The March 2008 issue of Wired Magazine ran an article called Free! Why $0.00 is the Future of Business.  The marketing idea started back in 1895 when a man named Gillette realized, that by giving away his handles, people spent a fortune on blades.  He made millions and created a new business marketing strategy.

Fast forward to 2009.  Club Seasons Canada is attempting to use the same marketing strategy.  Give away their timeshares and get people to pay the maintenance fees.  However, their execution is flawed.  If they just gave away their timeshares to who ever wanted them.  To people willing to pay the fees.  I bet they would be “sold out” in no time.  Their mistake was to shroud their give away with the blanket of a contest.

I recieved many emails on yesterday’s post, Borderline.  The consensus was: that this company is very aggressive, will not disclose full details before signing, the win would cost you over $30k over 45 years and far more people than the stated 25 daily winners won.  The last one is the one that concerns me the most.  It means they are not following marketing and advertising law.

If you received a letter stating you were a winner, please mail it along with a cover letter stating your concerns of potential fraudulent business practices to:

Competition Bureau
50 Victoria Street
Gatineau, Quebec  K1A 0C9

or via their online complaint submission form.

You will not hear back with the result of the bureau’s investigation, but I am sure Club Seasons Canada will quickly change their marketing strategy.

I am off to Canada Post!