So, I was on Facebook, and there is currently a contest running for a certain Canadian retailer.
As with most contests that I have seen running in Canada, including those run by the retailer I work for, there is almost always a disclaimer saying, "Contest not available in Quebec," or "Offer void in Quebec."
Now, I have seen that often enough by now to know that there must be some valid reason for it, and having a brain with the powers of deductive reasoning, I long ago concluded that it must have something to do with the laws specific to that province and nothing at all to do with exclusion and discrimination against the people of that province.
Honestly, you should see some of the comments being posted that are claiming that very thing!
People have posted saying, "Not available in Quebec? What a crock!" or "Well, if (name of retailer) isn't allowing people from Quebec to participate, then maybe we should just start shopping elsewhere."
People have replied to some of them saying. "It has nothing to do with (retailer). It's because of the laws in your province."
I googled it, and, yes, the laws in that province regarding sweepstakes and lotteries are very strict, and it can be quite costly for retailers to comply with their rules, so most just opt to exclude that province with that "Void in Quebec" disclaimer.
Even after numerous people have pointed this fact out, there are still people posting the very same comments and complaints about being excluded.
One woman posted 3 times after it had been pointed out.
There were several replies to her, including one from the retailer, explaining that it was nothing against the people of Quebec, but it was because of provincial laws.
Then another woman decided to speak up.
She was also informed by others and by the retailer as to the reason why that province was excluded.
Once again, she was informed by numerous people, and once again the retailer explained their position.
They either aren't reading the comments and just blindly posting their complaints, or they are just sucky and think the retailer is suddenly going to change their mind and allow them to participate.
I don't know.
It just irked me when I saw it.
I took a peek back through their page and they have gone through the same thing every day since the contest was announced and started! (It's a new daily prize for 12 days.) Seriously. For the past 3 days, people have been given the same information and they are still bitching!
Sucky customers really can't read, can they?
(Just a reminder that I am not posting to discuss the sweepstakes rules from that province. This is about sucky customers who don't read or pay attention.)
As with most contests that I have seen running in Canada, including those run by the retailer I work for, there is almost always a disclaimer saying, "Contest not available in Quebec," or "Offer void in Quebec."
Now, I have seen that often enough by now to know that there must be some valid reason for it, and having a brain with the powers of deductive reasoning, I long ago concluded that it must have something to do with the laws specific to that province and nothing at all to do with exclusion and discrimination against the people of that province.
Honestly, you should see some of the comments being posted that are claiming that very thing!
People have posted saying, "Not available in Quebec? What a crock!" or "Well, if (name of retailer) isn't allowing people from Quebec to participate, then maybe we should just start shopping elsewhere."
People have replied to some of them saying. "It has nothing to do with (retailer). It's because of the laws in your province."
I googled it, and, yes, the laws in that province regarding sweepstakes and lotteries are very strict, and it can be quite costly for retailers to comply with their rules, so most just opt to exclude that province with that "Void in Quebec" disclaimer.
In order for sponsors to skip the "void in Quebec" restriction, Quebec sweepstakes law requires that the sponsors must do some or all of the following things:
Register the sweepstakes rules and all advertisements used to promote the contest with the Quebec government at least 30 days ahead of the sweepstake's launch.
Pay a fee of up to 10% of the sweepstake's value, depending on who is allowed to enter.
Agree to allow the government of Quebec to mediate any lawsuits arising from the contest.
Follow strict guidelines about the contents of the sweepstakes rules.
Allow the Quebec government to determine if the sweepstake may be changed or canceled once it has started.
File a written report after the contest has concluded, attesting that the prizes have been delivered or attempted to be delivered.
Agree to follow a number of other rules and guidelines.
Register the sweepstakes rules and all advertisements used to promote the contest with the Quebec government at least 30 days ahead of the sweepstake's launch.
Pay a fee of up to 10% of the sweepstake's value, depending on who is allowed to enter.
Agree to allow the government of Quebec to mediate any lawsuits arising from the contest.
Follow strict guidelines about the contents of the sweepstakes rules.
Allow the Quebec government to determine if the sweepstake may be changed or canceled once it has started.
File a written report after the contest has concluded, attesting that the prizes have been delivered or attempted to be delivered.
Agree to follow a number of other rules and guidelines.
One woman posted 3 times after it had been pointed out.
Quoth Woman#1
Then another woman decided to speak up.
Quoth Woman#2
Quoth Woman#2
Quoth Retailer
Quoth Woman#2
I don't know.
It just irked me when I saw it.
I took a peek back through their page and they have gone through the same thing every day since the contest was announced and started! (It's a new daily prize for 12 days.) Seriously. For the past 3 days, people have been given the same information and they are still bitching!
Sucky customers really can't read, can they?
(Just a reminder that I am not posting to discuss the sweepstakes rules from that province. This is about sucky customers who don't read or pay attention.)
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