeing their name….. Many of them will tell you that there are plenty of people out there who have few, if any “Comping Morals”.

So what are Comping Morals? Well, they are similar to the morals and values you hold in every other part of your life. They greatly reflect who you are as a person and how you treat other people. Comping Morals guide the length you will go to, the risks you will take, and the levels you will stoop to in order to win a prize.

Isn’t a prize a prize you might ask? Well of course it is. But should EVERYONE enter every competition just because there is a prize to be had? Well, I for one can’t bring myself to do it but there are many others who will and do…. I’ll explain myself with this example.

Say you see a wedding competition. That competition is giving away a prize that would allow a bride and groom to ease the financial pressure of their wedding, or allow them a little extra luxury. In this case, bridesmaids gowns, clearly it would be an amazing prize for a bride to be. Now, personally I stay away from such competitions. I am happily married, and while I could sell the dresses or perhaps find a friend or someone who could use them, to me, the prize should go to someone who would really appreciate it.

Others however don’t see things this way. Happily married or not, they feel it’s their right to enter the competition. Who cares if they need the prize or not. A prize is a prize and like I said, bridesmaid dresses can be sold!!! To me, this signifies low comping morals, or morals of any kind.

When kindness and decency are pushed aside in order to try and take a prize that would be better served and enjoyed by a bride to be I just can’t agree!!!

Let me know what you think. Do you think situations such as this are moral or immoral? It just angers me so much that i can only hope Karma plays a part if they do win!!!

Time Saving Secret to Win More Competitions

Question: Prizetastic, how do you keep track of all the log ins and passwords for the sites that require membership to enter their competitions? Also is there an easy way of filling in all my information instead of having to type it over and over again?

Thanks,
Pam.

Hi Pam,

Thanks so much for your question, it’s a really valid one and one that many seasoned compers have solved you’ll be glad to know.

There’s a secret time saver you may not have heard about…. Not only will it remember all your logins and passwords for as many sites as you like, it will also fill in ALL your information with just one click of a button.

Picture this……. you are entering hundreds of competitions per month, and have acquired a huge list of login names and passwords and it can sometimes become really difficult to remember each one. Not only that, you’re surely developing “compers” RSI from typing in your name, address, phone, date of birth and other details OVER AND OVER again!!!

Well, here’s the secret….

There’s actually a software program that will do ALL these things for you and it will save you a stack of typing AND a stack of time, meaning you can enter MORE competitions in less time and get more prizes

I use roboform and so do most of my comping friends to save a load of time and aching fingers when end of month hits and there’s so many competitions to enter you never think you’ll finish them all!!

It’s used worldwide by millions of people mainly to keep passwords secure, but for our hobby it turns out to be the perfect companion.

There are 2 choices for download, the free option which works fully and will store the same information as the pro option although has some limits to the number of users and passwords, or the pro option without limitation.

If you’ve never used roboform you HAVE to try it now, I guarantee it will save you time, and you’ll wonder how you lived without it

Competition wins as gifts?

Let’s be realistic, we don’t really want to keep every prize that we win.

Take for instance you enter a competition with a family holiday as first prize, and camera as a runners up prize. When the competition is drawn, you are lucky enough to win a runner’s up prize, a new camera. Of course this is a wonderful prize win, but you’ve recently purchased (or won hopefully) the camera of your dreams and you really don’t have any use for this one.

In this situation you’re faced with a few solutions. You can give the camera away to charity or something similar, sell it to try and recover some of your comping costs (and we all know this hobby can have some expenses associated), keep it just for the hell of it, or give the lovely prize away as a gift.

Personally I have given away hundreds of dollars in prizes as gifts. Other prizes I have sold to friends and family at greatly reduced prices, and other times I have given things away. One of the sad things is when you get excited about having the chance to give a great gift to a family member or friend and the reception is less than welcome.

Hopefully not everyone out there has experienced this. But the truth is that when people realise you enter competitions as a hobby, very seldom do they realise the dedication and sometimes the expense that goes along with it. When this is the case, people often “expect” to recieve gifts, or don’t see the value in the gift when it is given.

