I've been catching up on all the competitions I've missed during the week whilst I've been at work. I've probably entered a couple of hundred this weekend.

Some of these sites require you to be registered to enter. Once you have logged-in it makes it easier to enter the comps as they already have your details. Often it is one click per comp.

I'm currently updating my details on sites where I'm registered as I recently changed my email address. Which brings me to another golden competition rule I forgot earlier: keep your details up-to-date.

Whilst changing my email address I've come across several sites where some of my other details where out of date. For instance some had my old home address on them, others had my old mobile number.

It's quite possible that I have won prizes which have been sent to my old address or that people cannot get hold of me to tell me I've won (and therefore I forfeit the prize!).

You don't want to spend time entering competitions when you have no chance of receiving the prize because your details are out-of-date. So make a regular check of the sites you use a lot to ensure they have your correct details.

Many competitions are run in order to obtain your email address/details for future correspondence. Usually there is an option to opt-out of future contact.

I have read people asking the question: "Will I still win if I don't sign up to the newsletter/request further details?". In my experience it doesn't make any difference, although it wouldn't surprise me if some sites "drew" regular customers rather than strangers.

However, I always opt-out to keep my email inbox as free as possible from unwanted mail and I have certainly won my share of prizes. Take a look at my competition wins.