Comping is becoming so stressful

topaz13

I've comped since I was little, and over the years I've loved it. But just over the last few years, things in the comping world seem to be far less rosy.

It used to be the case that I would win, and a few days or weeks later, prizes would arrive, with no problems.

But it seems to be increasingly the case that they don't generally arrive without being chased up now. I would estimate that I'm having to chase around three quarters of prizes now, which I find really stressful. One high value prize earlier on the year took six months of constant chasing.

I'm also finding on Facebook that there is another comper with the same name as me, who gleefully jumps in and claims every prize when our name is posted, without a thought that it might not be hers. I then have to approach the promoter to ask them to check which of us has won.

I still love the process of comping, but this situation is just stressing me out. I lost a nights sleep over a prize worth less than a fiver the other night, because somebody had claimed it in my name.

I don't wish to sound ungrateful as I have won so many lovely things over the years, but I am sat here in tears over events of the previous few days - maybe it just isn't worth the stress anymore.

Autumnella

Aww. I know what you mean, it can be stressful and upsetting sometimes. I imagine especially in this scenario. Do you have a middle name or nickname you could maybe add to your Facebook name so this doesn't happen in future?

topaz13

I hadn't thought of adding my middle name. Yes, I can certainly try that. Thank you for the tip.

sax11

being someone to point out the bleeding obvious - if it's stressful then take a break

topaz13

No Sax, you don't have to state the obvious, I've already stopped comping.

KxMx

Even an initial for middle name would be able to distinguish you without giving away your whole name

topaz13

I've added a middle name, but I'm going to have to walk away from comping for a while at least. If there's any outstanding prizes yet to close (wishful thinking) at least that should help with the FB side of things.

mide

sax11 wrote: »

being someone to point out the bleeding obvious - if it's stressful then take a break

what was your lucozade win ?

mjm3346

topaz13 wrote: »

It used to be the case that I would win, and a few days or weeks later, prizes would arrive, with no problems.

But it seems to be increasingly the case that they don't generally arrive without being chased up now. I would estimate that I'm having to chase around three quarters of prizes now, which I find really stressful. One high value prize earlier on the year took six months of constant chasing.

Maybe you are chasing them up too soon - Out of my last 300+ prizes I have chased up less than half a dozen and of those only one took more than a single e-mail to get a result.

Luckyone

It can be very stressful & I hope adding your middle name helps with some of the stress.

I did not chase one single comp win last year but I have chased about 15 so far this year, I don't know why it's happening this year but not last year

xxx

JessicAhh

Comping shouldn't be stressful. If it is, it's not the hobby for you.

If you don't like chasing promoters, then don't - most come through in the end without being prompted.

I'm really sorry, but there are far greater in the world to get stressed about, so I'm glad to hear that you are giving it a break for a while - it is definitely the healthiest course of action, in my opinion