WITH escalating costs of goods and services, it is a welcome respite to read of fantastic and unbelievable offers splashed in our newspapers.

Some of these offers do not turn out to be as advertised when it comes to making payment. Often customers have been duped into believing such misleading deals and offers because they did not read the fine print.

However, the MAS “All-inclusive low fares” advertisement, which has been on since Oct 20 till last Sunday, is a welcome move that shows travellers the exact cost of flying from Kuala Lumpur to the various destinations advertised.

The offer outlines that the fare advertised includes fuel surcharge, airport tax and insurance levy.

Though nothing is mentioned of the return leg, MAS should be applauded for taking the lead in demonstrating the maxim “what you see is what you pay for”.

MAS has clearly shown the way that travellers need to be told the truth of such unbelievable offers. It is unethical to advertise a fare in the papers and then to be told a different rate at the counter.

Another sector that utilises such gimmicks are fast food businesses by advertising unbelievable deals in the media.

Imagine the utter disappointment of children who walk into the restaurant with just the correct amount of money only to be told at the counter that the price does not include service charge and government tax and that it would be higher. That is definitely misleading information that needs serious thought for rectification.

Fantastic offers and unbelievable prices help promote goodwill with customers and build a close rapport and trust between the receiver and the giver.

Being on the receiving end of a fantastic offer makes one feel very happy not because one can afford it, but because it makes you feel good and will remember it for a long time.

The all-inclusive low fare promotion by MAS is a move in the right direction that needs to be emulated by other companies for transparency and true hospitality.

SAMUEL YESUIAH, Seremban

Source: NST – November 14, 2008