How to contact Kobo when you win a device in the Contest

[Lynx-lynx]

A question that has been raised numerous times (in other threads) is how does one contact Kobo when one wins a device in the Kobo (monthly) Contest.

The device winners are usually told that they will be contacted (via email) within two days of winning. But it seems that that is not the usual case.

When some winners have contacted Kobo Customer Service they've been told all sorts of things including that they have to supply screen shots of the emails announcing their win and one poster even had to complete a 'skills' test (maths) to continue on with the process of receiving the prize. Which they still haven't received.

At least one other poster gave up trying to collect their device prize because none of their information was ever acted upon.

Yet other winners have been told that there is no record of the email conversations between themselves and Kobo about their win - even after they provide screen shots of all the conversations and the winning email info.

So .... how does one go about claiming their device that they can prove they won in the Kobo Contest?

[robko]

Originally Posted by Lynx-lynx

... one poster even had to complete a 'skills' test (maths) to continue on with the process of receiving the prize.

That would be due to laws (in Canada) which mean virtually any contest has to have a skill testing question to avoid being "completely" luck of the draw and keep them from being an illegal sweepstakes. It's crazy, but it's the law.

Sorry I can't help with the rest of your post.

[murg]

So, these are the perfect contests for Kobo.

Give away stuff, then make it too difficult to collect the stuff.

Let's just hope they don't send you an email requesting a $39 fee to process your winning prize.

[Chapter One]

.....

[Lynx-lynx]

Originally Posted by robko

That would be due to laws (in Canada) which mean virtually any contest has to have a skill testing question to avoid being "completely" luck of the draw and keep them from being an illegal sweepstakes. It's crazy, but it's the law.

Sorry I can't help with the rest of your post.

robko I've been wondering about what you said ..... because the devices were won in a Contest wherein one had to choose from four responses to answer the question asked. That in itself seems to fulfill the skills component ....

[robko]

Originally Posted by Lynx-lynx

robko I've been wondering about what you said ..... because the devices were won in a Contest wherein one had to choose from four responses to answer the question asked. That in itself seems to fulfill the skills component ....

Good point. I hadn't thought of that. I suspect it is there for the skills reason (although likely not necessary in this case) and being done by either an over zealous lawyer type or more likely just because they have a standard release for all their contests (i.e. the one that buying a book gets you into that has no skill component) that has it on there.

[PeterT]

I think the idea is to move from a game of chance (you can take multiple chances at selecting the right answer) to a game of skill.

Its the same with most contests in Canada; rules normally spell out the requirement to correctly answer a skill testing mathematical question.

[cromag]

I have seen sites use a simple math question to ensure that they're dealing with a human and not an automated system.

I have no idea if this is Kobo's intent.

[PeterT]

Here is some info on Laws related to contests. --> http://www.canadianadvertisinglaw.com/contests/

[murg]

Originally Posted by cromag

I have seen sites use a simple math question to ensure that they're dealing with a human and not an automated system.

I have no idea if this is Kobo's intent.

No.

Basically, this sort of 'test' separates the 'contest' into two categories: a lottery, or a skills test.

Most countries regulate lotteries. In order for Kobo to not have to file the paperwork involved in running a lottery, they have a simple skills test.

We have the same sort of thing here in Australia.

[Lynx-lynx]

Chapter One won the devices playing in the US Contest. So I'm curious as to whether the skills test is relevant to US and UK device winners. I can understand it for CA winners but not external to CA.

Also, the maths test was probably about 14 year old or so level maths. (Well that's a guess- I'll copy/paste it into this thread when I'm next on the PC. I'm sending from phone)

I'm hoping that Brodie will find her/his way into this thread as well.

[robko]

Originally Posted by Lynx-lynx

Chapter One won the devices playing in the US Contest. So I'm curious as to whether the skills test is relevant to US and UK device winners. I can understand it for CA winners but not external to CA.

The U.S. has similar laws. I'd also guess that the contest might well be run through Kobo "Canada" business so that it probably doesn't matter where the winner is from (since Canadian laws would apply).

Typically the math problem might be something like: 3 x 30 + 6 / 12.

[Sharkus]

Morning all.
I cannot answer the questions unfortunately, as they're above my pay grade Seriously though, not my area of knowledge.

I have passed the thread along, to someone who may know the answers, or have access to someone who does, so hopefully there will be some feedback

[Witty Username]

The information about the additional skills test is in the T&C of the contests. Yes, I do read the T&C before ticking the box to accept... I'm not the only one who does that, am I?

[Lynx-lynx]

Originally Posted by Sharkus

Morning all.
I cannot answer the questions unfortunately, as they're above my pay grade Seriously though, not my area of knowledge.

I have passed the thread along, to someone who may know the answers, or have access to someone who does, so hopefully there will be some feedback

Thanks Sharkus!!