Money Moral Dilemma: Should I complain about a prize that's worth less than was advertised?

All_Ears

It could be argued that you are entering a contract with them when entering the competition. No doubt therefore you would have to comply with their Ts&Cs, which I presume you did. That being the case, they should also stick to their bargain and present you with the prize as described and not something less. I would be polite but firm in dealing with the prize draw organisers. Depending upon their reply, you could take it further possibly to the extent of publicising their 'mistake' if not corrected and in a timely manner.   

SStitanic

It depends how bothered you are 

Ed264

Definitely question it. But if you get nowhere, then it's not really worth pursuing it further, and put it down to experience. Fortunately, you did win a significant prize.

pmknowles

There's no dilemma. A competition is a contract (that's why it has terms and conditions). If the prize isn't worth what it was advertised as you can also complain to Advertising Standards Authority (asa.org.uk).

ceb266

Prize draws like this are actually regulated by the Advertising Standards Authority and prizes must be as described or a reasonable equivalent. So first ask them politely and then if they are trying to get out of it, let them know you will escalate to the ASA. If you can find, try and get the original competition info and quote their t&C's to them

janE1956

I have twice complained (politely) once about some porridge oats (think some had been left in the office!!) and the second some centre park vouchers were not the value i expected. Both times I got the full value sent. So always worth asking

TheRedHerring

It would seem that you have been deceived as you entered into an contract that the other party did not fulfil as advertised, whether it cost you money or not, it took time to enter.  Did you read the T&C's?  Unfortunately these are very often in small print and long winded, but I hope you have a copy for reference.  If there is no reason for you not having received the correct prize, complain asking for clarification why the prize is not that which was advertised.
Many people do not like to complain, either because they do not like to make a fuss or believe it takes too much time,  But if people do not complain then companies etc., will think they can reduce their standards and things will only get worse affecting more people in a negative way.  Good Luck

primrose_penguin

I agree with most of the others,  I would make a polite enquiry as to why they have not sent you the full prize that you won, it may be easily resolved. There may have been several similar prizes and they have sent you the wrong one. Good luck.

Jason9091

Rather than a complaint, surely the first step is to contact them to check if they've made a mistake?

tain

The fact they didn't send an email saying 'really sorry, original prize isn't available' or something akin to that is a big red flag. 

There's no such thing as a free lunch, and the organisers benefitted from the competition in some way or another. They don't get to short change you because it didn't cost you money.