A Question RE: A Win...

I-Owe-You

Morning compers!

Last year I was lucky enough to win a weeks stay in Cornwall which had to be booked out of season. I had arranged with the prize provided to go sometime in March. I was sent paperwork to fill in which I returned.

I have two questions - the first is that they have asked for a deposit. I understand why deposits are asked with this type of prize but there is no mention of it in the T&Cs and it would eat into the little spending money I do have. Where do I stand with this?

2ndly, since returning the forms last November (& writing 'competition win' where it states deposit amount) I have not heard any more, despite chasing up. I of course appreciate the terrible weather problems the Cornwall coast are facing at the moment but just find it peculiar that I've not heard back at all - are they hoping I just wont show? Since winning the prize I've had to be the one to consistently chase them and when I do speak to someone I'm made to feel an inconvenience.
The provider is an established 'above board' company.

I need to arrange travel arrangements to get there (probably via hire car due to the rail disruptions) as I'm around 6 hours away. I would need to book this soon to get the cheapest rate. I really don't want to waste my money.

Shall I just accept this little break is not going to materialise? Any advice (I'm new to comping hassle!) on what I can do?

Thank you in advance!

JessicAhh

I think a deposit is quite unusual... Normally they say something like "you need to have £250 available on a credit card for security purposes" (i.e. in case you guzzle the minibar, chuck the TV out the window, and do a midnight flit), but I always thought this was at hotel check in when they scan your card.

Surely, if the prize is a win (essentially free), then if you didn't turn up, you'd forfeit the prize? The prize is, for all intents and purposes, the deposit: no arrival, no prize... just like no arrival, no deposit refund.

My advice, as you've been messed about for long enough is to either contact Edwin at the IPM, or... if you want to give them one last chance... email the company providing the prize, and tell them that you will be taking this up with the IPM if you don't get full confirmation of all prize bookings within a certain timeframe.

ETA - the only time I could see them legitimately asking for a deposit in advance is if you've booked extra nights...

kisto

I-Owe-You wrote: »

Morning compers!

Last year I was lucky enough to win a weeks stay in Cornwall which had to be booked out of season. I had arranged with the prize provided to go sometime in March. I was sent paperwork to fill in which I returned.

I have two questions - the first is that they have asked for a deposit. I understand why deposits are asked with this type of prize but there is no mention of it in the T&Cs and it would eat into the little spending money I do have. Where do I stand with this?

2ndly, since returning the forms last November (& writing 'competition win' where it states deposit amount) I have not heard any more, despite chasing up. I of course appreciate the terrible weather problems the Cornwall coast are facing at the moment but just find it peculiar that I've not heard back at all - are they hoping I just wont show? Since winning the prize I've had to be the one to consistently chase them and when I do speak to someone I'm made to feel an inconvenience.
The provider is an established 'above board' company.

I need to arrange travel arrangements to get there (probably via hire car due to the rail disruptions) as I'm around 6 hours away. I would need to book this soon to get the cheapest rate. I really don't want to waste my money.

Shall I just accept this little break is not going to materialise? Any advice (I'm new to comping hassle!) on what I can do?

Thank you in advance!

I won a comp to Cornwall last year, that mentioned a deposit on the booking confirmation, but I don't think I ever had to pay it. If finances are too tight for you to pay it, I would get in touch with the competition promoters and say it's difficult. You'll probably find that they are very understanding.

Treacle1983

I've won a few short breaks and spa breaks.

Maybe 50% of them actually asked for a deposit and most just accepted my card details to hold on file til after the accommodation had been inspected to make sure i'd not ransacked it.

For most it's £50 - sometimes they will charge this to your card and then refund it back a few days later

It is odd that you've not had much correspondence - I'd give them a quick call to check all it ok before arranging travel etc..

robbies_gal

id contact whoever gave u the prize and explain u dont have money for a deposit and wasnt expecting to pay one

maybe if they just want to take your card details for security you could do that