Rules and regulations

Every competition you enter is bound to have its own set of rules. It is vital to consider that rules, like all fine print, can often be difficult to understand. If however, you wish to play competitions seriously, then getting into the habit of adhering to the rules is essential.

The following is a list of some of the more common rules:

1. Answers on a postcard. To be entered into some draws, you have to follow their guidelines as to what exact form the entry takes. It may not be a postcode, but you should always follow their guidelines and not substitute something else instead.

2. Print your name and address. This means that they want your entry in handwriting rather than in typed format, so you need to make sure your entry is clear and legible.

3. Use a hand printed envelope. The same as the above but in reference to the address on the postcard or envelope containing the entry. You should also use the address exactly as it is found in the rules. Send it elsewhere and you may end up not being entered at all.

4. No purchase necessary. A company is not allowed to insist that you buy their product as a condition of entering the promotion. However, if you are going to enter without making a purchase, you’ll need to explicitly follow the instructions for entrants who do not wish to do so.

5. Number of entries. Some competitions will allow you to enter as many times as you wish, so long as the entries are all despatched separately. Others will allow only one entry per person or per household. You should never send multiple entries in one envelope unless explicitly permitted, as this is likely to result in all entries being voided.

6. Closing date. Competitions naturally have a closing date and you’ll need to ensure that your entry is posted in sufficient time to make sure it is received in good time before the closing date. Proof that you sent it is not proof that it arrived and the company will not accept any liability for entries that were not received in time.

7. No cash alternatives. Prizes awarded are the prizes that are advertised, and you will not be allowed to request the cash alternative. Of course, the company will often reserve the right to substitute the advertised prize for another of equal value, but that is their prerogative.

8. One prize per household. You may be allowed to enter as many times as you like, but normally, prizes will be limited to one per household, even if you are unrelated.

9. Staff, friends and family. Members of staff or their family who work for the organising company or the company holding the competition are not normally allowed to enter.

10. Number of entries. Most companies will not publish your chances of winning, as the winning odds are normally determined by the number of people that decide to enter.

11. Age requirements. Many competitions and giveaways are governed by entry requirements in that entrants must be over the age of 16 or 18 to take part.

12. Non transferable prizes. The prizes are normally non-transferable, so if you fail to meet the entry requirements, you cannot, having entered yourself, let someone else claim the prize on your behalf. Nor would you be able to give someone else the prize, if say, you won a trip round the world.

13. Void where prohibited. This basically means that you won’t win if one of the other rules applies. Unlucky.

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