Plain Paper / Postal Competitions
Plain Paper competitions are not as common as Postcard entry comps. They are normally associated with No Purchase Necessary competitions found on various products. With No Purchase Necessary competitions the promoters have a promotion on the packet for example a tin of beans. To win the prize you need to have a winning label etc. In most cases you can enter via the NPN option in the terms.
If you enter via the NPN route the promoters will open a packet/tin/wrapper for you and notify you if you are a winner.Many people win this way and you really do have as much chance as someone who has bought the product. In fact maybe more of a chance as most people don't bother looking for winning labels or messages!
Top Tip: Take a notepad & pen to the supermarket. Note down any competitions and details so you can enter when you get home.If you don't have time to gather all the information there is a helpful free sources of NPN/Plain Paper competitions on the web.
Our sister site at Cheap-Postcards.co.uk is updated every Sunday with 60 - 80 new competitions each week. As well as Postcard entry comps there are always some plain paper comps as well. The site is a "one-stop" shop for compers with a regular newsletter, the low price postcards and tips.Plain Paper competitions are very quick and easy to enter. They can be a great past time which can be done away from the computer. Many people take up comping when they're off sick or made redundant (see our comping stories pages).
It can take up to a month to start seeing the wins come in. Once they do you wont want to stop comping!To enter you simply have to send the required details and sometimes an answer to a question.
The best competitions to enter are the ones giving away many prizes - this increases your chance of winning. Don't just focus on the big prizes - remember everyone else is doing the same!Go for a mixture and you soon be receiving those winning letters, parcels & telephone calls.
Note: You will never have to pay for a prize or call a Premium Rate number to receive a prize. See our feature on scams hereTop Tip: Plain Paper means plain paper! Don't use coloured/lines or patterns. It doesn't mean don't use a colourful envelope though! If the entry is going to a PO Box I would suggest just a plain envelope. If the competition suggests its a draw (local paper etc) then go for colourful eyecatching envelopes.
Top Tip: Make sure you include all information they ask for such as answers, address details etc. Make sure your writing is clear and readable. I've heard that some promoters will discard winners if the details are unclear. Give yourself the best possible chance of winning!Top Tip: Look out for FREEPOST competitions - they do crop up from time to time.
Top Tip: Try to enter using just 2nd class stamps. Postal competitions can be expensive. Set yourself a weekly limit. Remember though the more you enter - the higher the chance of winning. Try to find an acceptable level for your own budget.Top Tip: Send your entries in on time! Some competitions close early so you don't want to miss out by waiting until the last minute.
PO Boxes are normally only emptied Mon - Fri. If the closing date is a Saturday make sure your entry gets there before Friday!
Take some to work and fill them in during a lunch hour.
Top Tip: If you have the Terms & Conditions read them carefully. Don't be tempted to enter more than once or enter on behalf of someone else. Promoters follow very strict rules especially when giving away large prizes. Don't get yourself disqualified!
Top Tip: Address labels - some compers find these very useful. However, some promoters may think this looks like a professional comper or even a third party entry(usually not allowed). If you do want to use printed labels I suggest a mixture of both printed & handwritten just to be on the safe side.Top Tip: Keep a record of your entries. Its nice to look at your records when you win and see how you entered.