SKIN CARE COMPANIES FACE FTC CHARGES FOR MISLEADING CONSUMERS

The news story in the latest issue of BBB News on “Dangers of ‘Free Trial’ Offers” reminds us about the increasingly misleading marketing campaigns in the skin care products.

The news story warns against such ads saying you can try a product out for free before committing to it. But please remember: “Free Trials” often come with hidden fees and other strings attached.  Many businesses of skin care products, including AuraVie, Dellure, LeOR Skincare, and Miracle Face Kit, have been charged by the FTC for deceiving people about their “risk-free” trials.

FTC has alleged that these companies asked for credit or debit card information to pay a small $ 4.95 shipping fee, but victims ended up with close to $ 100 in charges.  Not only that, such unscrupulous companies  illegally sign people up for recurring product shipments – meaning even more charges – without asking them. 

Such companies also make it extremely difficult to cancel and avoid charges, and project themselves as accredited by BBB with “A” rating which was denied by BBB, and announced that they had an “F” grade rating!

As the manufacturers of certified natural herbal beauty products, Herbally Radiant has been cautioning consumers about deceptive and misleading marketing campaigns with unverifiable claims or unbelievable promises. Such tactics are not limited to cosmetic products, but other consumer items as well. We would advise prospective consumers to exercise due diligence before falling victim to such selling tactics. Following tips might be useful :

1)  The word “Free” is one of the most overused slogans, the easiest trap to grab attention of potential customers. Similar phrases are:  “no investment”, “no obligation”. So please read the fine print and look for hidden fees and details.

2) “Guaranteed”, “Satisfaction Guaranteed”, “Money-Back Guarantee”, “Results Guaranteed”, “Results Promised” need to be carefully read.

3)  “Lowest Price” is yet another attractive feature, perhaps most overused, from the point of view of customers – after all who wouldn’t mind buying the stuff at lowest price. Please make sure that such pricing claims are clarified and quantified to make them believable.

4)    Another example of misleading slogan is: “Risk-free or no risk” which is also used so often by the marketers, hoping to create impression in the mind of their consumers that a purchase doesn’t have some risk associated with it.

5)    A note of caution to other businesses: it is far more profitable to     retain loyal         customers with credible marketing strategies than to follow the temptation of making any short-cut for increasing sales.