When it comes to running a business, you want to ensure that the customer experience is at the top of the priority list, no matter the scenario. Unfortunately, there have been situations where people have taken a company to court for various reasons, one of which is false advertising. Such is why it’s always crucial to be upfront and transparent with your target demographic.
That said, as an individual purchasing a product or service, you wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of false advertising. It can be stressful and frustrating to expect one thing and end up with something else entirely, which is why there are laws against false advertising. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure you never have to deal with the fallout of false advertising.
Understanding bait-and-switch
One of the oldest tricks in the book, a bait-and-switch, occurs when a company tries to sell you a specific product, only to showcase something else. There was a time when such a tactic was quite effective, as companies would convince people to head to their establishment to purchase a specific product at a low price. When the customer arrives, they’re told the product just sold out, and they’re given entirely different (and more expensive) products to choose from.
These days, it’s a little more challenging to convince anyone of a bait-and-switch, as most people would prefer to buy what they need online. Any company that tries to pull a switch will likely face the consequences as customers that receive an entirely different product will not take it lying down.
Understanding general price deception
Another thing to watch for when dealing with false advertising is the potential for price deception. It’s something you’ll likely catch from the advertising image, as you’ll notice certain prices higher than the others in an attempt to shadow the price of the product on display. However, if you take the time to look over the fine print, you’ll likely see the actual price as well as an exception marked by an asterisk.
Price deception can be tricky for those that don’t take the time to study advertising images. Unfortunately, it’s also something that most companies use as it’s easy to get away with extra profit. Price deception can also come in the form of misleading photos.
Protecting your company from false advertising
Contrary to popular belief, some company owners fall victim to false advertising by using the wrong marketing solutions. They also make things worse by not having the proper insurance to protect their business. If you want your company protected, it’s best to have trusted BOP coverage (business owner’s policy) and ensure your business is as transparent as possible when it comes to marketing tactics.
False advertising affects everyone. Even if it’s the kind of thing that affects customers more, many company owners don’t realize how accidental false advertising can cause all sorts of problems. Knowing what you can about false advertising will make it easier to manage, no matter the scenario.