Entering Competitions - Often An Expensive Proposition

I recently entered the 2009 America's Finest City Homebrew Competition hosted by the QUAFF homebrew club. Competition entries were to be mailed to San Diego, CA. I sent a total of three entries, six 12 oz bottles (two per entry), and the costs of entry included:

Corrugated box w/ pulp tray, bubble wrap and ziploc bags are approximately $10.00 ($5.00 each).
Entry fees are $18.00 ($6.00 each).
Shipping two six pound boxes to Southern California is $19.00.
Bottles, caps and beer approximately what, $6.00 ($1.00 a bottle)?

If my math is correct, that's a total cost of approximately $53.00 to enter this competition. A sizable $17.67 per entry. Could I knock a couple of bucks off per entry if I used cheaper boxes? Sure.* But is $14 or $15 an entry really that much better of a deal than $17.67? Could I choose to only enter cheaper or free competitions? Sure. But generally the ones that matter are going to cost $6 per entry and up. Could I choose to only enter local competitions with local drop off locations? Sure. But again, the ones that matter are not in the South Bay Area.**

The reality is that competitions are often an expensive proposition. To the point of being cost prohibitive for a number of people (including myself). Especially given the current economic landscape. My third entry was the 350th overall into the competition, but I would bet that the vast majority of entrants are local to the greater San Diego area.



*For illustrative purposes only. I would rather not take a chance of beers that I send to the East Coast breaking in mid-shipment. I perceive there to be a value in using these boxes. Excellent quality and sturdy.

**The closest drop off location to me (for just a few competitions) is in Los Altos. That's 22 miles away and a minimum of a 30 minute drive (each way). Remember when gas was over $4 gallons? 2-3 gallons of gas plus my time is considerably more than the cost of shipping for a typical competition. However, if we're talking 5 or 6 entries, then it makes sense to take the time and make the drive.

*update* Just discovered that the rules for the 2009 Sam Adams Longshot Competition have been posted. The Los Altos MoreBeer location is a drop off point. I plan on entering at least three beers so it's possible I'll be dropping these off.

*update* Only one bottle is needed initially for each entry into the Longshot. There's little chance that I'm going to spend the time and gas to drive 44 miles for 3 - 6 entries (3 - 6 bottles).