Let’s be honest – when you think of entering competitions these days, your mind probably jumps straight to online giveaways, social media comps, or maybe even text-to-win draws. But there’s a bit of an old-school charm to postal entry competitions that not everyone talks about. And guess what? They can be a goldmine for those of us who don’t mind doing things the “traditional” way.
I know what you’re thinking – “Postal? Isn’t that a bit outdated?” Trust me, it’s not! In fact, if you’re looking to boost your chances of winning without competing against the thousands who click “Enter” online, postal comps could be your secret weapon.
So, grab your cuppa, settle in, and let’s chat about how to get started with postal entry competitions. I’ll give you all the practical tips and tricks you need to dive in, minus the fluff.
Table of Contents
1. Why postal entries? Aren’t they a hassle?
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s tackle the “why.” Why would you bother with postal entries when everything is so much easier online? Well, there’s a simple answer: fewer people enter by post.
It’s no secret that the vast majority of compers stick to online giveaways. Postal competitions take a bit more effort – you’ve got to write out your details, pop it in the post, and wait for it to get there. But that’s precisely why your odds are often better! The fewer people entering, the higher your chances of winning.
Plus, did you know that many paid-entry competitions (like those you see on TV or in magazines) are legally required to offer a free entry route? That’s often via post! So, while others might be paying £2 a pop to enter, you’re in the running for the same prize with just the cost of a stamp.
2. What do you need to get started?
First things first – let’s talk about what you actually need to start entering postal competitions. You won’t need much, and most of it you probably already have lying around the house:
- Postcards or plain paper: Some competitions ask for entries on postcards, while others are happy with a plain bit of paper. I’d recommend keeping a stash of both so you’re ready to go.
- Envelopes: For competitions that require a paper entry, you’ll need envelopes. Nothing fancy – just your standard white envelopes will do the job.
- Pens: Grab a few good pens (and maybe a backup in case one runs out!). You’ll want your entries to be neat and legible.
- Stamps: Stock up on stamps, especially first-class ones, so you’re not caught out when you’re ready to send off your entry. First-class is quicker, but second-class can save you a bit of money if you’re entering regularly.
- A diary or calendar: This will help you keep track of closing dates and remind you to follow up if necessary.
It’s also handy to have access to the competition’s terms and conditions. These will tell you exactly how to enter, what details to include, and any specific rules (like what type of paper to use or if you need to include a stamped, self-addressed envelope).
3. How to find postal competitions
Now, this is the exciting part – finding the comps! Postal competitions aren’t always as easy to stumble across as online giveaways, but they’re out there if you know where to look.
Here are a few places to start:
- Magazines and newspapers: Many print publications still run postal competitions, especially women’s magazines, home & garden mags, and weekend newspapers. Keep an eye out for those little boxes or pages that say “Post your entry to…”
- TV competitions: You know those big competitions advertised on TV? The ones where you can win cars, holidays, or huge cash prizes? Well, many of them have a postal entry option. They usually flash the address quickly during the ad or include it in the terms and conditions.
- Competition websites: Some dedicated competition websites, like Loquax or ThePrizeFinder, list postal competitions alongside online ones. You can filter for postal entries or keep an eye out for mixed-method comps (online and postal).
- Radio stations: Local and national radio stations sometimes run competitions with postal entries. Give them a listen or check their websites for details.
The more you look, the more you’ll start spotting them – and once you get the hang of it, you’ll be amazed at how many postal comps are still going strong.
4. Following the entry rules to the letter
This is so important – with postal competitions, you’ve got to follow the entry rules exactly. There’s no room for error here, as a slightly incorrect entry might get tossed out before it even reaches the draw.
Here are a few golden rules to keep in mind:
- Check what they’re asking for: Some comps are super specific – they might ask for your details on a postcard only, or maybe they want your full name, age, and phone number on a plain sheet of paper. If they say to use a certain size envelope or include a self-addressed envelope, make sure you do just that.
- Be neat and legible: You don’t need to have perfect handwriting, but it does need to be clear. If they can’t read your details, you won’t be contacted if you win!
- Include all the necessary details: Double-check the competition instructions to make sure you’ve written down everything they’re asking for (name, address, phone number, email, etc.).
- Mind the closing date: Postal entries can take a few days to arrive, so don’t leave it too late. If the comp closes on the 31st, aim to have your entry in the post at least 3-5 days before then.
Following these rules to the letter might take a bit more effort, but it’s worth it to make sure your entry doesn’t get disqualified.
5. Personalisation and presentation
Now, let’s talk about a little extra touch – personalisation. Some postal competitions, especially creative ones, give you the chance to stand out from the crowd. While this isn’t necessary for all comps (especially those that are purely luck-based), adding a personal touch can be fun for certain competitions.
For example:
- If you’re asked to write a slogan or answer a question, make your entry creative and catchy. A bit of humour or wit can go a long way in standing out.
- Some people like to decorate their postcards or envelopes (though, keep it neat and professional). A splash of colour might just catch the eye of the person sorting through the entries!
Of course, don’t go overboard if the comp doesn’t require it – a simple, neat entry is often all you need. But if there’s room for a little creativity, why not give it a go?
6. Tracking your entries
One of the best things you can do to stay on top of your postal entries is to keep track of them. When you’re sending out a few letters each week, it’s easy to lose track of what you’ve entered and when the closing dates are.
Here’s a simple way to stay organised:
- Use a spreadsheet or notebook: Note down the competition name, the address you sent it to, what prize is on offer, and the closing date.
- Set reminders for closing dates: This is especially handy if you want to follow up on a comp after the winner is announced. Some comps contact you directly if you’ve won, but others require you to check back on their website or the original publication.
Staying organised also helps you avoid sending multiple entries to comps that only allow one per person – which could get you disqualified if they spot a duplicate!
7. Be patient
Here’s the tricky bit: postal competitions take time. Unlike online comps where you can see the results a few days after closing, postal entries might take a while to process. You’ll need to be patient – sometimes it could be weeks or even a couple of months before the winner is announced.
But here’s the silver lining: because they take a bit longer and require more effort, fewer people enter, which gives you a much better shot at winning. It’s all about playing the long game!
8. How to maximise your chances
While postal competitions are a great way to increase your odds simply because fewer people enter, there are a few more tips that can help you get the most out of your comping efforts:
- Enter regularly: Make a habit of entering postal competitions every week or month. The more you enter, the better your chances of winning something.
- Keep an eye out for low-entry comps: Not every competition will advertise how many people enter, but local comps or niche magazines often have far fewer entries than bigger, nationwide ones. This can give you a much better shot at winning.
- Don’t get disheartened: Just like with any competition, it can take time to get your first win. Stick with it, and remember that persistence pays off!
Wrapping it up
And there you have it – your beginner’s guide to postal entry competitions! While they might feel a bit old-school compared to the online comps we’re all used to, they offer a brilliant opportunity to boost your odds, especially if you don’t mind putting in a bit of extra effort.
With a bit of organisation, a stash of stamps, and a regular comping routine, you’ll be well on your With a bit of organisation, a stash of stamps, and a regular comping routine, you’ll be well on your way to winning through postal entries. Just remember: follow the rules, stay patient, and keep at it. Postal competitions might take a bit more effort, but the rewards can be well worth it. Plus, there’s something quite satisfying about dropping your entry in the post and waiting to see what happens!
So, if you’re looking to give your comping efforts a bit of a boost, why not try your hand at postal entries? You might just find that old-school charm works in your favour. Who knows – your next big win could be just a stamp away!