Published 24/05/2026 by Compaigns
You've entered the competition, forgotten about it, and then one day — you get a phone call or an email from a number you don't recognise. Your heart starts racing. Could this be it? Winning a competition is an incredible feeling, but what happens next? Here's exactly what to expect after you win.
How will they contact you?
Most Australian competition promoters will contact winners by either phone or email — whichever contact details you provided when you entered. This is why it's so important to enter with real, current contact information. If they can't reach you, they simply move on to the next entrant.
Be aware that prize notifications can sometimes look like spam or a marketing email. If you're a regular comper, it's worth checking your junk/spam folder regularly — many people have missed genuine prize notifications because a legitimate email ended up in spam.
Respond quickly — time limits are real
When you're contacted as a winner, there will almost always be a deadline to respond. This is specified in the competition's terms and conditions and is typically between 48 hours and 7 days. If you don't respond within that window, the promoter is entitled to draw another winner.
Don't ignore unfamiliar calls or emails if you've been actively entering competitions. If you miss the call, call back promptly. If you receive an email, respond the same day.
You'll need to verify your identity
Before you receive your prize, the promoter will usually ask you to verify your identity. This is standard practice and is required to comply with the competition's terms and conditions. You may be asked to provide:
- A copy of your driver's licence or passport
- Proof of address
- Confirmation of your entry details (name, email, phone number you used to enter)
- Your date of birth (to confirm you meet any age requirements)
For larger prizes — particularly cars, cash, and holidays — the verification process is more thorough. Be patient; this is a normal part of the process.
Signing a winner's declaration
Many competitions require winners to sign a winner's declaration — a document confirming that you entered in accordance with the terms and conditions, that the prize is accepted as offered, and sometimes that you consent to having your name and image used in promotional material.
Read this document carefully before signing. If you're uncomfortable with any clause (particularly around publicity), you can sometimes negotiate — but be aware that declining to sign may mean forfeiting the prize.
Publicity and social media
Most competition terms include a clause about winner publicity. The promoter may want to announce your win on their social media, include your name on their website, or even feature you in an ad campaign. This is very common and is a legitimate part of running a competition under Australian consumer law.
If you value your privacy, check the terms before you enter — but for most people, the thrill of being announced as a winner is part of the fun!
How will I receive my prize?
This varies by prize type:
- Cash prizes — Usually paid by bank transfer or cheque within a few weeks of verification.
- Gift cards and vouchers — Often emailed within a few days.
- Physical prizes (electronics, appliances, products) — Typically couriered to your nominated address. Delivery can take 2–6 weeks.
- Cars — You'll usually need to visit a dealership or pickup point, provide a valid licence, and complete transfer paperwork. Stamp duty may apply.
- Holidays and experiences — You'll receive booking details or a voucher. Travel prizes often have specific travel periods and blackout dates — read the terms carefully.
What if there are costs involved?
Some prizes come with associated costs that the promoter doesn't cover. Common examples include:
- Stamp duty on a car or property prize
- Flights or transfers to reach a holiday destination
- Spending money and meals on a travel prize
- Ongoing running costs (registration, insurance) for a vehicle prize
These should be disclosed in the competition's terms and conditions. If you've won a high-value prize that comes with significant costs, weigh up whether it makes sense for your situation. In some cases, promoters are open to discussion about cash alternatives — though this is not guaranteed.
Enjoy it!
Winning a competition is supposed to be fun. Once the paperwork is sorted, take a moment to enjoy it. Share your win with friends (with the promoter's permission if it's not yet publicly announced), and don't forget to come back to Compaigns to enter more!
And if you haven't won yet — keep going. Every entry is a chance, and the more you enter, the better your odds.
