COLLINGWOOD has been fined $20,400 by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for two infringements in a misleading membership advertisement.
The advertisement, which appeared in the Herald Sun in May and was emailed to more than 90,000 people, offered three-game memberships and a Collingwood membership for only $20.
It was only in the fine print of the advertisement that it became clear that the actual figure was $120, payable over six months in $20 installments.
According to the ACCC, there were reasonable grounds to believe the advertisement failed to prominently state the total minimum price payable for that offer in contravention of section 48 of the Australian Consumer Law.
Consumers should know the real price of goods and services so that they are able to make informed purchasing decisions," ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said.
"Advertisements that do not state the real price of goods or services have the potential to draw in consumers based on half-truths. All businesses must ensure that they comply with their obligations under the Australian Consumer Law."
In a statement, Collingwood said it acknowledges it was at fault, albeit without intent.
"The club…stresses that no-one was misled (by an offering advertised on May 10 this year).
"In order to take up the advertised offer, it was necessary to sign up to a payment plan from which the total price (of $120) was clear. The value of the offer, which included a three-game membership, jumper, cap and scarf, exceeded $200.
"Further, an undertaking to pay greater attention to compliance with the Act and to educate staff around the rules governing advertising content and price representations has been given to the ACCC."
