Loony Letters

McDonalds

The Brief

We’ve all been in the predicament. You’re hungry, and you’re craving a Big Mac. However, you only have 1p. Everybody knows that 1p won’t buy you a Big Mac… or will it?

The Loony Letter

Dear Sirs,

With reference to your current “Send Us A Penny And We’ll Send You A Free Big Mac!” promotion, I am hereby enclosing my penny.

I look forward to hearing back from you,

Bill Bennett

The Reply

Dear Mr Bennett

Thank you for your letter.

I would be grateful if you could clarify the offer you are referring to and where you have heard or seen this advertised, as we are unaware of any promotion like this.

You may contact me on the number below, or alternatively, I have enclosed a pre paid envelope for your convenience.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours sincerely

Emma McCracken
Senior Customer Services Administrator

The Follow-Up

Dear Ms McCracken,

Thank you for your letter of 13^th July, regarding my application for your promotion, where you ask me to clarify the offer in question. I would be happy to do so.

The offer is entitled “Send Us A Penny And We’ll Send You A Free Big Mac!”.

I am not sure of the exact details as none are specified beyond the title. In addition, I cannot recall exactly where I saw it. However, I am guessing from the nature of the title of the promotion, that the following are true:

According to your website, http://www.mcdonalds.com/terms.html, “Big Mac” is a trademark of McDonalds Corporation, implying the offer is run by yourselves.
The offer refers to a “penny”, which is a British cash denomination, so the offer must be from this country.
The offer asks the respondent (myself) to “Send Us [McDonalds] a Penny”, and “We’ll [McDonalds] send you [respondent (myself)] a free Big Mac“.

I look forward to receiving my free Big Mac.

All the best,

Bill Bennett

The Reply

Dear Mr Bennett

Thank you for your further letter relating to a sighted promotional offer.

As you mayor may not be aware, McDonald’s Restaurants Limited are solely responsible for our restaurants operating within the UK and therefore accountable for all UK marketing and business ventures.

I have investigated with our Marketing Department regarding the particular offer you have referred to and I can confirm that this is definitely not a McDonald’s UK promotional offer. I apologise for any disappointment this may cause.

Please find enclosed your One Penny coin you sent to us on your correspondence dated the 4th July.

Again, thank you for taking the time and trouble to contact us.

Yours sincerely

Emma McCracken
Senior Customer Services Administrator

The Review

We have found the answer to our question. One penny can NOT buy you a Big Mac… even when you pester their Head Office about it. At least we got our penny back.