Is this legal?

I won a gift certificate for a photography studio at a bridal show and received it in the mail today. There are NO restrictions listed on the certificate itself NOR on the letter that came with it. I contacted the retailer today and the manager stated that he would only accept it for wedding photography packages, which start at $2000. Is this legal? Can't I use it for something less expensive since there are no restrictions listed on the certificate?

http://tinyurl.com/3cml6b

Yes it is illegal. Unless it states on the certificate see store for additional information or something like that. If it has nothing to that effect, or even say something about some restrictions may apply then it's considered false advertising. Technically, if you press the issue hard and long enough, you could get your things done for free....GOOD LUCK

Well you COULD fight it, but its probably not worth it. Give it a shot.

it's their company they make the rules, ofcourse its legal.

I'm not a lawyer or anything, but unless they have a list of restrictions, they usually can't restrict you....go figure...anyway, you might want to check with someone who knows their stuff eg lawyer before you confront them, coz you'll look like a numa numa if you get it wrong...but you should've been informed of the restrictions anyway, so I'd DEFINITELY point this out to the guy.

It's their certificate so they can tell you how you use it however it may be unethical and underhanded.

You would think so since every other company has to put restrictions like an asterik or fine print on coupons and ads - not gift certificates - gift certificates are like cash at the store.

I would call an attorney from the yellow pages and tell him whats going on over the phone.

does it say anything on certificate that store reserves the right to "blank and blank" if it does not go to them tell them that if they still wont accept it, contact Better Business Beuro

I have heard that business owners can set any limits they want written or verbal. I would have the person whom purchased the gift certificate contact the photographer. It may be considered a breach of contract between them and the photographer if this is different from what was agreed upon. If the company donated the certificate there's nothing to do.

Ask your local County Attorney's Office

Well, if you're not a bride then the wording of the ticket dose not work in your favor. I don't think you've got much if you're not a bride and the ticket said "bridal"

If there really were no restrictions in the publicity for the show, or particlularly the certificate, or in the letter, then you have a watertight case. All of these contributed to your understanding of what you were engaging in and constitute a contract with the studio. You are entitled to enforce that contract.

It's his certificate -- and he failed to set the restrictions. You could probably get photos done, and then go to small claims court to get out of paying for them. Since he was at a bridal show he "assumed" only those who want wedding photos would take him up on it; it sounds like he charges a lot.

If you have a friend who is a lawyer, I'd talk about this with the firm. I doubt you can collect cash in exchange, but you should be able to use it for some other service.

That's what I'd do -- and if he challenges you, then discuss the legalities of his liability with him.

He failed to specify the service.