Won competition for 2 theatre tickets only 1 available

rosemist

My daughter entered an online competition to win a pair of theatre tickets and was excited to hear she had won - however received an email telling her to collect one ticket before the show. She queried this and has been told the promoter had only offered one ticket and apologised.
Can she do anything about this and who should she complain to?:mad:

Misslayed

You have posted in the wrong area, that's why you haven't had any useful advise. This is for active competitions, you probably need to post in 'Compers chat corner' and some wise and experienced comper will help you.

DynasticDux

Firstly check the terms & conditions of the competition making sure it stated 2 tickets - and if possible get a print out of them (or a screen shot)

Then email them back saying that the T&C's stated 2 tickets and you were very disappointed with their response and if the 2nd ticket is not received then you will be taking the matter up with the ASA & IPM

rosemist

Thank you for your replies. The competition definitely stated a pair of tickets and I have taken a screen shot. I'll get my daughter to email them.
The problem stems from the fact that the production company only supplied one ticket to the people running the competition but it was advertised as 2 - both parties are saying they can do nothing about it.
Very unfair

Misslayed

Could you negotiate fir two tickets to a different show or on a different date?

rosemist

No she specifically entered for Murder Ballad, a new musical that we both wanted to see as it stars 2 of our favourite musical theatre stars, Kerry Ellis and Ramin Karimloo.

She sent email expressing her dissatisfaction and the reply again said there was nothing they could do. Apparently there were 3 winners who should each have received a pair of tickets however the production company only supplied one pair. They have since allowed one more ticket so each winner can have a ticket. This stinks.

NBLondon

I can't think of any similar competition that didn't offer a pair of tickets. Sounds to me like a miscommunication between the production company and the comp promoter and both are blaming the other - either there was only ever two tickets meant to be on offer and it was the promoter's mistake in picking three winners - or the production co implied or promised 3 pairs and later went back on the deal.


So definitely drop them in it. I don't know if the ASA or IPM would ever react fast enough to cover the cost of another ticket (if the show isn't sold out) but don't let them fob you off.

mjm3346

NBLondon wrote: »

So definitely drop them in it. I don't know if the ASA or IPM would ever react fast enough to cover the cost of another ticket (if the show isn't sold out) but don't let them fob you off.

If they are not a member of the IPM then they cannot withdraw membership which is about all they do, the ASA generally advise on future conduct to "avoid unnecessary disappointment" neither of them pay for a prize and do not/cannot force a company to provide one.


Compared to years ago the IPM are much more company focused and just seem to refer things to the ASA but that doesn't mean you shouldn't complain as even if the show is sold out you could still have been be offered a theatre voucher for the same value, a promoter couldn't get tickets for me and I was offered their value (just over £400) in cash.