In what seems like another lifetime ago, I used to be the feature writer for a local monthly magazine. It was great experience because I got to see all the behind-the-scenes happenings that you don’t find in a book. One of the most surprising things to me was the monthly contests. The magazine had a readership of 40,000 people. Different advertisers would donate prizes for the month. They weren’t Ed McMahon quality prizes, but they were decent. Things like a day spa, massages for two, nights in a hotel, or admission to local attractions. One month was a birthday party at a local pizza place. Five winners. Sounds like it would be something every family would jump on, right? Out of 40,000 readers, a grand total of six people bothered to send in postcards. That shocked me. The editor laughed and said that she wasn’t surprised. She said that she’d never received more than forty. That’s one-tenth of one percent.
The number one rule for contests is: You can’t win if you don’t enter.
Though I have yet to win the HGTV.com Dream Home (maybe this year!), I have done okay. My favorite win was 100,000 Tic-Tacs. I won that online, and had forgotten all about the contest until the truck showed up at my door. My most unusual was a Krugerrand, which at the time was worth more than $600. Last year, I won a picnic for 25 from my local grocery store deli. That was 15 pounds of deli meat and 15 pounds of cheese, plus all the things that go with it (including the cooler!). People say it’s the luck of the Irish because I have red hair and a broad face, but it’s really because I’m actually entering the contest instead of just dreaming about it. Am I inspiring you to enter contests yet? I hope so! Here are some that end on 31 January. Better get your entries in quickly! (Note: these are all online entries with no purchase requirements.)
Disney Preschool – Win a preschool library of 25 different Disney films
Kraft Girls’ Golf Getaway – Win a luxury spa & golf getaway, and meet Annika Sorenstam
Mark Knopfler & Emmy Lou Harris – Win a Gibson guitar, DVD, or CD
Lifetime Television – Tell them your favorite gameshow and be entered to win a DS Lite
The Great American Laugh-off – $1000 for the best new joke!(requires registration)
Carapelli Evening with Friends – Win an Italian feast for ten in your own home
Stay tuned to the Deals Blog for more contest information! And please let me know what you win!