Description:
An online limited-time offer promoted a $10 discount with the use of a specific code voucher at checkout.
Complaint:
The complainant attempted to redeem the voucher but was unable to do so.
Response:
In its response to Council, the advertiser explained that the voucher was configured for a predefined number of redemptions and had already expired when the complainant attempted to redeem the offer. However, due to an error, the expired advertisement remained online. The advertiser confirmed that additional internal measures were taken to prevent similar issues in the future.
Decision:
Council appreciated the advertiser’s response and considered it together with the complaint.
Given the Code violation was obvious and acknowledged by the advertiser, Council determined that further debate of the complaint’s merits was not necessary. Council unanimously found a violation of Clause 1(a) of the Code, as the advertisement created a misleading impression by implying the voucher was still valid when it was not.
Infraction:
Clause 1(a)
