What to Do When You Win a Competition: Complete Guide

What to Do When You Win a Competition: Complete Guide

Congratulations - you've won! But what happens now? From verifying your win to claiming your prize, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to turn that winning notification into a prize in your hands.

First Things First: Verify Your Win

Is It Legitimate?

Check:

• Did you enter this competition?
• Is notification from same account/source?
• Does it match how the competition said winners would be contacted?
• Are there any red flags (payment requests, suspicious links)?

Verification Steps:

1. Check your competition tracking/records
2. Visit official brand/promoter page directly
3. Look for winner announcement posts
4. Verify sender account is genuine
5. Never click links - visit sites directly

Common Notification Methods

How Winners Are Typically Notified:

• Email (most common)
• Social media DM
• Reply to entry comment
• Phone call
• Letter (rare now)

What Legitimate Notifications Include:

• Reference to specific competition
• Clear prize description
• Claim instructions
• Deadline for response
• Contact information

Responding to Your Win

Timing Matters

Response Deadlines:

• Often 24-72 hours to respond
• Some allow longer (check notification)
• Missing deadline = losing prize
• Alternative winner selected

Action:

• Respond as soon as you verify
• Don't wait until deadline
• Quick response shows reliability
• Sets positive tone for process

What You'll Need to Provide

Typical Requirements:

• Full legal name
• Complete postal address
• Phone number
• Email address
• Sometimes date of birth

For Larger Prizes May Need:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of entry eligibility
• Signed declaration/affidavit
• Photo for publicity

Never Provide:

• Bank account details
• Credit card numbers
• Payment of any kind
• Passwords or security codes

The Claim Process

Standard Prize Claims

Typical Process:

1. Receive win notification
2. Respond with required details
3. Receive confirmation
4. Wait for prize delivery
5. Prize arrives

Timeline:

• Response: Within 24-72 hours
• Confirmation: Within 1-2 weeks
• Delivery: 4-8 weeks typical

Larger Prize Claims

Additional Steps May Include:

• Identity verification
• Signed claim forms
• Terms acceptance
• Publicity agreement
• Collection arrangements

For Significant Prizes:

• Professional advice may be needed
• Tax implications to consider
• Insurance arrangements
• Legal review of terms

Special Prize Situations

Experience/Holiday Prizes

What to Expect:

• Booking arrangements
• Travel dates/flexibility
• What's included/excluded
• Terms and conditions
• Expiry dates

Actions:

• Understand exactly what's included
• Note any booking deadlines
• Check travel requirements
• Confirm all details in writing

High-Value Prizes

Cash/Significant Value:

• Verification process thorough
• May need professional advice
• Tax considerations (usually none in UK)
• Publicity expectations

Vehicles:

• Collection or delivery arrangements
• Insurance from receipt date
• Running costs begin immediately
• Registration transfer

Property:

• Legal processes required
• Stamp duty usually covered
• Professional fees usually covered
• Cash alternative often available

Digital Prizes

Codes and Vouchers:

• Screenshot/save immediately
• Note expiry dates
• Redeem promptly
• Check terms of use

Publicity and Privacy

Publicity Requirements

Common Requirements:

• Winner name published
• Photo with prize
• Testimonial/quote
• Social media sharing

Your Rights:

• Usually can decline photos
• Check T&Cs before entering
• Negotiate if uncomfortable
• Some flexibility often possible

Privacy Considerations

Manage Your Exposure:

• Consider what you share publicly
• Photos can be declined politely
• Full address never published
• Name may be required

Recording Your Win

Document Everything

Keep Records Of:

• Win notification
• All correspondence
• Claim forms submitted
• Delivery/receipt confirmation
• The prize itself (photos)

Why It Matters:

• Proof if issues arise
• Track prize value won
• Personal records
• Celebrate your success!

Tracking Your Wins

Record:

• Date won
• Competition name
• Prize description
• Estimated value
• Date received
• Status (pending/received)

What to Expect After Winning

Delivery Timelines

Typical Waits:

• Small prizes: 2-4 weeks
• Standard prizes: 4-8 weeks
• Large prizes: 8-12 weeks
• Experiences: Varies by booking

If There Are Problems

Follow-Up If:

• No confirmation after 2 weeks
• Stated timeframe exceeded
• Prize arrives damaged
• Wrong prize received

How to Follow Up:

• Polite, professional tone
• Reference all relevant details
• Allow reasonable response time
• Escalate gradually if needed

Celebrating and Sharing

Comping Community

Share Your Success:

• Celebrate in comping groups
• Inspires other compers
• Builds community
• Document your journey

Social Media

Sharing Wins:

• Thank the brand (good etiquette)
• Share experience
• Tag appropriately
• Positive energy for future

Motivation

Use Wins To:

• Motivate continued entering
• Prove comping works
• Track your success
• Set new goals

Conclusion

Winning is the rewarding part of comping - enjoy it! Verify legitimately, respond promptly, provide required information safely, and document everything. Most claim processes are straightforward, and your prize will arrive in due course.

Every win, regardless of size, is a success worth celebrating. Each one proves your comping strategy works and motivates continued effort. Congratulations on your win!

Track all your wins on Sweepzy and celebrate your success!