Protect Yourself From Deceptive Sales
Deceptive sales practices are a major problem in the security industry. These practices degrade consumers’ confidence in the industry and corrode their trust in the security providers they rely on. It is important to know when and how to protect yourself from them. You can do this with a few simple measures.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has enforced various laws that address deceptive marketing and pricing practices. These rules cover everything from the use of the word “free” in advertisements to comparative misrepresentation. Some examples include a “sale” to a customer for more money than they should pay, a bait and switch, and a fraudulently endorsed product.
The FTC has also established a set of rules for advertisers. In particular, they have made it mandatory for advertisers to collect certain information before they will be awarded a commission. They have also begun requiring advertisers to document their quantitative claims. This means that, for example, they have to show the price of a particular product before they are able to claim it.
One of the more popular forms of deceptive sales is a bait and switch. In this scenario, the retailer will lure a prospective customer with an alluring offer. After that, the retail establishment will disparage the advertised product and try to sell a higher priced item. However, this does not always work.
If the advertised product does not meet your expectations, there are many ways to get your money back. There are also laws that require retailers to accept returns of products. Taking advantage of this policy is often the easiest solution. However, be sure to check the company’s licensing before making any purchases.
While deceptive sales may be a minor issue, they can have a serious impact on the reputation of an industry. For example, the life insurance industry has faced accusations of widespread mis-selling. As a result, consumers who buy policies are at risk of having unpaid claims. To protect yourself from this kind of activity, it is wise to review your insurance provider’s terms and conditions, contact the company directly, and look into whether or not they are licensed.
Deceptive sales tactics are a fact of life in many industries. For instance, the trunk slammer is an old and venerable sales technique that has been used since the 1970s. Many of these tactics are designed to sway customers into purchasing expensive contracts. Other examples of deceptive sales include fake testimonials and grandiose claims.
The Federal Trade Commission has compiled a list of the most common deceptive sales tactics. Some of the more obscure include an online offer with hidden fees and a manufacturer’s suggested retail price that is higher than the going rate.
Another major gimmick is the use of celebrity endorsements. For example, if Lady Gaga or Paris Hilton endorses a product, millions of people will likely purchase the item. However, in reality, these endorsements are not always genuine. A few examples include a white-coated “doctor” claiming to be able to cure cancer or a product that has a seal of the British monarchy on it.
