bit of a question of what to do about a prize

bigmacman

i basically won a rango prize of a selection of things which included a cool rango water cooler. I got a email saying the item was dangerous and needed destroying and they send me a replacement product out in september 2011. nothing comes so i emailed paramount pictures (the competition holders) they apologised and said oh were sorry and sent me a dvd as a apology and blamed testing the new water cooler for the delay.They said it will be here by the end of october no watercooler still i emailed them 3 weeks ago they gave me the same fob story and sent me more apology things (2 things what i already originally won flip flops and a harmonica).

what do you think i should do as i really think there fobbing me off and i won that item fair and square so surely paramount pictures should send me something to replace it to the value of the cooler.

chapman5

I won this as well and keep emailing but getting nothing

dream109

I have a similar situation...I won a goodybag on twitter and didn't get the cooler. They said they would keep me updated but I never heard anything. I've just left it....

Blulu

It depends on whether you have the time/energy to pursue it. I think if it was me I would. The wins don't happen that often and it's a shame to have one spoilt like this. I would email again and in a fair and reasonable way explain what you explained here - that you feel like you're being fobbed off - both of you. Ask them to let you have a copy of their complaints procedure, and the name and postal address of the Chief Exec Office. You could search for her/his name on the net, and scare them by asking for this person's postal address. My guess is that this should be enough to get it sorted and quickly. If not though, follow through and send a recorded letter to the Chief Exec. Mark it private and confidential. It's almost definite that this will sort it. Let us know how it turns out, huh? Good luck.

lilias

From Velvet Glove's comping guide -

7 What happens if my prize doesn’t turn up?
This is going to be individual to each comp. Usually it will state in the T & C for each comp how long it should take for the prizes to be dispatched to winners. As a general rule though or in the absence of any particular details in the T & C, allow 28 days, (allow more if we are experiencing postal strikes or extreme weather conditions). If the prize hasn't arrived by then, get in touch with the company offering the prize. Try to contact the person whose details you have & ask politely if there is a problem with delivery. A telephone call is the best way, but failing that try emailing them. If they don't reply, look on the original website for contact details & contact them, again being as polite as you can.

If you still get no response from them, there are a few different things you can try.

The Institute of Promotional Marketing [EMAIL="complaints@theipm.org.uk"]complaints@theipm.org.uk[/EMAIL] lay down the guidelines which comp organisors must follow. MSE Compers have reported that they are very good at investigating dodgy comps & missing prizes with one chap in particular [EMAIL="edwinm@theipm.org.uk"]Edwin Mutton[/EMAIL], being an absolute star. Please note, the IPM was formerly known as the Institute of Sales Promotion (name change in May 2010) however, the contact info does not appear to have changed.

The Advertising Standards Authority have an online complaints form.

Cezzy

I posted this in another thread, which you may not have seen, and agree with lilias advice :

I recently got fed up chasing a prize and the company ignoring me that I sent an e-mail to [EMAIL="complaints@theipm.org.uk"]complaints@theipm.org.uk[/EMAIL]

In the e-mail I put from where, when and what I won and copied in relevant info.

Got a reply that with a case number and that they would be contacting the company and within two weeks I had received my prize.

They were polite, efficient and clearly have the clout to make it all work. I was very impressed

bigmacman

thanks for all the replys i think im going to give them one more email see if it can be resolved if not i think ill take the other 2 options. I would be happy even if it was a different film prize or anything apart from what ive already won. (im sure i dont need 3 pairs or flip flops in this weather)
thanks again ill keep you updated.

bigmacman

had a email today and i did what you suggested of asking for complaints adress. The lady replyed saying sorry and offered me 2 options.
wait for the water cooler
or
pick 2 things from the list below:
· Rango Hammock
· Kung Fu Panda 2 Power Mat
· Megamind Tent
· Transformers: Dark of the Moon webcam
· Thor Dumbell Alarm Clock
· Cowboys and Aliens Hoody

so so if your waiting for a water cooler email them and say you want a alternative.

ththanks for all your help