General

That day, I was browsing one of Nike stores in Singapore when I got to know about the Nike Human Race 10K.

So, I went online to check on Nike Human Race Singapore and realised that there are 2 types of registration for Nike Human Race 10K on 31.08.2008, that is, registration for the physical run and virtual run.

Before I could get my friends to sign up together for the physical run, the official registration has ended when I re-visited Nike web site. So I opted for the Virtual run registration instead.

As shown on Nike site over here, I am entitled to these entitlements as a virtual runner registered with Nike+:
From now till 1st September 2008, all Nike+ Human Race Physical and Virtual Runners can receive:
* 20% discount off selected running products.
* SGD$10 off when you purchase a Nike+ SportBand (U.P S$99.90)
Just produce the downloaded voucher* to enjoy the exclusive runner’s discount.
(Available in your confirmation email/Nike Human Race Newsletter Issue 1)
*Selected stores only. Terms & Conditions apply

So I went to one of the Nike stores along Orchard road to buy some “running” products today, and showed them the only email that I got from Nike+ after my registration. But they insisted that I showed them my 20% voucher before I can get my discount. I did not get any voucher for download at all despite registering myself the second time on the web site after I failed to see any voucher for me to download during my first registration.

The counter staff then checked with his colleague, and then another colleague. All 3 of them insisted that I should have a discount voucher for download because when they did their registration (I think), they have the voucher and a different email message from their completed registration.

I was unhappy about it because it kinda looked bad on me as if I am trying to save some meagre dollars off my purchases or worst still, trying to pull off a ’stunt’ to trick them into giving discounts for my purchases (which I was entitled to in the first place). So I graciously told them it will be ok, I shall pay the full price for my purchases (and of course, less some purchases like the Sportsband and a new pair of running shoes).

Somehow I felt cheated by Nike because what is beautifully marketed on the web site did not get its due proper execution on the actual ground. And now we are talking about getting consumers to patron your business by investing their time and money with you.

Great Idea, Lousy Execution.

Nike, Just FAKE It.

I will stay away from Nike, and shall inform all my contacts to do the same.

Dear Nike
If you cannot coordinate and execute your marketing campaign properly, and honour what you claim to the consumers, stop spending big dollars to lure consumers to part with their money.

PS: I will forgive you but I will not buy from you again…