Newbie Question - Extra Junk Mail though Comping

moopi

Hello!

Total newbie here, just started comping for fun after seeing the 'how to' thread on here. What an amazing community this is!

Quick question - does comping increase the amount of junk mail you get through the post?

I saw on another thread that someone slightly alters their address to differentiate their mail which sounded like a good idea.

Thanks and good luck all!

weeowens

It may do but I just see it as a hazard of comping.
Registering with the MPS may reduce the amount.

fire**fly

moopi wrote: »

Hello!

Total newbie here, just started comping for fun after seeing the 'how to' thread on here. What an amazing community this is!

Quick question - does comping increase the amount of junk mail you get through the post?

I saw on another thread that someone slightly alters their address to differentiate their mail which sounded like a good idea.

Thanks and good luck all!

hi, you may get some extra junk mail but it's not generally
a lot,
best to remember/check the yes/no tick boxes when doing the comps,
hth

JessicAhh

What WeeOwens said

I haven't noticeably received more junk since I started comping - general junk mail can increase (i.e. the unaddressed / To The Homeowner stuff), but think that is just a general trend, as it never has my name on. I imagine 95%+ of comping junk mail would use my name.

Definitely register with MPS, though, it's useful in general, whether you're a comper or not
And always make sure you tick the box to say "don't send me offers"

Welcome to the forum Good to hear you've found a fun new hobby :j :j

stefalfie11

I completely agree with all of the above comments

I've only been comping for a relatively short time, since April this year, but I have noticed no increase in junk mail since I started - I have signed up to the MPS and i'm extremely careful about tick boxes so would recommend both of those things to reduce any you might get.

Apart from that, hope you enjoy your new hobby and get lucky

fire**fly

hi, this may help as well from the comping guide..

lots of useful info for helping..

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1014121

9 How do you stop loads of spam in your email inbox?
Some MSE Compers set up a separate email account just to use for comp entries, so any junk sent will not clog up your usual email account. If you set up a separate account though, make sure you check it!

I am what you would call an organised MSE Comper, (or I am a little OCD about some things), so if I have to register for a newsletter to enter a comp, I make a note of the promoter & the comp end date, (using a program written especially for me), but you could use a spreadsheet, a word document or even a piece of paper. Once the end date has passed I know I can safely unsubscribe from that newsletter without disqualifying myself from the comp if I’m not interested in receiving the newsletter anymore. Other MSE Compers don’t worry about unsubscribing though as it is just a comping email address & they trawl through each day to check for Winning Emails (WEMs).

You just need to decide what works for you.


10 How do you stop loads of junk mail coming via post to your door?
Just be careful when completing the comp entry forms & make sure that you tick the correct opt out boxes. It can be tricky as some sites say things like “If you do not want to receive emails from this company then untick the box” so just make sure you read it carefully & if in doubt just post a reply on that comp thread & ask other MSE Compers for some guidance, we are a friendly bunch & will help each other out where we can.

The Mailing Preference Service is a great way to stop loads of junk mail. If you register with them they ensure your preference for no junk mail is known by Direct Mail companies. This is a free service for anyone to use, not just compers!

There is also The Telephone Preference Service again, free of charge to register, which can help cut out cold calling on your home & mobile phones. This is another free service & again, not just for compers!


11 If you opt in or out of their mailing / 3rd party mailings, does it affect your chances?
I ALWAYS indicate a big fat 'no' to both of those, unless it is something that I'd really like to hear more about or a comp you enter by signing up for their newsletter.

It should make no difference to whether you are included in the comp or not, although some smaller companies may break the rules. I have to say I’ve been really lucky with wins & it seems to have made no difference whatsoever to my chances by always opting out where I can. It just means that I end up with less spam & on less junk mail lists.

moopi

Thanks all for the replies. Good to know that it doesn't seem to be an issue.

I've registered with the MPS, like jessicaah said it is useful comper or not!

Cheers

CheCazzo

I get piles and piles of junk mail............but only from bloody Saga. Still - on the plus side at least I now understand why their holidays and insurance are so danged expensive - they spend untold squillions on shiny brochures that people don't really want!

hamsterfan1

I find I get catalogues from some comps (Boden anyone?) some travel companies etc - funnily enough I haven't had any from Saga despite entering their comps

hazyjo

I get a couple of small catalogues (as above) and a financial flimsy mag and a couple of cruise holiday thingies, but really not much else - and nothing (to my knowledge) from other companies they've passed my details onto.

I am always careful re tickboxed though!

Also, if you're not already, use a new email address as that will soon fill up with daily newsletters, etc!

Jx

mjm3346

An average of less than one bit of junk per month so no problem.