Comping Tips

Comping — entering competitions as a hobby — is a rewarding and often underestimated way to win freebies, gadgets, holidays, or even cash. While some people treat it casually, others have turned it into a structured, enjoyable routine that delivers real results. Whether you’re just starting or want to increase your win rate, this guide provides practical comping tips to help you compete smartly and effectively.

Understand What Comping Is

Comping, short for “competition entering,” involves taking part in prize draws, contests, sweepstakes, and instant wins. Unlike gambling, you’re not betting money to enter. Most comps are free and only require your name, contact info, and sometimes a creative answer or task.

Common types of competitions:

• Prize draws (random winners)

• Skill-based competitions (judged based on creativity or accuracy)

• Instant win games

• Rafflecopter or Gleam-based online entries

• Purchase-necessary competitions with entry codes

The more you understand the competition format, the better your chance of winning.

Set Up a Dedicated Email

Creating a separate email address solely for competitions will help you stay organised. You’ll avoid clutter in your personal inbox and can easily track winning notifications or follow-up emails.

Make sure to:

• Use a professional email provider like Gmail or Outlook

• Check your spam folder regularly

• Use folders or labels to organise active comps, wins, and newsletters

Avoid unsubscribing from every brand immediately, as doing so may disqualify your entry in some cases.

Use Trusted Competition Sources

Scams are common, so it’s essential to stick to reputable comping websites and forums. These platforms filter out fake or phishing comps and highlight genuine giveaways.

Recommended sites for UK compers:

• Loquax

• ThePrizeFinder

• Competition Database

Bookmark them, and check daily for new listings to stay ahead.

Enter Consistently, Not Excessively

Consistency beats quantity. Instead of entering hundreds of comps in a single session and then burning out, try entering a manageable number every day. This helps you stay motivated and improves your chances long term.

A good routine:

• 20–50 entries per day

• Set daily/weekly goals

• Track your entries to avoid repeats or expired comps

You can use Excel, Google Sheets, or a free tool like Trello to track your progress.

Always Read the Terms and Conditions

Before entering any competition, always read the T&Cs. This avoids misunderstandings and ensures you meet all the eligibility requirements.

What to check in the terms:

• Closing date

• Entry limits (daily, one-time, etc.)

• Age or residency requirements

• How winners will be selected

• Delivery details and prize specifics

Skipping the terms can lead to disqualification, even if you win.

Prioritise Low-Entry Competitions

Competitions with fewer entrants naturally increase your odds of winning. Many compers focus on these to maximise their chances.

Examples of low-entry comps:

• Instagram comment contests

• Local radio giveaways

• Brand newsletters or niche blogs

• Creative competitions (poetry, art, slogans)

Monitor hashtags like #giveaway, #win, and #competition on Instagram and Twitter to discover low-traffic contests.

Improve Your Creative Entry Skills

For competitions that require a slogan, photo, or short essay, creativity is your best weapon. Brands are more likely to pick unique, humorous, or emotionally engaging entries.

Creative comping tips:

• Stay on brand with the promoter’s tone

• Avoid clichés or generic answers

• Add a personal touch or story

• Use rhyme or puns where appropriate

• Keep it concise and impactful

Practise makes perfect, and saving your best entries as templates can help you adapt and reuse them later.

Use Autofill Tools Wisely

Autofill extensions like LastPass or browser autofill can save you hours. But don’t rely on them completely — many competitions ask different questions or require manual input.

Tips:

• Double-check before submitting

• Turn off autofill when entering skill-based or one-off contests

• Don’t rush — incorrect info can void your entry

Speed helps, but accuracy matters more.

Manage Your Wins and Claims

Winning is only part of the process — claiming and managing your prizes is equally important. Some comps require a reply within 24 or 48 hours, so staying organised is key.

Win management table:

Being courteous and prompt may also increase your chances of being selected for brand ambassador or future prize tester roles.

Stay Safe and Avoid Scams

Genuine competitions never ask for payment or personal data beyond your address or contact details. Always avoid comps that request:

• Card details for “shipping fees”

• Upfront “admin fees”

• Overly aggressive sales follow-ups

Check if the brand is verified, has an official site, and whether the link looks suspicious. Use a tool like ScamAdviser to verify sites.

Use Social Media Smartly

Social media is a powerful tool for comping, especially on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Many brands run “comment-to-win” or “tag-a-friend” competitions.

Social comping tips:

• Follow niche hashtags like #ukgiveaway, #winprizes, and #freebiefriday

• Create public posts when required

• Join active comping groups on Facebook

• Use a separate account if you want to keep your main feed private

Always follow the instructions closely and tag genuine friends, not random accounts.

Consider Comping Apps

Some apps make comping even easier, especially for on-the-go entries.

Top apps to explore:

• PrizeDeck – Regular free UK comps

• Winwalk – Earn entries by walking

• Pigsback – Offers, points, and prize draws

These apps are particularly useful if you prefer entering on mobile rather than desktop.

How Much Can You Win?

While winnings vary by person and effort, many compers report thousands of pounds worth of prizes annually. This can include anything from small vouchers to holidays and electronics.

Example of average wins by category:

Note: These are estimates and depend on comping frequency, strategy, and luck.

Final Tips for Long-Term Success

• Be patient — comping is a numbers game

• Avoid burnout by setting realistic limits

• Join comping forums and groups for support

• Celebrate small wins to stay motivated

• Keep learning — trends and platforms change

Consistency, care, and a little creativity will help you build comping into a successful hobby or even a lucrative side hustle.