Most people are grateful for receiving any sort of gift whether it be won or bought, but several times I have given prizes as gifts, keeping in mind that most times the gift is something I would never have been able to afford had I not won it, only to hear the comment “oh did you win this?”.

It can be hurtful to feel as though people don’t appreciate what you are sharing with them. But the reality is, that unless people comp full time as I often do, then they won’t understand the dedication and expense. There are now some family and friends I don’t give prizes to as gifts. Instead I greet them with a $20 gift card instead. It’s their loss, they may have received prizes worth hundreds of dollars otherwise, but there is a point that you need to remember that this is your hobby, your fun and it should stay that way!

Competitions & The Economic Downturn

There are many opinions being thrown around at the moment as to whether the worldwide economic downturn will affect competitions. I was asked if I think there will be more or less competitions due to the economic crisis worldwide?

It may seem crazy that to some, this would even BE a consideration, but like all keen hobbiests, compers are passionate about what they do!!

So will the economic downturn see a change in the competition, contests and sweepstakes market?

Well, who can be sure, but here are my predictions for the coming year…..

• More competitions!! - It has been said that perhaps companies won’t be able to afford to run competitions if their bottom line profits become tight. BUT, my background in marketing tells me that cutting back on competitions won’t be the case for most companies.

You see, when money is tight in the economy, companies of all sizes are trying to find ways to stand out amongst their competitors. Many will resort to trying competitions and sweepstakes, and some will try this as a promotional method for the first time. Of course, we all know that competitions can be a huge flop and end up costing companies money for little return, but those who are smart and switched on with what consumers want will find themselves in a very successful position by attracting new and old customers with competitions and the lure of prizes!!

• There will be more people entering! - OK this may sound like a bad thing, after all doesn’t more people entering mean it becomes harder to win? Well perhaps. But in reality everyone is going to feel a financial squeeze over the coming year or so, and many are feeling it already. SO what better way to give yourself a bit of hope then to start entering competitions.

Seasoned compers have some advantage when it comes to increased numbers of entrants. They tend to be more organised, realise the importance in keeping proof of purchase and know how to keep an eye out for competitions offering greater odds of winning. But overall people just entering the hobby have the chance to change their lives in the true sense by winning products and holidays that they may not otherwise be able to afford.

The benefit of having more people entering competitions is of course that companies and promoters see greater results for their effort meaning that they will continue to offer competitions and sweepstakes in order to boost sales and profits and we won’t be left scratching our heads trying to find a new hobby.

So REALLY, it is a win win for all and I am resting peacefully in the prediction that comping will stay as a positive and luctrative hobby for those who choose to get addicted to it in 2009

GOOD LUCK

Competitions and Brand Loyalty

If you are a business owner, or perhaps just as a consumer, you may wonder what effect, if any that competitions and sweepstakes have on brand loyalty? Do consumers change brands just for the sake of entering a competition? Do consumers try new products because of a competition? Do they stick with products after a competition finishes?

Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t have actual statistics, because this data would be very brand and product specific, but from my past few years in the “comping” environment, and even talking to friends, family and colleagues I can say with 100% certainty that for most product purchases, people are more than willing to brand hop if there’s a worthwhile prize on offer.

There are several reasons for this…. One of which is economic and monetary: People like the idea of getting something for nothing. With current financial uncertainty worldwide, many families are struggling so the thought of winning cash, holidays or other luxury’s is enticing to say the least!!

Another reason will always be that people will change brands for competitions because they were never brand loyal anyway. Many people brand hop based on price anyway, so throw an extra incentive and chance to win into the mix and many people will choose to swap brands.

Then of course there’s people who comp as a hobby and can spot the word “WIN” at the other end of the supermarket, that one is just a no brainer.

Do people stay with a brand they’ve chosen even after a competition? Of course just like any other consumer choice that one’s variable. It often depends on the product. For instance there are products such as soups, sauces and other food items that seem to have regular competitions. In that case, it may be harder to retain customers who see little difference between sauce brands, but it is often harder to switch a customer from a brand of coffee or alcohol for example and then continue to retain their loyalty.

