It seems many compers received this email in their inbox last night from Gardening Express...
Hmmmm, not exactly the kind of email most of us would like to receive! I regularly get emails with 'Congratulations' in the subject, but they're usually from the same source so I always open them expecting the worst. But when a company actually puts text in the body of a personalised email suggesting that you've won a prize... well, for that split second your heart jumps and you feel that rush of excitement ...and then you realise it's just a joke. Well, that sucks.
Gardening Express have felt the wrath of the public after this faux pas - just check out their Facebook wall! There are a lot of very upset people, and who can blame them?
But what should you do if you feel let down by a promoter? Your first port of call should be the ASA (Advertising Standards Authority) where you can register your complaint online. Promotions in the UK are regulated by the CAP Code, and Rule 8.2 states "Promoters must avoid causing unnecessary disappointment".
If you have a problem with a promotion you can also contact the IPM (Institute of Promotional Marketing) at complaints@theipm.org.uk - although they will often pass your complaint on to the ASA for investigation.
And of course, if a company has upset you, show your disapproval by 'Unliking' their Facebook page too! I was actually lucky enough to win £22 to spend at Gardening Express last year. The postage was £7.95 and all the plants I bought died within a month. Needless to say, I don't bother with their promotions any more...
Dear Di
Congratulations, you've win (sic) our iPad competition.....
that is if your name appears at the bottom of this email.
Gardening Express have felt the wrath of the public after this faux pas - just check out their Facebook wall! There are a lot of very upset people, and who can blame them?
But what should you do if you feel let down by a promoter? Your first port of call should be the ASA (Advertising Standards Authority) where you can register your complaint online. Promotions in the UK are regulated by the CAP Code, and Rule 8.2 states "Promoters must avoid causing unnecessary disappointment".
If you have a problem with a promotion you can also contact the IPM (Institute of Promotional Marketing) at complaints@theipm.org.uk - although they will often pass your complaint on to the ASA for investigation.
