Just received this - is this legal?

GHolmesAdmin

Competition update

Thank you for entering the free competition to win a brand new Weinsberg caravan together with a DFSK Glory SUV car.

We’re really sorry to say that due to unforeseen circumstances the DFSK Glory SUV car is no longer part of the prize. Your entry for the competition is still valid to win the Weinsberg caravan, and we wish you every success in the draw.

From
Caravan and Motorhome Club Team

sleepyjones

They can't advertise a prize and then just remove it, I think technically they need to replace it with something of equal value. Unless maybe their specific terms say otherwise, not sure on that.

From the ASA

ie :

"Prizes must be awarded as described, or a reasonable equivalent (8.15.1). If the prize originally offered cannot be awarded then a reasonable equivalent must be awarded, for example if a concert is cancelled, it’s reasonable to arrange tickets for a different date or discuss with the winner an appropriate alternative. In order for an alternative prize to be considered a reasonable equivalent it must be of roughly equal value to the prize advertised. In 2018 the ASA received a complaint from the winner of a promotion who had won the opportunity to buy a pair of limited edition trainers because the promoter was unable to supply the shoes, and instead offered a 20% voucher to be used on a future purchase. The ASA considered that this was not a reasonable equivalent (Nike European Operations Netherlands B.V. 09 May 2018)."

The_3rd_Zebu

I think the Caravan Club have craftily added a new rule which I don't think was there before:

 In the event that a prize is supplied by a third party and the prize is withdrawn following the draw, the Caravan and Motorhome Club shall not offer any alternative prize or compensation in respect of the lost prize or any indirect or consequential losses.

mjm3346

I doubt it is a problem as the competition has not closed, it is not the same as a winner being drawn and then part of the prize being withdrawn. (They might have been better off just cancelling the competition due to "unforeseen circumstances" and launching another one).

The Club reserves the right at any time to cancel or change a Competition in any way if, at its sole discretion, it considers it necessary to do so.

2013yearofthehouse

I got this email today too. Although I only entered about a week ago, so I already knew there was no car included when I entered. Seems it's taken them a while to send the email, since according to post #5 here:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5922593/e-28-02-23-59-win-a-car-and-caravan-over-33-000-worth&highlight=caravan
the car was removed more than 2 weeks ago. I wonder if complaints/inquires have prompted the email explanation or if they were just slow sending it out......

The_3rd_Zebu

I suspect that with other competitions the withdrawal of prizes happens far more than we ever realize.

At least with this one all entrants were informed by email that the car prize was withdrawn.


In other cases I suspect comp organisers just keep quiet and hope no-one finds out.