Area Entry Restrictions on some Competitions
Other
This seems to be popping up more and more of late.
You can only enter (or at least win) a competition if you live within certain postcode areas.
It seems to be mostly the radio run competitions by and large.
I can understand that they want the prize to go to a local listener of the radio station, but with DAB radio, Smart speakers and the internet you can listen to pretty much any radio station or show regardless of your location.
Yes it is frustrating but I can understand it. A similar thing (of which I am guilty of posting) are for comps where the prize is only available in a certain area. I would not enter say, an afternoon tea comp in the North as I live in the South. It is certainly not worth the cost or travelling involved. I only enter if the prize includes a 1/2 night stay.
Same with baby comps. We currently have no babies in our family so I don't enter as someone with a baby could benefit.
I seem to be only entering less than half of the comps posted as things like climbing gear, crochet stuff, tickets to festivals, and lots of other stuff are of no use to me or a loved one.
Sorry to have diverted from your topic but tbh if I ran a small local radio station or business I guess I would like a local to win, rather than an avid comper hundreds of miles away.
No problems at all in changing the direction of the subject, conversation should always be organic and not stick to one point.
My criteria for entering competitions are - I want it, a family member would like it, or it's of significant value that I can sell it.
I agree though, I'll not enter just for the sake of it if I have no use or value in a prize.
If you are lucky enough to live in the restricted postcode catchment area of the competition you'll have a better chance of winning as less people will able to enter. Although, if you want to restrict entry a better way of doing it is stating the winner has to collect the prize in person. This is often a method used by shopping malls, so it allows people in the surrounding areas (or further afield if it's a great prize) to enter.
I think the "collect in person" option is a good one, that way you have to weigh up if it's financially viable to do so, and if not then give the competition a swerve.
I think maybe I'm just slightly sour that my postcode region is never included
Join for free to get genuine deals, money saving advice and help from our friendly community
Chief Bargain Hunter
