PRIZE not forthcoming!!

ilovemyhamster

I won the Smooth Radio weekend for two in Conwy plus £250 in October but I still have not managed to arrange my weekend break despite several email and phone calls.It has completely taken the shine off the win and I think at this point it is just not going to happen!!!!!!! Has anyone else experienced this and what did you do?Did you just put it down to experience?

marcia_

 I won a radio competition, an iPhone, and waited 2 months for it to arrive. 

ilovemyhamster

Oh, your prize was worth waiting for though!!

I have emailed/phoned to all involved but not getting any response..I was told to contact the hotel directly which I have done several times  but no joy
I haven't ever won a big prize ,so just wondered if my experience was unusual.

Joolski

ilovemyhamster said:

Oh, your prize was worth waiting for though!!

I have emailed/phoned to all involved but not getting any response..I was told to contact the hotel directly which I have done several times  but no joy
I haven't ever won a big prize ,so just wondered if my experience was unusual.

I am a big believer in contacting someone high up in a company when no resolution is forthcoming on an issue.  Why should you be having to contact a hotel directly?  They (Smooth) promoted the prize, therefore they should provide the prize.

This page https://media.info/radio/stations/smooth-radio-london has excellent information, including the format of their email addresses, and if you scroll down it shows a long list of names  (especially those at the parent company Global).  Email a couple of people in higher-up positions - they won't deal with your issue themselves, but it draws attention to the problem, gets passed along, and you should get some resolution.   I haven't ever had to do this regarding a competition, but I have done it several times with big corporations for other issues and have had success. Worth a try?

ilovemyhamster

Thank you very much for your message Joolski, it is appreciated.
I have already contacted the 'head' at Smooth Radio who contacted the hotel on my behalf.I had previously sent the hotel and Smooth Radio emails asking when I could take my prize but the hotel just ignored me and Smooth Radio basically fobbed me off.
I got an email from the hotel after contacting the head at Smooth Radio, telling me to send them dates that I could take the weekend, which I did, followed by a phone call to confirm.Since then it has been radio silence.They obviously do not want to give me the prize.
I have made enquiries at the Advertising Standards Authority, although to be honest, I would not feel comfortable visiting the hotel now((It's a private hotel, not a chain) but it may stop them advertising prizes that don't materialise.
Thank you for taking the time to reply.
Let's hope 2025 will bring us compers a few good prizes this year!

Joolski

@ilovemyhamster -  It's so wrong though, isn't it.  Especially when they (Smooth) are a big corporation. 

Personally I don't think I would let it go - it would annoy me too much!  I would be tempted to write and say that since they seem unable to honour the prize they told me I have won, perhaps they would kindly provide a replacement prize instead.  

But obviously it's up to you how far you want to go.  Hope it turns out well for you in the end 👍

JamboDP

I would chase it up and if eventually got it booked if you did not feel you would not be treated correctly, just stop at home and teach them a lesson.

mjm3346

JamboDP said:

I would chase it up and if eventually got it booked if you did not feel you would not be treated correctly, just stop at home and teach them a lesson.

Make sure the T&Cs don't incur a charge if you are a no-show for a booked break

ilovemyhamster

Thank you for your replies.It is good to know what other compers think.
I was surprised that the prize didn't materialise as it is a big organisation and runs a lot of competitions, it made me wonder if this sort of thing happened often or if it was just my bad luck!

sarah250187

So sorry to hear that you have not received your win, I’ve had to chase a few wins before and some have taken months to finally receive. It is frustrating but please don’t let it put you off entering others as most are great with sending out items and fulfilling the prizes. 

Personally I would still chase the prize but can completely understand the frustration and not wanting to go now. Hope this year brings you lots of lovely wins! Xx