Canadian Contests Newsletter

Contents

Tips that can Increase your Winning Luck!

Canadian Contests Newsletter

Reader Questions

Question:
When submitting a hand drawn UPC code, do you have to draw the exact number of lines for the UPC to be accepted?

Answer:
Usually it is a good idea to try to copy the UPC as correctly as possible. I would advise you to record the correct numbers as well as the accurate number of lines on a UPC code. There are two basic configurations for UPC's, and they become easy to copy with practice. Look at any UPC code on the products in your home for guidance as to the size of the code & number of lines. I have been informed by others that the numbers are the most important aspect of the code, and some people have won with an irregular number of lines, but why take chances? UPC codes are of standard format and it is in your own best interests to make them as accurately as possible so as to not have your entry disqualified because of inconsistencies. With practice you will learn to make well-drawn UPCs quite easily.

Another suggestion is to draw the codes free-hand as this would not contravene the directions "hand-drawn facsimile" of a UPC. One note: you do not need to make the lines thicker or thinner to have an acceptable UPC code. Simple pen strokes will suffice.

Question: What is a #10 size envelope and where do I get them from?

Answer: A #10 envelope is simply a business-sized envelope. They are sold at any paper goods, or office store, or even at a discount department store. A large box will be labelled as "#10" sized. Be sure to obey all the rules of a contest, such as size of the envelope you are asked to send in, if applicable to avoid being disqualified for a draw. Also be aware that most contests only allow one ballot or entry per envelope and you can be disqualified if you try to send in more than that.

Question:
When the rules say "print name/address/phone number" on a plain piece of paper, do I have to hand-print the information or can I use a stamp or address label?

Answer:
Although it takes extra effort, you do need to hand-print the information, unless it states otherwise. Any qualifiers such as hand-drawn facsimiles of UPCs must also be hand-drawn.

Question:

When entering Internet contests is it acceptable or legal to use a form filler to fill in the entry form?

Answer:

Unless the rules and regulations state otherwise, it is perfectly acceptable and not against the rules to use a form filler (such as Roboform). Keep in mind that to fill in some forms you will still need to key in some items, such as security numbers or codes. But using a form filler will speed up your contest work and allow you to enter many more contests more efficiently. Read the rules when in doubt

TIPS for making your entry count:

Tips from our winning subscribers:

Number of entries: Some people say that you should always enter each contest you really like five to ten times (if the rules do not have an entry limit). It seems you may not need to enter more times that that, that may be the optimal number of entries for having a good chance to win, according to some of our winners. Enter more frequently if you have the time or inclination.

Envelopes: When sending entries into one of the larger contests sponsors, the type, size and colour of the envelope you use doesn't matter. These contests are sent to a clearing house that receives thousands of envelopes. These are then assigned a number and filed away until the draw date. The assigned (and sometimes computer generated) numbers are what determines the winner. However, some people swear that alternating plain white envelopes with coloured envelopes leads to their success in being chosen as a winner. Can it hurt? No. So do what feels right for you and try different methods of entering.

Similarly, there are some entrants who decorate their envelope or include a return address label on the outside of the envelope. If you feel it aids in your contest aspirations, go ahead! For smaller or regional contests decorating your entry or folding it in an unusual way can be the difference between having your entry chosen or not.

Other tips:

Enter frequently. For in-store contests go to two or three locations of the same chain if the prize is something you really would like. Stagger postal entries so they arrive at different times in the contest period and not all at once.

Follow all rules. Don't allow the sponsor a reason to disqualify your ballot for not attaching a UPC code or neglecting to include that minimum 50 word essay. Count your words to be sure you adhere to the rules of the contest. Make sure your paper or postcard measures up if a size is specified.

Enter with other people's names in your family (with their permission) in addition to your own entry. Write out your husband's or wife's name, your parent's, your children's or your friend's names. Maybe they will share with you or take you along. At the very least they will be grateful to you if they win a great prize and maybe will do the same for you!

In-store contests often offer your best chance at a prize as they are generally short-closing dates and fewer people bother with entering these. These are also generally free to enter!

Local contests that are offered in local newspapers, flyers, news channels and radio stations can offer better odds as well, especially if they require some effort to enter. Enter contests from all sources and you will increase your odds significantly. Use your cell-phone to enter the SMS contests that attract fewer numbers of people too.

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DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION THAT YOU NEED AN ANSWER TO?
From time to time we will print common questions and answers.

We may print it in an upcoming issue of Canadian Contests Newsletter or on this web-site. We do however regret that we will not be able to personally answer all individual questions. If you have a question you would like answered, write to us at:

Canadian Contests Newsletter

PO Box 23066, RPO McGillivray

Winnipeg MB R3T 5S3

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Last Updated: Sunday December 30, 2007