Alton Towers Promo - Mobile Vs Pc Browser

k3lvc

uktivo wrote: »

However, the ASA agree with me that the restrictions are not advertised on the screen.

And if I phone the ASA and show them my screen they'll agree with me - it all means nothing until you've stood up in court and a judgement has been given. If you've the courage of your convictions then go with it - ASA don't prosecute and will pass to local Trading Standards to add to their files

uktivo

Please just add https to the start of each link

This shows the view from my browser on my phone.
/we.tl/c7bhZYijb0


This one shows the process if you use the drop down options (which I didn't use when i purchased the tickets)
/we.tl/1UOy2AYF1D

CardinalWolsey

You got on your mobile browser exactly the same as I got on mine.

Selecting the banner add takes you to a third party ticket site.

The page says, at the top:

"Theme Park Season Pass 2018"
"Your ticket for the 2018 season*"

The asterisk is the important part. This tells you (it certainly tells me) that there is a footnote or qualifying text. I scrolled down the page, and couldn't see anything. BUT the page is clearly split between "Select Quantity" when you enter the number of tickets, and another tabbed section entitled "Info".

Tapping the info tab brought up all of the T&C's that you have outlined above.

So the company have presented them on the same page, and adapting for the user experience have tabbed the display. I would imagine most people would realise that the asterisk means they need to read the conditions of the offer, and would realise they are under the Info tab.

Personally, I have to agree with others - I don't believe the company are at fault here.

uktivo

I don't make the rules, All I know .. The ASA have ruled a test case that says the restrictions MUST appear on the same page as the buy button. They failed here. They have also failed to include them once you press the buy button. You have to then press the info button, which if we are nit picking, is not on the same page. By nature of pressing the info button, it's a different url. thats a different page.

OK. Well, I'm glad i raised the issue on a consumer website to warn others. Personally, I feel they have misled the purchaser by not CLEARLY identifying the restrictions.

It would have been better if the Asterix that you mentioned was duplicated on the info tab.. perhaps it should look something like this


* IMPORTANT RESTRICTIONS APPLY. see below.

Then the INFO button should read * RESTRICTIONS - IMPORTANT

That would be better, although still not strictly correct according to the advertisement standards...

CardinalWolsey

Technically (and I mean web page technically), the T&C's are on the same page.

I do agree though - perhaps "Info" could read "Important Info", or something else to draw attention.

However, if I'm buying something and there's an asterisk next to the price, description or similar, I'm sure going to find what that relates to before buying.

Les79

A few points points:

1. I've checked my android phone just now and the information was there on the main page. Others have checked too and are reporting the same thing. ERGO, this is probably only misleading people who pay no attention to the first pages or go directly to the latter pages.

2. If you dispute 1. then grab a screenshot straight away, particularly as they'll want to fix any legitimate mistake ASAP and so your evidence may disappear.

3. Do the ASA actually do anything for YOU? I mean they might, but I suspect that they merely investigate advertising and take action against the company if necessary. They may not actually recompense you in any way, shape or form (or force Alton Towers to do so).

NCC-1707

As has already been said it's better to avoid the restricted times anyway as the place is absolutely jumping.

uktivo

Just to answer these..

1. I've checked my android phone just now and the information was there on the main page. Others have checked too and are reporting the same thing. ERGO, this is probably only misleading people who pay no attention to the first pages or go directly to the latter pages.

I've already explained in an earlier message, it seems alton towers has two ways to purchase the tickets. If you use the banner advert as I did, I've shown that the restrictions are not displayed. Using the drop down menu way, they are.

2. If you dispute 1. then grab a screenshot straight away, particularly as they'll want to fix any legitimate mistake ASAP and so your evidence may disappear.

Thanks. I've already grabbed these when I reported it to them, along with a video.

3. Do the ASA actually do anything for YOU? I mean they might, but I suspect that they merely investigate advertising and take action against the company if necessary. They may not actually recompense you in any way, shape or form (or force Alton Towers to do so).

I'm sure they can't. However, I've now shown the asa email to my credit card company who have now opened up a dispute. Hopefully that should get me the refund.

uktivo

Technically (and I mean web page technically), the T&C's are on the same page.

I do agree though - perhaps "Info" could read "Important Info", or something else to draw attention.

However, if I'm buying something and there's an asterisk next to the price, description or similar, I'm sure going to find what that relates to before buying.

Unfortunately, not every person is perfect. I agree I made a mistake not seeing these restrictions, but that's exactly my point. Something I would normally see, in fact, if I'd used a pc or used the drop down menu option on the mobile browser instead of clicking the advertising banner.. These restrictions would have been made clear to me.. As I didn't, I believe I've not had the restrictions clearly shown to me prior to purchase.

munchpot

uktivo wrote: »

I don't make the rules, All I know .. The ASA have ruled a test case that says the restrictions MUST appear on the same page as the buy button. They failed here. They have also failed to include them once you press the buy button. You have to then press the info button, which if we are nit picking, is not on the same page. By nature of pressing the info button, it's a different url. thats a different page.

OK. Well, I'm glad i raised the issue on a consumer website to warn others. Personally, I feel they have misled the purchaser by not CLEARLY identifying the restrictions.

It would have been better if the Asterix that you mentioned was duplicated on the info tab.. perhaps it should look something like this


* IMPORTANT RESTRICTIONS APPLY. see below.

Then the INFO button should read * RESTRICTIONS - IMPORTANT

That would be better, although still not strictly correct according to the advertisement standards...

Whilst I sympathise, please don't pin all your hopes on the ASA

As a regulator they have no teeth - they can'instruct an advertiser not to show an ad in the same form again' but cannot force them to do anything

They have no power of fines and many companies (just look st RyanAir) just ignore them

Not making comment on what you an or can't see - but just commenting on the effectiveness of the ASA