Imagine you’re having one of those days where nothing seems to go right. You’re running late, you’ve spilled coffee on your shirt, and to top it all off, as you return to your car, you spot a dreaded parking ticket slapped on your windshield. Your heart sinks, your blood pressure rises, and you’re ready to let out a string of expletives—but then, you take a closer look, and find an unexpected twist.
This was the reality for some drivers in Adelaide who, upon closer inspection, discovered that their ‘parking ticket’ is not what it seems.
A photo of the ‘parking ticket’ was shared on an online forum recently, with the caption, ‘Was already having the worst day and saw this stuck under my wiper while driving, nearly lost my s***.’
The ticket, which looked convincingly official at first glance, read: ‘City of Adelaide Notice of Parking Violation. You’ve been cited! But don’t worry, it’s not as bad as it seems. This notice has been issued because your current outfit has been found in violation of the Fashion Code under Section 2025 of the Trendsetter Regulations.’
The ‘violation’ was actually a marketing ploy by a local streetwear clothing brand. It is a tongue-in-cheek nudge from the brand, encouraging recipients to ‘up their style game’ and promoting the QR code leading to their website.
While the brand’s founders’ goals were to resonate beyond the realm of fabric and stitches and pull people out of their daily grind with a bit of humour and creativity, not everyone was amused by their stunt. Some locals expressed their irritation on social media, criticising the brand for giving them an unnecessary scare.
Comments ranged from sarcastic jabs about the company’s marketing strategy to outright anger at being fooled into thinking they had received a real fine. Meanwhile, others felt insulted by the implication that their fashion choices were somehow in violation of an imaginary code.
‘Wow, what a brilliant first impression. Nothing screams “we’re marketing geniuses” like p***ing people off with a fake fine before they’ve even heard of your business,’ said one commenter.
‘I would be leaving a bad review for this shop if I saw this on my car,’ wrote another.
‘Not only is this cringe marketing, but I just looked the store up, basic run of the mill Kmart circa 2020 outfits at $110 a set, hilarious. Someone cite them for false marketing under the pretence of being able to “step up your style game”,’ opined someone else.
‘This would be my first reason not to shop there,’ remarked a fourth person.
Another shared, ‘My wife just sent me an almost identical photo, just without the nail polish. She’s really p***ed at them too.’
The legality of the marketing stunt also came into question, with some pointing out that impersonating an official notice could have serious consequences under the Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (SA), potentially leading to a two-year jail sentence for ‘false representation.’
Despite the mixed reactions, the clothing brand’s founders did find support among those who appreciated the originality of their campaign. Some commenters recognised it as a bold way to ‘get the brand’s name out there,’ and the founders themselves reflected on the wide array of responses they received, from praise to threats, and even an online forum thread dedicated to discussing the stunt.
We’d love to hear from you, our YourLifeChoices readers. Have you ever encountered a similar marketing tactic? How did you feel? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below.
Also read: Australia Post employees dismissed following workplace prank
Yes, I received one of these tickets some weeks back, My car was parked outside my home for a short while. quite legally. I was very stressed, trying to work out what I had done wrong, I took it inside and eventually realised it must be a marketing ploy, It had a QR code which I did not look at, I think these tickets should be illegal, for trying to get attention by impersonating the law, and causing unnecessary worry to people
These idiots should consider those of us with mobility issues. It is hard enough getting in and out of a car without having to then get out again to remove this rubbish. Not funny at all.