A silly question....

brokeinwales

Hi there - sorry if this is in the wrong place but I wasn't sure where else to put it - please feel free to move!

I'm only really a "casual comper" (I might enter three or four a week on average) but I was wondering: a lot of the comps on the boards are from local radio stations and it never seems completely clear whether you have to live in the relevant area to be eligible for the competition. So if I live in Wales, but I'm entering competitions run by Scotland-only stations - can I still win?

I also wonder sometimes about entering competitions on websites where the competition is clearly the only reason I'm there. Some of the parenting websites have great competitions, but I can't help feel slightly wrong entering them because I don't have kids.

What's the official line on this?

Savvybunny2009

If the radio stations state that you must live in the broadcasting area then no, you can't win but read the terms for each station, it's not the same for them all.

With regards to websites that are aimed at parents, I feel that the prizes are meant for parents rather than just anyone, although I'm sure there is no official ruling I'm sure people know whether the competition is aimed at them or not. Very controversial subject.

Taloolah

Always have a look at the terms and conditions if you are not sure. If there are any restrictions on entry then they will be in there. Also bear in mind that sometimes you will be expected to collect prizes from promoters offices they don't always post prizes out.

As for entering prizes aimed at parents and children again the terms and conditions should make stipulate any entry restrictions and then its a matter for your own conscience if you enter or not. Good luck with your comping.

elizabethp

Well done

brokeinwales

Well done

what?

With regards to websites that are aimed at parents, I feel that the prizes are meant for parents rather than just anyone, although I'm sure there is no official ruling I'm sure people know whether the competition is aimed at them or not. Very controversial subject

Yeh - to be honest when I realise something is on a parenting site I do usually move on (although I do have a young niece, so occasionally I might enter some of the smaller prizes if I think I can pass them on). Although I have entered competitions for good prizes on horseriding and caravanning sites, despite the fact I don't ride and don't have a caravan! That doesn't seem, quite as controversial somehow.

Thanks anyway - I guess with the regional things it's just a matter of making sure you read the T&C's very very carefully.

hayleyw1

hi
im from wales and have won from both london and scotland radio stations

dovestar

In regards to the parent type comps I use the same personal rules as I use for everything: I only enter competitions for prizes I want to win. The parent sites usually offer children's books, clothes, prams etc... I can't imagine why you would enter these if you don't have kids, unless you planned to ebay the prizes which I don't agree with.

The ones I feel a bit funny about entering are the ones from 50+ Surfers, The South African and Totally Jewish all of which turn up regularly. I don't fit into any of these categories but it doesn't stop me entering if I want the prize.

hazyjo

I'm in London and have won twice (one prize worth about a grand, the other £300) with Manchester radio stations As said above, just check the T&Cs before to make sure you don't have to collect a prize or that it's for locals only. Often the case with shopping centre comps.

As for the parenting sites, I don't enter anything that's obviously for parents/children. There are some family sites where I have entered with my nieces or nephew in mind, but not for games or toys, only for a local day out or something where I can go with them. Some are quite vague as to who their website's even aimed at. Bit like the Sainsbury's mag (and similar ones)... it's kind of a family type mag, but we get it and enjoy it and don't have kids - and I'd certainly enter comps from it. Sometimes you just have to follow your conscience and go with whatever comps feel right.

I don't think I even registered for the baby/parenting sites. Same with the Jewish ones - somehow feels wrong entering those comps. I don't enter the 'silversurfers' ones, but do enter the ones aimed at at middle aged bods (well, I am 40 and hubby's 50 next year ).

Am sure we all trip up now and again without realising which site's running a comp. If the company was that bothered about who should/could enter, they really should change their T&Cs IMO. Personally, I do just follow my conscience...

Jx

brokeinwales

dovestar wrote: »

In regards to the parent type comps I use the same personal rules as I use for everything: I only enter competitions for prizes I want to win. The parent sites usually offer children's books, clothes, prams etc... I can't imagine why you would enter these if you don't have kids, unless you planned to ebay the prizes which I don't agree with.

The ones I feel a bit funny about entering are the ones from 50+ Surfers, The South African and Totally Jewish all of which turn up regularly. I don't fit into any of these categories but it doesn't stop me entering if I want the prize.

Well a lot of the parenting sites run competitions for things like make up, toiletries, pampering kit type things as well as obvious kids-related presents - that's what prompted the question really.

I've entered competitions on teen-mag sites before (only for smaller prizes like CD's or make up) and I confess I feel a bit guilty about that, as I'm probably about fifteen years outside the intended age bracket!

Savvybunny2009

brokeinwales wrote: »

Well a lot of the parenting sites run competitions for things like make up, toiletries, pampering kit type things as well as obvious kids-related presents - that's what prompted the question really.

I've entered competitions on teen-mag sites before (only for smaller prizes like CD's or make up) and I confess I feel a bit guilty about that, as I'm probably about fifteen years outside the intended age bracket!

Parenting sites do offer pampering bits for mum's because it's hard work I can tell ya! I think it's lovely that they do competitions like this because us mums don't always have the time or money to pamper ourselves, I would like to think the prizes go mothers personally but again theres no official rule saying you can't. It comes down to what you think is right or wrong, If you do enter and win but have no children it's probably not best to post it though as some people feel strongly about it.

Competitions aimed at children do seem to get hijacked by adults too which is such a shame as its not in the spirit of the competition. Many a competition I have entered for my daughter have been won by people without children to sell and I don't agree with it myself.

No matter what I think or anyone else on here, there will always be those who enter regardless of sex/age/status etc etc and those who don't because they think it's morally wrong. I think it's down to your own morals and beliefs.