Expedia Singapore ceases misleading 'daily deals' promotions after competition watchdog warning
12 November, 2020
The operator of Expedia Singapore has ceased false claims on the validity amount of "daily deals" promotions on its website, said your competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS).
BEX Travel Asia, the operator of the travel site, in addition has "undertaken to not engage in any more unfair practices" by Thursday (Nov 12), said your competition watchdog.
"Such false claims with regards to promotional prices mislead consumers into believing that there surely is a cost benefit which is only available for a restricted period, thus creating unwarranted pressure or a feeling of urgency for consumers to create an instantaneous purchase," said CCCS.
In April 2019, CCCS commenced an investigation in to the "daily deals" promotions on Expedia Singapore's website, as well as the emails delivered to consumers subscribed to BEX's email list.
The operator advertised certain "daily hotel deals" and "daily package deals" which were represented as "Hot deals for 24hrs only!" that could expire by the end of the day.
Investigations however revealed that there were at least 55 such offers where in fact the promotional prices remained the same the very next day.
This was unlike its representation that “These scorchin’ deals change daily at 12am (Singapore time)”, said CCCS.
It was also learned that provides represented as "Hot deals for 24hrs only!" expired in under a day - a shorter time frame compared to the website represented, said CCCS.
The false claims on promotions by BEX occurred since 2016 and had ceased by October last year.
CCCS said it has administered a warning to BEX because of its breaches and accepted BEX’s undertaking to comply with the buyer Protection (Fair Trading) Act.
BEX in addition has undertaken to take prompt steps to cease any unfair practices in breach of the Become communicated to consumers on promotions that can be booked through the Expedia Singapore website.
BEX said it could also make certain that promotions booked through the Expedia Singapore website aren't advertised as being:
- Available for a restricted time period despite the fact that the promotion is
expected to remain available after that time period; and
- Valid for a particular time period where in fact the promotion may cease prior to the specific time period expires, unless the limited availability of the promotion is clearly indicated.
Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
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