Oct 31, 2024 05:36 PM
1489 Views
Agoda advertises a 10% discount for your first app booking in a banner on their website and in a screenshot in the App Store. I fulfilled this condition but did not get the discount. The reason is that there are many limitations to this promotion in the fineprint which Agoda does not display with the promotion which would be necessary(see below). I saw them only hidden behind a very small exclamation mark in the app's discount section after I downloaded the app and placed my booking within the app. In the app, I was also asked in a banner to claim my discount without pointing out the limitations.
From a user's perspective, this is simply annoying since you invest time into something and discover only later that you don't get the reward.
From a legal perspective, this practice is illegal in some jurisdictions such as the US and Europe where it is against antitrust laws. (The Federal Trade Commission(FTC) Act in the US bans "unfair methods of competition" and "unfair or deceptive acts or practices." Same applies to the legal situation in the EU.)
I contacted the Agoda support to give them the chance to correct the issue but they rejected. At the end it was just a waste of time as expected but I wanted to give them the chance.
Now, I understand why their headquarter is based in Bangkok but nevertheless they need to comply with the local laws and regulations if they advertise their products and services in the US and Europe. I also didn't know that it is part of Booking.com.
What you can do:
1. Write a review on platforms such as the App Store, Google Maps and many other platforms when you search online
2. File a complaint with the respective authorities such as Better Business Bureau for US customers(https://bbb.org/file-a-complaint) or the EU Online Dispute Resolution platform for EU consumers(https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/main/)
3. File a complaint with other consumer protection institutions
4. File a lawsuit if you want to invest the time & money. Eventually, a class action can be successful and profitable.
I disclose the terms of the "10% discount on your first app booking" sales promotion below so that you do not find out about the surprises later on:
- The promotion code entitles you to the discount on hotel room charges(excluding local taxes and service fees) and can only be redeemed for bookings made via the Agoda app.
- Certain hotels may be excluded from this promotion.
- In case of dispute the decision of Agoda shall be final.
- The promotion code is non-transferable, non-cumulative and cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount promotions, discounted items and fixed price items(unless specified).
- The promotion code cannot be redeemed or exchanged for cash, credit or other products.
- These offers are bound by the terms and conditions of Agoda.
- Agoda Company reserves the right to change the terms without notice.
Summary: Expectations not met. Don't download the app and be fooled by Agoda's illegal sales promotion practices in some countries.