alleycat
Well-Known Member
I was rather surprised at the very final official line from the Horse and Hound Advertising Manager (no queries or replies allowed) to Rainbowrider's post regarding the wrong phone number being shown on her advertisement- twice.
So, as a general rule; is it Horse and Hound's policy NOT to apologise publicly (i.e. on the advertisment) for mistakes which its advertising section have made, and which might prejudice the sale not only by losing customers through misdirection, but by making the animal look as if nobody wants it? Others who have rung the (wrong) phone number, possibly twice, aren't going to waste their time ringing again, unless the error is noted, with apology, by H&H.
H&H are supposed to be the cream of the advertising outlets- the charges are enourmous and its human nature to infer that only horses worth having are going to be advertised here; but for this advertiser this advantage has been blown.
From what I've read, the H&H advertising manager is also unable to distinguish between compensation and a refund; this poster doesn't seem to have receieved compensation so much as a refund for an advert which was positively damaging.
This, plus the tart reply from an advertising manager who should really be a bit more clued up over public relations, is pretty disappointing from an institution like H&H.
I suggest a FREE advert and an honest apology, in print, is appropriate under these circumstances, bearing in mind that someone thus inconvenienced could have advertised in Horse Deals etc. for peanuts and could have had their horse sold a fortnight ago.
So, as a general rule; is it Horse and Hound's policy NOT to apologise publicly (i.e. on the advertisment) for mistakes which its advertising section have made, and which might prejudice the sale not only by losing customers through misdirection, but by making the animal look as if nobody wants it? Others who have rung the (wrong) phone number, possibly twice, aren't going to waste their time ringing again, unless the error is noted, with apology, by H&H.
H&H are supposed to be the cream of the advertising outlets- the charges are enourmous and its human nature to infer that only horses worth having are going to be advertised here; but for this advertiser this advantage has been blown.
From what I've read, the H&H advertising manager is also unable to distinguish between compensation and a refund; this poster doesn't seem to have receieved compensation so much as a refund for an advert which was positively damaging.
This, plus the tart reply from an advertising manager who should really be a bit more clued up over public relations, is pretty disappointing from an institution like H&H.
I suggest a FREE advert and an honest apology, in print, is appropriate under these circumstances, bearing in mind that someone thus inconvenienced could have advertised in Horse Deals etc. for peanuts and could have had their horse sold a fortnight ago.