For companies that are willing to invest the time into running a competition with worthwhile prizes, well structured rules, and a fun and easy entry process, there is definitely a benefit to them… For consumers, it’s great to know that brands out there care enough to try and offer some reward or “chance” at a reward for trying their product, and it’s even better to become a winner.

I won a major prize for a deodorant competition, and to this day that is still the deodorant I use, and will probably continue to do so, it helps that it was a great product, but that winning feeling made the brand stick in my mind forever

Which is the Best Entry Method for Competitions and Sweepstakes?

I’ve had a couple of emails asking me something that is a fairly frequently asked question in the world of winning:

“When a competiton or sweepstake has multiple options for entry, which is the best way to enter?”

So as an example, there’s a competition running that allows you to enter either via mobile phone text message (sms), or landline phone, internet or by mail, which do you choose?

The solution to this is not always an easy one, but there’s a few steps I take to decide what to do.

Consideration 1: - When is the closing date for the competition? If the cut off date is within a couple of days, then obviously this rules out the mail in entry method straight away. I then consider several other things.

Consideration 2: - How many Prizes are Available? Is there a single major prize, hundreds of smaller prizes, or a mixed variety? If there’s only one large prize then generally I don’t focus too much on that particular competition. The more prizes there are to win (even if they are smaller in value) the greater your chance of winning. So if there are many prizes to be won I may take the time to enter using each entry method to spread my entries around, or I may just enter all via the internet.

If the entry process involves a tie breaker such as a words or less answer, I then consider whether further creative avenues can be utilised and may use mail in if I am going to do a creative project and answer.

Consideration 3: - The Cost of Entry: After considerations 1 and 2, its then important to analyse the cost involved in entering. If you need to make a purchase to qualify for entry and it’s not a product you regularly use, it’s a good idea to limit yourself to just one or two entries. Then just pick the 2 entry method and go with those.

Or, if you don’t like the option of having to pay for premium text messages, phone calls or stamps to enter via mail, phone or sms, then using the internet is perfect as it’s pretty much free.

How Entries are Drawn? - It’s been asked many times in the past how it is that when there are so many different entry methods, how is a single entry fairly drawn? There are a couple of ways this takes place:

Some promoters will enter every entry into a computerised database, transferring the mail in details manually. Others will draw a certain number of entries from each entry method, and use those entries as a “short list” of sorts, and then draw the winning entry from there.

It’s hard to predict or determine whether any one entry method is superior, whats important is to remember that you really do just have to be in it to win it!

How to Host an Effective Blog Contest, Step by Step!

On my post announcing that I would be building a directory of Australian Blog Contests I’ve received a question from Nerys asking for some advice on how to host an effective blog contest. (Nerys has an absolutely gorgeous etsy store by the way!!)

So here goes, if you are wanting to host a competition or contest on your blog, follow these basic guidelines to get you started. Let me know if you want more clarification or ideas at all

Every day I enter at least one competition, and although blog contests are slightly different from your normal, every day corporate competitions, there’s still some important similarities, and simple rules you need to follow to make sure the contest is effective and both you as the blogger and your readers find the entire process fun and worthwhile.

Step One: - Legalities!!!

The thing I notice most about blog competitions is the lack of understanding about the laws that govern competitions, promotions and giveaways. I am in no position to offer legal advice, so please do NOT consider this legal advice of any kind, but I DO advise you to check what the legal requirements are for a person wishing to host or conduct competition style activities.

In Australia, specifically New South Wales, if you are hosting a “skill based” competition there are very few if any regulations. These types of competitions are not considered random as the entrant has to be creative in some way, via a written answer, photograph or similar which is then judged and awarded. Many blog competitions fall into this category as they require a blog post or similar in order to enter. It is VITAL that you check your own country or state competition authority to see what may apply in your area.

