This weekend we kicked off a campaign to get promoter’s to start including one simple line of text in their online prize draw rules. If they don’t already do so we want all sites that run online competitions to include “automated/bulk entries and entries from third parties are not permitted” as part of the terms and conditions. According to their review to justify Prize Draw Centre, MyComps suggested that automated entries are fine and the promoter has the choice to accept them or not. The problem with that is that many promoters don’t know about automated entry services like Prize Draw Centre, Win24 or WeWin4U… at least not until after they’ve come a calling.
Promoters Need To Be Aware
Siteowners often don’t know that the entries they’re receiving from these companies aren’t, in our view, from people visiting their website, knowing about their competition, choosing to enter it, interacting with the site or even adding themselves to their marketing lists. And let’s face it, It’s very unlikely the automated entry competition services will ask a promoter if it’s ok to enter their competitions via this means. But, that doesn’t mean promoters shouldn’t be made aware of the issues surrounding people paying to be entered into their prize draws… and that’s where you come in!
We Want You!
We want all compers – no matter which site you use, which forum you reside or which social media service you prefer – to take up the challenge. If whilst out and about comping we want you to check a promoter’s terms and conditions. If they don’t include anything about automated entries being disqualified then contact them. We’ve even created an email template for you to use, but do feel free to use your own. We also want you to tell other compers about this! We want you to get them involved too.
Getting compers involved also opens up the issue to a wider community. We know many of you use other sites and forums – it’s time to bring them in and get them debating the issues. Very few compers we’ve spoken to consider automated entry services as a good thing!
Will It Make A Difference?
It won’t see the end of automated entry services! However, if these services adhere to the terms and conditions of a competition then they shouldn’t be forcing their paid subscribers into prize draws where automated entries are not permitted. We’ve tried contacting some sites and they’re responded favourably. In fact, none have said they were happy to have automated entries! Getting a reply out of Argos though is proving a bit of a challenge, so come on Argos shake a leg. Unfortunately our voice isn’t loud enough – so we need you! By getting a simple email, siteowners/ and competition promoters can then decide to add a simple line of text to their competition rules and disqualify automated entries or not. If the latter, then compers can make a choice about that particular promoter. So promoters – please add “automated/bulk entries and entries from third parties are not permitted” – and compers start asking them to add it to their terms if they don’t include it.