Right, let's talk about something that sounds incredibly boring but is actually pretty important if you're into entering competitions – the Voluntary Code of Good Practice for Prize Draw Operators.
I know, I know. You're already glazing over. But stick with me here, because understanding this stuff could save you from getting mugged off by a dodgy comp.
What Actually Is This Code?
The code is managed by the Institute of Promotional Marketing (IPM) and it's essentially a set of guidelines that prize draw operators can choose to follow. The key word there is "choose" – it's voluntary, not law.
Think of it like the Highway Code but for competitions. You don't have to follow it, but if you don't, you're probably a bit of a liability.
What Does It Cover?
The code sets out standards for things like:
- Transparency – Being upfront about odds, prize values, and how winners are selected
- Fair draws – Using genuinely random selection methods
- Prize fulfilment – Actually delivering what you promised (revolutionary, I know)
- Advertising standards – Not making claims that are complete nonsense
- Customer service – Responding to queries and complaints properly
Why Should You Care?
Here's the thing – if a company follows this code, it's generally a good sign they're legitimate. It's not a guarantee (more on that in a sec), but it suggests they've at least thought about doing things properly.
Companies that sign up to the code are essentially saying "we're happy to be held to these standards." That takes a bit of bottle if you're planning to run a dodgy operation.
The Catch (Because There's Always One)
The code is voluntary. There's no prize draw police going around checking compliance. The IPM can investigate complaints, but they can't exactly nick anyone for breaking the rules.
Also, plenty of perfectly legitimate operators don't formally sign up to the code – they just follow good practices anyway because they're not idiots.
What to Look For
When you're sussing out a competition, check if they mention compliance with the IPM code or similar industry standards. But more importantly, look at their actual behaviour:
- Do they clearly state the odds?
- Are their terms and conditions readable (or at least accessible)?
- Do they regularly announce winners?
- Can you find evidence of real people winning real prizes?
These practical checks tell you more than any badge or logo ever could.
The Bottom Line
The Voluntary Code is a useful benchmark, but it's not the be-all and end-all. Use it as one tool in your arsenal when deciding which competitions are worth your time and money – but don't rely on it exclusively.
At the end of the day, a bit of common sense goes a long way. If something looks too good to be true, it probably is. And if a company can't even be bothered to explain how their draw works, that tells you everything you need to know.