How to Be Caller Number 10 to a Radio Station

All the time, radios are asking for listeners to call-in and "the tenth caller wins tickets to a concert!" (or whichever number your radio station uses). They do actually give away prizes, so it is worth the effort if you like winning prizes. While it's pretty much a matter of luck, there are some things you can do to increase your chances.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Becoming the 10th Caller

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You'll need a pretty good idea of when your favorite radio stations are holding these contests. Sometimes a station will randomly welcome callers to enter these types of contests. Choose a few stations and write down the times for when they begin the contest.
Be careful to save the number that the DJ lists for callers to call in on. If you get the wrong number, you could easily mistake it for a busy signal.^{[1]XResearch source}
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If your phone doesn't have speed dial, then store the number into your favorites. This will increase the speed at which you'll be able to dial the number.
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Wait until they ask for callers. Calling into the station at any old time could get you nowhere. Listen for the DJ to actually say we are now accepting callers for a chance to win yada yada.^{[2]XResearch source}
- If you're caller number 4, 7, or 9 in the giveaway you shouldn't give up. Even if you're caller 9 and they're looking for the 10th caller, don't give up. DJs often get distracted and don't always answer the phone calls in the order they started ringing.
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Redial if you get the busy signal. Lots of people will also be calling into the station. Chances are that you'll call-in at the same moment as someone else. Hang up as quickly as you can and redial.
- Remember that the phones inside the studios don't ring out loud and they just have a little flashing light. Don't give up when no one answers in 20 rings. They may be getting to you.
The radio station usually starts accepting calls after the contest has been solicited and the new song or commercials have started. You should wait until they say they are going to play the music or news so that you have a chance for your phone to ring.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Increasing Your Chances

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If you use a cell phone, it usually takes about 5 seconds or so for the call to start. Keep this information in mind and call ahead.
^{[3]XResearch source} If you find that one station never picks up your calls, but a different one will, on occasion, spend more time with the latter station. Some radio programs are extremely popular, like morning shows. Research to see if there are any call-in contests on the weekdays or after the morning traffic.
This might sound a bit far-fetched and expensive, but it doesn't have to be. Purchase a pay as you go phone and only use it to call DJs. Program your phone to have the radio station on speed dial. As you dial the initial call on your phone, make another call on your spare phone.
Lots of radio station prizes are for two tickets. If you have a friend or partner that you were planning to take to an event, then ask if they'd be interested in helping you. Two people have an increased chance of winning.
Check the station's website and register to be a VIP, registered user, etc. Don't forget to opt in. You aren't restricted to winning on the air. More radio stations are also doing web based giveaways of the same prizes given away on the air.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Staying Proactive

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It's a good idea to set some type of a reminder for yourself. This will also help you be less of a victim to waiting around for the radio show.
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Engage after the program. Most DJs have Myspace.com pages, facebook.com pages or pages and emails accessible from the station's website.
- Send a polite email or message telling them how much you love the station, that they're your favorite DJ. Most all DJs have egos so play up to it.
- You may not increase your chances of winning but it certainly doesn't hurt.
Most stations have limits to how many times you can win in a 30 day period. Don't call to win the sausage sampler if you know AC/DC tickets are going on sale soon!
Just call in to chat up the DJ. Ask when they will be giving away the prize you want to win. Some DJs may not mind sharing the info. Just be nice.
Lots of times these stations will ask music related questions. Look for websites that will quiz you on your music trivia.

Community Q&A

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Question
What is the phone number to call the station?
Community Answer
It should be listed on the radio station's website.
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Question
How do I request a song on the radio?
Community Answer
You can start by looking up the phone number for the radio station you want to call. Once you have the number, you can call at any time to request a song, but it might be awhile before they get around to playing it.
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Question
Does it count against me as a win if I don't pick up the tickets?
Community Answer
The radio station usually has a program that tracks winners and doesn't keep track of whether they pick them up or not. It will likely count against your winning. However, many stations only restrict you from winning the same prize twice in a 30 day period, so it may not matter. Research the station's rules to find out.
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Tips

Most stations require you to pick up your prize within 10 business days or it will be "re-gifted". If you win tickets you should pick it up a few business days before the event and not wait until the last minute.
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Make sure you know the station's business hours. It's usually Monday-Friday from 9-5 but may vary by market, holiday, location and weather. Even though the station is 24 hours you can only pick up your winning during regular business hours from the receptionist up front.
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Radio stations don't always get the best tickets for giveaways. You can probably get better seats by buying your own tickets. Unless they say it's front row, you run the chance of getting the nosebleed seats.
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Warnings

Don't call the station with a pitiful tale and expect to win a prize. They really don't have extras lying around waiting for someone with a sob story to call. People try this with every station with almost every contest. They've heard it all before.
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Helpful55 Not Helpful18
Stations don't get stacks of tickets. If they get tickets it's only a few pairs (usually 5-10) and they're required to be given away on air as part of a contest.
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Don't let winning take over your life. Be productive with your life and call in for fun.
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Sometimes, you may have to do something for a prize. Say if you have to sing for your tickets, then be prepared to sing; if you have to be in the studio to perform a stunt (like a hot dog-eating competition), be prepared to do so if you are picked.
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