Advertisment
The website stated
“CORKS LEADING Treatment for lines and wrinkles & DERMAL FILLER CLINIC
We are currently offering all [3rd party site] Clients 20% OFF all Treatment for lines and wrinkles and Dermal Filler treatments. Avail of a free consultation with our Aesthetic Consultant.”
Complaint
The complainant said they found the advertising very misleading. They were unable to get information from the advertisers how to avail of the 20% offer and when they received a link from the 3rd party site, they were informed by the advertisers that the offer was no longer available.
Response
The advertisers explained that their website host/designer were in charge and controlled all codes and passwords that were necessary for them to liaise with to take down that offer. They said having made several attempts to contact them to amend same they were not successful.
They said they have a new website underway now and that the previous offer has been taken down.
Conclusion
Complaint Upheld
The Complaints Committee considered the detail of the complaint and the advertisers’ response.
They considered that it was not clear, from the advertisement, how a consumer could avail of the offer.
The Complaints Committee noted the technical issues that had arisen in relation to website access which prevented the amendment or removal of the out-of-date promotional offer. They noted, however, that there was no indication that there was a time limit for the promotion and, therefore, it was likely to mislead by omission. They concluded that the advertising was in breach of Section 5.15c of the Code.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Complaints Committee reminded advertisers to ensure marketing communications clearly indicated when promotions were time limited.
