The competition office says that the Wonderland of Canada is carrying the court to the court because it alleges that the company that runs the aquatic park and northwest Toronto is involved in “deceptive marketing practices.”
In a press release on Monday, the office accuses the “drip prices” of Canada, a practice in which a company announces “lower prices than those that consumers finally have to pay, since these prices exclude mandatory fixed rates.”
The office alleges that the Wonderland, in particular, announces items at a lower price than what consumers have to pay online. According to the office, the drip price is considered “misleading” because consumers are not presented with a “attainable” price in advance.
“Canadians should always trust the initial price announced,” said Matthew Boswell, competition commissioner, in the statement.
“We are taking action against the Wonderland because deceptive tactics such as the drip price only serve to deceive and damage consumers. For years, we have urged companies to show the full price of their products in advance. I remember all companies that review their pricing claims to ensure that they do not deceive consumers.”
The Wonderland of Canada, located in Vaughan, Ontario, is a subsidiary of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, based in the United States.
The office of the office against Wonderland was presented on Monday before the Competition Court, and the office said it is looking for a ruling that prevents Wonderland from supposedly participating in “advertising of deceptive prices”, makes the country of wonders pay a fine and the restitution of the affected consumers who paid the products through their website.
In the statement, the office said it alleges that Wonderland has done and continues to “claims of false or deceitful prices” when announcing lower prices than those that consumers are ultimately charged because these prices do not include mandatory fixed rates.
The office said it is against the competence law announcing “unattainable” prices that do not include mandatory fixed charges or rates, unless the Government imposes those charges or rates for buyers. An example of this rate imposed by the Government would be the sales tax.
According to the office, Wonderland charges a processing rate for online purchases of the park admission. That rate starts at $ 6.99 and increases to $ 8.99 or $ 9.99, depending on the number of items bought, the office said.
For articles that are not admission, it charges a single processing rate of $ 0.99, regardless of the number of items bought.
Wonderland denies participating in deceptive practices
Wonderland, meanwhile, issued a statement on Monday by saying that the accusations made by the office are “unfounded” and the company will defend its “commitment to transparency and consumer value.” He said he is committed to providing his guests with “clear information and significant choice.”
“According to the Canadian Law, the ‘drip price’ refers to the practice of promoting something at a price, while hiding the real price of consumers until later in the purchase process. The Wonderland of Canada does not get involved in this practice,” Wonderland said in the statement.
“From the beginning, our guests receive the dissemination of any applicable rate. We assure customers to understand exactly what they are buying. It is also important that we provide our guests with options to choose products, including the products of tickets or seasonal passes, which best adapt to their preferences. This flexibility determines the level of the processing rate they pay,” says the statement.
Wonderland said that the office demands of prohibiting processing rates, including variable rates, would undermine the consumer choice.
“The office seeks to require static and comprehensive prices, an approach that can impose higher initial prices for guests and flexibility and reduced choice,” he said.
“The Wonderland of Canada remains dedicated to transparency, the choice of the client and the fulfillment of the law. We would like to thank our guests for their continuous confidence and support as we continue to advocate for their interests and defend our practices.”
Wonderland, located in more than 120 hectares, has more than 200 attractions, including 18 Russian mountains.
