We’ve all heard those stories, haven’t we? People who seem to win everything: holidays, cash, gadgets, even cars. It’s easy to wonder, can you actually make a living from winning competitions? The idea of sitting at home, entering a few comps here and there, and earning enough to cover your bills sounds absolutely lush, doesn’t it? But let’s dive into this with a cup of tea and see if it’s really possible to pay the mortgage on prize draws.
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The allure of “Professional Compers”
First off, let’s talk about the idea of the “professional comper.” You’ve probably stumbled across articles where someone claims they’ve won thousands or even tens of thousands of pounds worth of prizes. They’ll proudly list everything from luxury holidays to brand-new tech, and sometimes even a cheeky cash prize to round it off. But are these reports legit, or is there an agenda behind them?
Many of these stories pop up in features on TV or glossy magazines, where someone’s been interviewed about their comping life. It’s often portrayed as a fun, quirky way to make money, with some even claiming to have given up their jobs to focus on it full-time. For example, you might read about people like Di Coke, one of the UK’s most famous compers. Di runs the popular website SuperLucky.me, where she documents her wins and gives tips on how to enter (and hopefully win) competitions.
Now, I don’t doubt that people like Di do win a lot. But does that really mean you could make a living from it? Well, it’s a bit more complex.
The reality of winning competitions
Let’s get one thing straight—comping is a hobby. A fun hobby, yes, but a hobby nonetheless. There are people who are extraordinarily dedicated, spending hours each day entering hundreds of competitions. But for most of us, life just gets in the way, doesn’t it? Between work, kids, the dog, and trying to squeeze in a bit of “me time,” it’s tough to dedicate that kind of time to anything, let alone competitions.
One of the biggest myths about comping is that the prizes are always quick and easy to win. That is what competition sites want you to believe because it keeps you hooked. In reality, it takes patience, persistence, and a fair bit of luck. You could enter hundreds of competitions before you win anything significant. And even then, that win could be a luxury scented candle rather than a trip to Bali!
The types of prizes people win
So, what are people actually winning? From my own experience (and many compers will tell you the same), the most common wins are smaller items—things like beauty products, food hampers, or the odd bit of tech like headphones. Don’t get me wrong, these are lovely to have, but you’d be hard-pressed to turn them into a sustainable income.
Cash prizes do pop up, but they tend to be rarer and highly competitive. Sites like Omaze UK have started offering massive cash prizes alongside house giveaways, but the odds are similar to those of winning the lottery, especially as a lot of competitions like this have uncapped ticket numbers. It’s possible, yes, but you’re not going to be quitting your job anytime soon based on that kind of luck.
Are the claims of full-time compers genuine?
Now, there are definitely people out there who claim they’ve made a full-time living from comping. But if you dig a bit deeper, there’s often another side to the story. Some of these “full-time compers” are actually bloggers or influencers who’ve monetised their hobby. For example, they might run a website, like ThePrizeFinder or Loquax, that helps others find and enter competitions. Or they could be affiliated with brands and get paid to promote specific comps.
Di Coke, for instance, makes some of her income through affiliate links and subscriptions on her site. So, while she might be winning prizes, a chunk of her earnings comes from other sources. That’s not to say she isn’t a fantastic comper, but it highlights that most people who appear to be making a living from it are likely supplementing their income through other means. In other words, they’re not just sitting in their pyjamas entering comps all day and raking in the cash.
There’s also the small matter of selling prizes. Some compers do make extra money by selling things they’ve won on sites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Let’s say you win a fancy kitchen gadget you don’t need; you could sell it and pocket the cash. But be careful with this approach. Selling prizes on a large scale could start looking like a business, and you might find yourself having to declare this income to HMRC. And as we all know, once HMRC gets involved, it’s never as fun, is it?
The time investmnet
If you’re seriously thinking about comping as a source of income, you’ll need to treat it like a job. And that means putting in the hours. Many successful compers spend between two and six hours a day entering competitions. That’s right, hours! There are Facebook groups, forums, and websites like Competition Database or MoneySavingExpert where people share new competitions and tips, but it’s still time-consuming.
There’s also the issue of skill. Some competitions require you to answer questions, create content (like recipes or photos), or even solve puzzles. These are known as skill-based comps, and while the odds might be better for these, they can be more challenging and time-intensive to enter.
Are subscription services worth it?
Another thing to watch out for is websites or services that ask you to pay for comping tips or access to exclusive competitions. I won’t name any specific sites, but you’ve probably seen them—subscriptions promising insider tips or higher odds of winning. The truth is, most of these aren’t necessary. There are plenty of free resources, where you can find competitions and advice without paying a penny.
Think about it—why would someone charge you for access to competitions when most of them are freely available online? It’s always worth asking whether the person promoting these services is more interested in making money off you than genuinely helping you win.
Is it worth it?
So, can you make a living from winning competitions? The short answer is probably not. While it’s possible to win some great prizes—and maybe even make a bit of side income by selling things or winning cash—comping alone is unlikely to replace your day job. You’d need a lot of time, dedication, and a hefty dose of luck to make it work.
That said, comping can still be a brilliant hobby. It’s exciting, you can win some fantastic things, and if you’re smart about it, you can even save a bit of money by winning items you’d otherwise have bought. Plus, there’s a real sense of community in the comping world, with people sharing tips and celebrating each other’s wins. So while it may not be a full-time income stream, it’s certainly a fun way to spend your spare time—and who knows, you might just get lucky!
In the end, comping is like buying a lottery ticket. You can’t rely on it, but when you win, it feels absolutely brilliant. So, grab a cuppa, browse a few comps, and enjoy the ride. Who knows what you might win next!