A marked decrease in winnings

pebbles691

I started entering competitions 13 years ago and was very successful, winning multiple a month. Over the last 10 years I switched to just entering during periods where I had extra time and only aimed for high end prizes, and would still be quite successful.

I took a break for a few years before deciding to try again properly last year, entering 1000s (low and high end) and winning a total of 2 prizes since then. Whilst a couple of wins are great, the ratio of entering and winning seemed way higher years ago. Is this a trend felt by most people or just an unlucky period?

pate-ci0

Personally I feel the same, despite entering 1000-2000 per month I feel lucky to win any sort of a prize in a month. I feel that a lot of folk started comping during Covid and many still are. I also think that a LOT of comps are on Social Media that used to be Web based and given the propensity for Instagram et al banning you if you enter too many (the algorithms flagging your entries as spam posts or something), I enter far fewer on there to avoid that (Really tough around Christmas!). However, the small wins keep me going and every day I keep on looking forward to that BIG WEM!

marcia_

MSE has on a few occasions put competitions in their newsletter that increased the amount of compers significantly. This will reduce the chance of winning imao

WoodyWoody6

Have had this exact thought in the last week.

Thinking it’s probably time to jack it all in.

chocoholic123

Same here - it is really difficult to win anything at the minute.

pate-ci0

Despite my previous comment, I keep reminding myself of a 3 year period in the mid-2000s where, despite entering as many comps as I do currently, I did not win a single thing, zilch, nada, not even a CD or a plastic apron. I was on the verge of giving it all up as a waste of time when I won a "Cellar full of Wine" (over 100 bottles including 6 Penfold Grange) and then a holiday to the Fairmont in Monte Carlo. It just goes to show, never give up….

Gottobeinittowinit

I am finding small regular wins (up to £50) but have only been comping in earnest since last December.

These and similar forums appear to be a factor but also a great opportunity.

As per last comment don't give up as you've got to be in it to win it and you never know what that next email or call will deliver

captainjack2

You need to think positive. I'm going to win 100 prizes this month. By being positive it will happen.

pebbles691

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81999176#Comment_81999176

@pate-ci0 I think you are right in that there is probably a rise in people doing it especially with hybrid working, way more people have the extra time. I also agree on moving over to Social Media. Years ago I used to still do quite well on Instagram competitions but I don’t bother now as it always has 1000s of entrants and says ‘tag people for entry’, I don’t particularly like bombarding friends with tags! Amazing on the wine though :) well done on that one!

pebbles691

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81999562#Comment_81999562

@chocoholic123 fingers crossed that we have some better luck!

pebbles691

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81999289#Comment_81999289

@WoodyWoody6 I think I’ll give it a few more months then if nothing might take another break for a bit. It is like a full time job sometimes but when a win comes in it is such a nice feeling! When was your last win?