Missing part of my prize after being promised it - anything I can do?

cherie_n

Last summer I was lucky enough to win a competition from KISS FM where I won tickets to Bestival and a Blackberry Mobile phone.
The tickets and phone arrived quickly and I had an amazing time at the festival.

The ferries were quite expensive to book last minute as I won only a few days before the festival and when I emailed to ask if there were any travel expenses included I was told that I will also be sent a cheque for £250 to cover this that will arrive after the festival. (Early September)

In October I asked if it had been sent out yet and was told

"Apologies I have been chasing this for a long time and didn’t want to get back until I had a definite answer but luckily I can do one better and confirm that the cheque is currently being processed and should be out asap."

I then emailed again in early December when it didn't arrive and didn't hear anything back.
I realise I've left it a long time, but I didn't want to post on here until I felt like this cheque just isn't on its way as they promised.
I know I already had a wonderful prize, but after having twice written confirmation that the cheque is being sent out I feel like they shouldn't renege on their promise.
KISS FM is a big company that can afford to keep to it's prize promises so I feel like I should pursue this but I was wondering what anyone else would recommend or if anyone has any advice?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Blulu

I think I would contact them again in a very similar tone to how you said it to us. Say that the prize was lovely and you don't want to seem ungrateful (or whatever word you think), but that you would really like this to be settled now as it's gone on for too long. You might find that they dragged their heels, then it got too near Christmas so got overlooked. Now things are back to normal, perhaps a gentle prod will produce the goods. Hope so. It's part of the prize and you should definitely get it. GL

blackmidnight

I would politely email them again expressing your disappointment and stating that you would expect to receive your cheque within 28 days. If they don't receive it within that time I would contact the IPM.

cherie_n

Thank you, I'll try again and see if being nice can get it out of them!

What is the IPM if you don't mind?

thanks

blackmidnight

From the comping guide: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/12237975#Comment_12237975

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 complaints@theipm.org.uk 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 Edwin Mutton, 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.

Barnabysue

My Daughter is in a similar situation. She was lucky enough to win £1,800 worth of SPA Vouchers and a cheque for £200 to cover travel. Now the Company have said that they no longer issue cheques in advance, she needs to buy fuel or book tickets, pay for it/them herself and send them the receipt. Her tank of petrol was less than £40, so they have gained by £160. Even now she's still waiting as she has asked where she should send the receipt and they haven't even replied.