Lucky draw 'winners' told: Sorry, e-mail was inaccurately written

The Nov 26 e-mail from Popular bookstore had good news for bank executive Han Weiguang.

It said he was one of 25 people selected for a lucky draw where five winners will get $1,000 cash each and the rest will each receive $250 BookFest vouchers.

The lucky draw would take place on Dec 6 as part of BookFest, an annual book festival organised by Popular, which was held at Suntec City from Dec 4 to 13.

So Mr Han, his wifeand 14-month-old daughter went to the fair last Sunday.

"When we arrived at about 1pm, we planned to just collect our prize and leave," said Mr Han, 32.

But it turned out the e-mail from the bookstore chain was inaccurately written and he had not won anything.

When he heard that others in the queue had received the same e-mail, Mr Han sensed something was amiss. He approached the staff at the booth for clarification.

Said his wife, Mrs Han, 32, a sales executive: "They told my husband he was one of 500 people shortlisted for the lucky draw."

She added: "At that time, we felt quite angry because it seemed like we had been misled into thinking we won."

Despite the bad start, the couple decided to stay for the lucky draw at 3pm.

Mr Han said: "(Many) people I talked to went to BookFest only for the lucky draw. When it ended, they just left the event empty-handed.

"I wouldn't have turned up if I had known it would turn out this way."

MISTAKE

When The New Paper contacted Popular, the spokesman said it was unfortunate that the e-mail sent was inaccurately written.

"We sincerely apologise for this mistake which caused unhappiness among our customers, especially those who came down specially to 'receive' their prizes," said the spokesman.

"It was a genuine mistake and there was definitely no intention to deceive or mislead our customers.

"In fact, this lucky draw was done to reward and thank our customers for their support."

Mrs Han, who expressed her dissatisfaction on Popular's Facebook page, received an apology from the company.

HOPEFUL: Many of those who went to an annual book festival at Suntec City last Sunday had received an e-mail (above) from Popular bookstore stating they were the shortlisted winners in a lucky draw. PHOTOS: HAN WEIGUANG, FACEBOOK/ POPULAR