Similarly in NSW prizes under $100 do not require a permit, so again, this will apply to many blog competitions. AGAIN, please check out details for your area. (I will try and track down links for states and countries to make it easier for you guys to find this information)

Step Two: - What is the purpose of your Blog Competition?

There are many reasons for running competitions. The first essential step in running an effective competition is to decide why you want to hold one in the first place? Lay out your reasons, goals and expectations. Do you want to increase traffic, reward regular readers, promote a new product? What is the goal? Set yourself a measurable benchmark, for example do you want to attract 50 new readers to your site? Make 30 product sales? Whatever it is, write it down.

Step Three: - Prizes, Prizes, Prizes

What prizes do you have to offer that will tie in with the theme of your competition, site, product or even something weird and unique that might have a viral buzz effect? What amount can you afford to spend on prizes? Are prizes being donated? If so by who, and what are their expectations for promotion during the competition?

Step Four: - Write Your Terms and Conditions

Using the outline you’ve got from steps one to three, write a clear and concise set of terms and conditions to place on your site. You will need to include details of Who can enter (age, location and any other restrictions). What they must do to enter. What prizes are on offer. How the winner will be decided. What date the competition will open and close, and the date the winner will be announced.

Step Five: - Promotion!

Just like everything else online, a successful competition requires taking some action to spread the word and get traffic to your site. Set a plan with the exact details of how you will attract people to your blog and your competition. Will it be via the use of blogger friends who will help spread the word? Web 2.0 Social bookmarking sites? Forums? Decide an action plan and write down what steps you will use to reach your goals planned in step two.

Step Six: - Track your Entries, Be Transparent and Draw a Winner.

People like to know that a competition of any kind is above board. Sometimes this is impossible, but depending on your desired goals you set earlier, giving your readers and entrants piece of mind that you are hosting an honest blog competition is important.

Keep in touch with entrants, keep your blog active and try to take some photos or offer screen shots of the prize draw or judging results.

Announce your winner on the date you advised and you hopefull have experienced an enjoyable blog competition and hopefully gained some new friends and readers along the way

GOOD LUCK

Ask Prizetastic: Where to Find Competitions to Enter?

I really want people to understand the basics of entering and winning competitions and sweepstakes, and would love people to ask questions. Leave a comment here if you have a question about how to win.

Louisa from http://bloggingaussie.blogspot.com asked a really great question in my Finding Motivation to Enter Competitions post.

Where to Find Competitions to enter on a daily basis?

This is a really great question, and the answer is always a broad one…… EVERYWHERE

Seriously, there are paid forums that provide you with lists of competitions, regardless of the country you live in, but if you don’t want to pay for a membership straight away, there are lots of great sites you can visit that always have competitions running. The best thing is that they all offer free entry.

There is also an amazing number of competitions that run regularly through supermarkets, and entering is generally as easy as switching to a new brand for the time the competitions are running.

For Australians, I have composed a list of websites that have great competitions running on a regular basis, so Louisa, head on over to these websites and get started entering…. I will be sure to post any really great competitions I find onto the blog too.

No matter where you live in the world, it’s easy to keep your eye out to spot contests, sweepstakes and competitions that are running. Major magazine publications, TV Channels, Major Brands, Supermarkets and grocery stores regularly run competitions, it’s just a matter of looking out for the entry forms or posters and then taking the time to enter.

Here’s a short list for Australian’s interested in getting started, I’ll update with more soon:

• http://www.ten.com.au - This is the Channel 10 Website that always has great competitions running. You will have to sign up for membership but it’s definately worth it. Keep in mind that these competitions may have a large number of entries, but definately worth sticking with, I’ve won a lego prize pack for my son here.
• http://www.take40.com.au - The same goes with this site. Always lots of great competitions, although can have a large number of entries. I have scored a few smaller music packs from here.
• http://www.mtv.com.au - Lots of great competitons based around movie and music promotions
• http://www.girl.com.au
  
• http://www.femail.com.au
• http://www.okmagazine.com.au
• http://www.homehints.com.au/competitions/
• http://www.fhm.com.au
• http://justkidding.com.au/jk2008_flashsite.html

Next Page »