Twitter comp query

Scarte

Hi, looking for some advice on a twitter competition. I had a DM advising that I had won a prize and then a later one advising that I had to collect the prize in person. I have checked the original tweet and there is no mention of collection required. The prize is worth £100, should I just let it go or try and argue the case. Many thanks

JessicAhh

What is the prize? If something they could easily post, I'd ask in the first instance if they could post it.

If they say no, offer to pay for the postage yourself, if it's something you really want.

For the moment, don't try to 'argue the case' or mention they didn't say it was collect only (just say "I didn't realise it was collect only, when I entered" - try not to show any blame towards them at this stage) - just be reasonable, and see if you can come to a mutually agreeable solution around postage.

This is the problem with Twitter competitions, and why I avoid any that look 'location based'.

If it's a comp you found here, you would also be advised to let us know, so that MSE users who post that company's comps are able to say that winners will need to collect

Scarte

Thanks for the response, the prize is a electric toothbrush so not a huge thing to post. I have asked nicely if they would post as I live 300 miles away but they have said they are unable to. I think I will offer to pay postage and see what happens. I can't remember where I found the comp but will check if it was posted on MSE. Thanks again for the advice, I am quite new to competitions and this would be my first decent prize.

JessicAhh

If they refuse to let you pay postage, I would ask where they displayed the Ts and Cs that said it was a collect only prize, and why they weren't linked in the original tweet...

I suspect it will turn out there were no Ts and Cs, and their realisation of that might be enough to make them send you the prize.

If not, provided there are no Tweets / FB posts / website terms etc etc that specify the prize was collect only, you could pursue it with the IPM: for a lot of companies the mere suggestion of the IPM (a body that looks at how competitions are run, and will pass anything they deem as 'unfair' on to the ASA) will make them send out the prize.

A £100 toothbrush is definitely worth fighting for, IMHO...