Deceptive Shell / AirMiles promo

[bhlombardy]

Attachment 334119


So I see this card attached to the fuel hose at my local Shell yesterday... Before you read past on, read the ad, and consider what YOU think it means.

To me it reads as if I will save 20c/L ($10 or more) if I pump 50L of gas or more and redeem 95 Air Miles cash (which is also worth $10).
Translation: on 50L I could potentially get $10 off, plus $10 AirMiles cash redeemed... a total savings of $20. SWEET!

NO.

What it ACTUALLY means is that you're redeeming $10 of AirMiles which technically would "equal" 20c/L in savings on a 50L purchase.
Heck, using that math, on a 25L purchase, I can get 40c/L off...

What a misleading piece of advertising.


At least I get the 20 points regardless.

[walkonby]

oh Lordy! I would have read it the way you did too! I presently still buy at Petro Can but they still have not partnered with any new CC company since ending theirs with CIBC!! Grrr!

[luckbealady]

I read it the same way you first did.

I guess for it to be that, it would actually say something like "Save 20 cents/litre (on a fill up of 50L or more) when you use your Air Miles card PLUS get 20 Air Miles back when you redeem 95 Air Miles towards your purchase".

I can see how the current wording does reflect the actuality of the deal (savings is BASED on a 50L fill up, the 50L is not a requirement) - but I agree, very misleading.

[Durham Couponer]

That's a lousy promo ad.

[bhlombardy]

I read it the same way you first did.
I guess for it to be that, it would actually say something like "Save 20 cents/litre (on a fill up of 50L or more) when you use your Air Miles card PLUS get 20 Air Miles back when you redeem 95 Air Miles towards your purchase".
I can see how the current wording does reflect the actuality of the deal (savings is BASED on a 50L fill up, the 50L is not a requirement) - but I agree, very misleading.

The worst part is the "based on 50L gas purchase" is a fine print item.. which when it was posted on the pump is fine. But this same poster is also posted as a sign at the curb as you drive by, and that smaller print is incomprehensible from a vehicle as you drive by.