Mr. Sweepy's Forums

 Three weeks ago we supposedly won the Heinz Ketchup Instant Win VIP family package.  After no contact from DJA - the marketing company - I finally received a letter today saying that they were sorry but there was a computer malfunction at that time and it posted erroneously that we were winners.  They want to give us two 2009 season passes to say sorry (I have a family of four) and want us to sign a release.  I know that in the rules they always say they are not responsible for computer glitches, but how many people could it possibly have declared winners at that exact time?  Besides, I haven't entered again since it was one win per person which has now meant that I could have won another time but didn't.  Is there any recourse that we have with the marketing company, Heinz or Six Flags?  I don't want to be a jerk about this but my family is extremely disappointed.  I could see a malfunction where it doesn't tell you if you won or not, but when it says you won you should consider that a win, plain and simple.  I would think that giving out a few more $2,000 prizes than anticipated would be worth it as opposed to the negative publicity this would give them.

I would appreciate any help or suggestions Mr. Sweepy or anyone else could give me with this.  Thanks!

Hi Brucefan,  About once every two or three months there will be a major gitch in the instant wins sweeps.  I am sorry it happen to you. Don Jagoda's offer is a good and sincere one but I understand our position.  I would suggest to contact them and tell them that 2 more tickets would be greatly appreciated.  I would also suggest to CC the letter off to Heinz PR department. Usually you can get farther with the PR people and they will usually do something in your favor.

Mr. Sweepy

Sharpie (Rubbermaid Corp) sent out dozens of letters stating an entrant was a first prize winner, when actually they were second prize recepients, they made good upgrading all prizes to 1st prize status, awarding additional prize features to all. Also BurgerKing had a glitch occur in one of their sweeps and sent a $5 BurgerKing GC as a form of apology. But in your case, the prizing is more significient and you should bother their respective PR departments to reach a better solution than what is being offered.

Jim

You don't stop laughing when you get old, you get old when you stop laughing! 

 Thank you both for your encouragement and suggestions.  I'll be in contact with the PR people after the holiday.  Wish me luck!  I'll keep you posted.