Failed travel promotions

[Flashback]

Stumbled across this article which makes for interesting reading: The worst sales promotion in history

They ran it past risk management consultants, they were told it was a bad idea, yet they did it anyway.

What's the most poorly executed travel promotion you've come across?

I'm thinking back to the AMEX 5k for 5 (or 10) transactions one..... I did OK'ish out of it (100-150k points IIRC) but I was really kicking myself, of all the times I decided to take a bit of a break from AFF and not read it every day, I missed out on an absolutely killer promo!

@lovetravellingoz did OK, though: ALMOST THREE MILLION POINTS by a RTW BEER TASTING , READING NEWSPAPERS AND THE LIKE!!

 

[VPS]

Well it was interesting reading about Hoover but much more interesting what @lovetravellingoz did - wish I was around on AFF then

 

[Mattg]

That Iberia promotion from last year is one of the dumbest I've seen recently - Iberia Avios 9000 points per booking dont need to fly

 

[Flashback]

It certainly was a cheap way of gathering some Avios! I'm sitting on just under 1m so didn't take part in this one.

 

[exceladdict]

Woolies Select cat food / taco powder back in QFF days come to mind...

 

[Pleb Status]

The best one I have received (but not directly travel related) was an Amex statement credit for HCF, spend 3 times and get $100 back. Three $1 payments later (for a total spend of $3}, a $100 credit was applied to my Amex account.

 

[kpc]

I guess as this involves the Qantas store and Qf points, it counts. Still not clear if the deal will be honoured or not...but it has been a week since I ordered and it hasn't been cancelled.....yet? About $1700 cheaper than what it is going for...

Sony A7 III (ILCE7M3B) Camera Body + 24mm-105mm Lens Kit $2567.42 + 2000 Qantas Points Delivered @ Qantas Store

Deal: Sony A7 III (ILCE7M3B) Camera Body + 24mm-105mm Lens Kit $2567.42 + 2000 Qantas Points Delivered @ Qantas Store, Store: Qantas, Code: QANTASSTAFF, Category: Electrical & Electronics

www.ozbargain.com.au

 

[Flashback]

A few more come to mind..... IHG and being able to sign up for all promos even when not being targeted, ah, they were the days!

In more recent times, this one last week for Hilton - was meant to be targeted to new members only but anyone could sign up, they were promoting it on Facebook and other social media channels. 2.5k points on first stay and 5k on second. Coincidentally I had 2 bookings last week due to where I had to be, so that worked out nicely! I signed up while I was at the first hotel and already checked in. They then ended up locking down signing up for it pretty quickly.

15 Aug 2019 Media Join Hilton Honors and Earn 7,500 Bonus Points - Doubletree by Hilton ****** 5000 0
13 Aug 2019 Media Join Hilton Honors and Earn 7,500 Bonus Points - Hilton ***** 2500 0

 

[Stealthflyer]

In more recent times, this one last week for Hilton - was meant to be targeted to new members only but anyone could sign up, they were promoting it on Facebook and other social media channels. 2.5k points on first stay and 5k on second. Coincidentally I had 2 bookings last week due to where I had to be, so that worked out nicely! I signed up while I was at the first hotel and already checked in. They then ended up locking down signing up for it pretty quickly.

Dang. I should start following Hilton on social media. I went searching for it just in case the offer was still available, but alas.... UPDATE: Hilton Honors 7,500 Bonus Points For Two Stays By January 31, 2020 (Points Posting)