Consumer Protection is warning organisers of events to keep their advertising accurate following complaints over the recent Bali Fest.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Lanie Chopping said disappointed Bali Fest consumers believed they were misled by the marketing hype which over-promised but under-delivered when it came to the real experience of festival goers.
“There is a difference between acceptable marketing hype and misleading consumers,” Ms Chopping said.
“Consumer guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law are designed to ensure that goods and services, including events, match the description given or advertised, and be of acceptable quality.”
She said if the imagery and statements used in advertising falsely represented what consumers would actually experience, the organisers or promoters might be required to offer a partial or full refund, as well as leaving themselves open to enforcement action.
“That’s apart from the anger they may experience from disappointed customers who will use social media to post bad reviews which will not augur well for planned future events,” Ms Chopping said.
“The same applies to the promotion of music events,” she said.
“There have been issues in the past if the event is cancelled or certain performers who were advertised to attend don’t turn up. In these cases, organisers should be prepared to provide refunds.”
The Commissioner said Consumer Protection was liaising with the Bali Fest organisers and was recommending disappointed consumers lodged a formal complaint if their request to the organisers for a refund was refused.
