We’ve all been there, haven’t we? You sign up for a few competitions thinking, “This could be my lucky break!” and then… nothing. A week goes by, then a month, and before you know it, you’ve entered dozens of competitions and not even a sniff of a prize. It can be a bit disheartening, especially when you see other people celebrating their wins on social media. But does that mean entering competitions is a waste of time? Not necessarily. Let’s have a proper chat over this, like we’re catching up over a cuppa.
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It’s not a full-time job, it’s a hobby
First things first, let’s get the perspective right. Entering competitions should be fun. It’s not meant to be something that consumes your life or adds stress, like a full-time job. Most of us don’t have hours and hours every day to dedicate to this, and that’s okay! It’s important to see it as a light-hearted hobby that you can dip in and out of as time allows.
If you’re finding that it’s starting to feel like a chore, maybe it’s time to take a step back. Some days you’ll feel up for entering loads, other days not so much, and that’s fine. The key is to enjoy the process without getting hung up on the outcome. Treat it like a little bit of excitement to sprinkle into your week, rather than putting pressure on yourself to win big straight away.
Focus on the fun, not the outcome
I’ll let you in on a little secret – a lot of compers (that’s what we call people who enter loads of competitions, in case you’re new!) don’t win all the time. In fact, many of them enter hundreds before they see any results. And do you know what keeps them going? It’s the thrill of possibility! There’s something quite exciting about putting your name in the hat and wondering if this might just be your lucky day.
To get the most out of comping, you’ve got to find joy in the act of entering, not just the prizes. I always say, “Hope for the best, but expect nothing,” and you’ll find yourself pleasantly surprised when that win does come through. Plus, the little wins – like a free beauty sample or a voucher – can be just as satisfying as the big ones. It’s about appreciating the journey.
Are you entering smart?
Let’s talk strategy. You might be entering loads of competitions, but are you entering the right ones for you? Not all competitions are created equal. Some have thousands of entrants, others have just a handful. You can boost your chances by focusing on those lesser-known ones that might not get as much attention. Websites like Loquax and Competition Database are great for finding niche competitions that you might not come across otherwise. Also, don’t forget about local competitions or those run by smaller brands – they often have fewer entries.
Another thing to consider is how you’re entering. Social media competitions can be quick and easy to enter, but if you’re only doing those, you’re probably limiting your chances. Look out for email-based or postal entry competitions too – fewer people take the time to enter them, so your odds might be better. It’s all about playing smart!
Keep track of what you’ve entered
Now, if you’re entering loads of competitions, you might start to lose track of where you’ve been and what you’ve entered. Keeping organised can help you stay on top of things and avoid wasting time re-entering competitions you’ve already submitted for. Use a speadsheet to log your entries (or the entered buttons on sites like on Competition Database and MoneySavingExpert) set reminders for closing dates, and make sure you don’t miss out on any prizes you’ve won. You don’t need to spend ages doing this – even a quick note on your phone can do the trick.
It’s okay to take breaks
Competition fatigue is real, my friend. It’s perfectly normal to feel a bit deflated if you’ve been entering regularly and haven’t had a win in a while. If you’re starting to feel like you’re wasting your time, it might be time to take a little break. There’s no harm in stepping away for a bit and coming back with fresh enthusiasm later.
And don’t forget – new competitions are popping up all the time, so you’re not missing out. In fact, taking a break might mean that when you return, you’ll find even better prizes up for grabs. You don’t need to be constantly at it. Like I said before, it’s not a job. Treat it like a hobby and enjoy it as one!
Success comes to those who wait (and enter consistently)
Now, I know it’s hard when you see people posting their wins online, and you feel like the universe has forgotten you. But don’t be fooled into thinking that everyone else is winning constantly while you’re missing out. A lot of compers win because they’ve been at it for years and they’ve built up a routine. It’s not about being lucky every day – it’s about consistently putting in the effort over time.
If you’re entering competitions regularly, you’re building up your chances. But it’s a long game, not a quick fix. Give yourself credit for the effort you’re putting in, and remind yourself that every competition you enter is another shot at winning – even if it doesn’t pay off immediately.
Use your downtime productively
Let’s be honest, most of us spend far too much time scrolling through our phones, right? Instead of mindlessly scrolling, why not enter a few competitions during your downtime? Waiting for the kettle to boil? That’s a perfect opportunity to submit a quick entry! You’ll be amazed at how much you can get done in those little pockets of free time, and it feels a lot more productive than watching yet another TikTok dance video.
Just make sure you’re balancing it out with the rest of your life. It’s easy to get sucked into the comping world and end up spending hours on it without realising. Set yourself a time limit if you need to, so it doesn’t start eating into other parts of your day.
Look at the bigger picture
At the end of the day, it’s important to look at the bigger picture. Is entering competitions a waste of time? Only if you’re expecting to win big every single time you enter. But if you’re doing it for fun, as a way to spice up your week and add a bit of excitement to the everyday, then no, it’s definitely not a waste of time.
And let’s not forget, comping can introduce you to some really cool products and brands you might not have discovered otherwise. Even if you don’t win, you might end up learning about a fantastic new skincare range or spotting a holiday destination you’ve never considered before.
Join the comping community
One of the best things about entering competitions is the community that comes with it. There are loads of great comping groups on Facebook where you can share tips, find new competitions, and celebrate each other’s wins. It can make the whole experience so much more fun when you’ve got people to share it with. Plus, seeing others win can be really inspiring – it’s proof that real people do win, and your turn could be next.
Groups like UK Competitions and Compers News are filled with friendly folks who’ve been comping for years. They’re always happy to share advice, and you might even make a few friends along the way.
Final thoughts
So, is entering competitions a waste of time? Not if you’re doing it with the right mindset. It’s a fun hobby, not a guaranteed moneymaker, and it’s important to keep it that way. Keep entering, stay positive, and most importantly, enjoy it! Every entry is another chance to win, but even if you don’t, you’ve still had a bit of fun along the way. Who knows? The next time your phone buzzes, it could just be that winning notification you’ve been waiting for!