Prize recieved not what was expected

no.1swimmum

I nominated someone for the HSL nominate a local hero, and I recieved an email on 1st December saying that they where one of the winners of a Fortnum and Mason hamper - I told them and they were so excited and gratefull.  The prize arrived today - not only wasn't it a hamper it was just a cardboard box with 6 items from Harvy Nichols roll around in it (15 teabags, Marmalade, Strawberry Jam, a half bottle of brut, a tube of biscuits and  9 mini mince pies), I'm gutted for them, and am in two minds as whether to complain as it is still a nice surprise, but they quite clearly said that it was a Fortnum & Mason Hamper, would you complain or just leave it.

no.1swimmum

Just for comparison this is what was recieved.

Makeandsave

Yes, I would email them telling them you told the person it was a Fortnum & Mason Hamper as pictured and it was not what arrived and that you feel a little let down and embarrassed. Keep us updated. 

cymruchris

I would also email them to say how thrilled your nominated person was to hear they'd won, and had gotten very excited when you sent them the photo, and now that the package has arrived, not only was it not a hamper, it's missing several items from the photographs - and that although they're grateful to win 'something' it's really not what was pictured or expected. You can understand that some items might not be available - but an equivalent value bundle should be supplied - and what you've been sent compared to what's in the photo is quite below par.

grannybiker

I'd email them too.  They may have left sending out prizes to a 3rd party who will have charged them for a hamper like the one pictured, but sent the one you've shown us.

no.1swimmum

Thank you all very much for your replies, I was just composing an email when my nominee contacted me to tell me that they had recieved an email from HSL telling them why they were nominated and by whom and included was the following paragraph

As our chosen Community Hero, we have sent you a luxury Harvey Nichols gift box of goodies for you to enjoy over the festive period, as a thank you from everyone HSL for your support for the community. This gift box will hopefully be with you before Christmas.  I appreciate this differs from the original prize stated of a Fortnum & Mason hamper, however we were unfortunately let down by our supplier at the last minute and clearly didn’t want to disappoint our 55 worthy winners, we opted to purchase some luxury food items from Harvey Nichols similar to those that were in the original F&M hamper.

I am still a little disappointed for them as I don't feel that the replacement was to the same value as the original, I did a quick check on Harvey Nichols website and what they recieved came to less than £50, I did wonder if they suddenly realised that 55 F & M hampers would cost them too much!!

StokieBecks

Unfortunately hampers from almost everywhere have been in high demand and sold out quicker than most companies expected this year due to the covid situation and many more people ordering to send to family they won't see. 

I don't think the majority of people shop in Harvey Nicks so whilst yes the visual effect is a bit of a let down, it is still a lovely gift for someone regardless. 

theoretica

£60 and sold out https://www.fortnumandmason.com/the-taste-of-fortnum-s-hamper

ikkle87

Whilst it might not seem it the value of the items is probably worth more than the contents of the hamper were as you pay a premium for it to come in a F&M wicker basket.

sleepyjones

Do you have a link to the competition?
Would be good to see the terms, I'm sure there's an "prize of equal value" clause in there which kinda means you're stuck with it.  It's still a great prize though and I can't see your nominated heroes feeling disappointed by it.
If they sent the prize to you, you could go to the pound shop or B&M or something and get a wee basket, some ribbons and stuff to jazz it up a bit.