Complaint Review: Big Promotions

I work in the Hospitality industry and we had an advertisement come through on our company fax for Accommodation Vouchers for "Bali, Thailand, Fiji, Greece, Malta, Spain, USA and other EXOTIC countries for 7 nights."

There were the usual promises of money back guarantee's, 100% transferable, Children U12 stay for free etc. The company name running the promotion was Big Promotions with a 1300 number attached.

I rang and made enquiries and spent a long time with the operator asking questions re the validity of the deal.  After a lengthy discussion it seemed like a good deal with money back clauses, etc and I actually upgraded to more holiday packages to get the 1 Free package.  The total cost was just over $500.

When I tried to book accommodation a week later, I could not get any answer on the "Accommodation Booking" line.  I rang the sales line back again which answered immediately and was told I had to ring the other number.  I kept ringing the other booking number and left messages but no one called me back.

Finally I demanded the sales operator to put me through the the bookings department. When I tried to book my accommodation in the USA as advertised, I was told that they did not have any accommodation in USA.  Mandy, the manager faxed me through a list of available accommodation and it was only in: Thailand, Phuket, Bali and Pattaya.   No Greece, USA, Malta, Spain or other Exotic Countries as advertised.

I spoke to the manager Mandy on 17/6/2011 and said I was only looking to book the US and the advertising was misleading - as they actually don't have any USA holiday packages.  I was advised by Mandy that I would get a full refund in 7 days.

I have since called twice again and sent many email requests re my refund. My number comes up on their system and they won't take my calls.

On further investigation since, I see that this company has been in trouble with the ACCC for misleading advertising.  I will report this false advertising issue again to them.