How to enter postal competitions correctly
Addresses, required details, receipt deadlines and entry limits explained for postal routes.
Postal entry can be a valid route for some competitions, particularly where it is offered as an alternative to another method. It is also easy to make avoidable mistakes if you assume all postal entries work the same way.
Use the current address
Take the postal address from the official terms for that exact promotion. Campaign addresses and reference numbers can change between competitions run by the same promoter.
Include every required detail
The rules may request your full name, postal address, email, phone number, date of birth, competition reference or another piece of information. Follow the stated format rather than adding or omitting details based on habit.
Check the physical format
Some promotions specify postcard, envelope, handwritten entry or another format. If the terms are specific, treat that requirement as part of the entry method.
Allow for delivery time
“Received by” is different from “postmarked by”. When receipt is required before the closing date, posting on the final day can be too late.
Follow the entry limit
A free postal route can still have per-person, per-day or total limits. Sending more entries than permitted may not create additional valid chances.
Keep a note of what you sent for any promotion you plan to enter repeatedly. The promoter's terms determine validity.