You may not get what you expect!
Retailing has become very competitive in recent years and too many corporations, including some large retail chains, are using trickery and deception in marketing. Misleading advertisements, displays and labeling, and other sly tactics are too common. Beating the competitor and the consumer, preferably within the limits of the law, seems to be a retail marketing trend.
There are many ways: Store displays that attempt to sell items that appear to be on sale but aren't. Switch and bait selling. Marketing to kids. The use of shock to increase ratings and sales. Encouraging credit, gouging those that can’t afford exorbitant charges when interest rates are at 45-50 year lows.
Then there is the small print, hidden charges, planned over-consumption, self awarded awards, junk mail, telemarketing, loud repetitive commercials, stupidity cards.
Working within the law or self styled guidelines is not good enough, retailers must use strategies that are morally good. An old retailing axiom used to be ‘The customer is always right’. From what I have perceived, ‘The customer is always ripe for picking’ often seems more appropriate.
Unfortunately it does not help a great deal to complain to the corporations as the processes are deeply rooted and are not there by accident. 'We aren't breaking any laws', or 'We strictly conform to guidelines set out by our association', are typical responses I have received.
But we must complain, to governments, consumer associations and everyone who will listen, or we will be unable to blame anyone when all truth is gone from the marketplace.
About the Author
© Ken McIsaac is author of www.32keys.com a free online book about life. He is also concerned about marketing and consumerism at www.axiom.ws/unethical/ |
|
 |
Online Shopping – Is It Really So Great?
Online shopping - is it really so great? That is the question among many consumers in the United States. There are many that would rather go to the local shopping mall to make their purchases. Perhaps it is the socialization aspect or the...
...Read More
GamblingGates.com launches shopping bonanza
Valetta, Malta - September 15, 2004 - Staying alert to turbulent market opportunities and growing thirst for gambling goods and accessories, Gamblinggates.com has launched its long-awaited e-shopping facility. GamblingGates.com customers are...
...Read More
Top 10 tips for Safe Internet Shopping
Over £5 billion pounds was spent on online shopping in 2004. The Internet was the fastest growing retail sector last year, attracting one in four shoppers. The growth rate for the online market was 27.4 per cent, six times better than for the...
...Read More
Shopping for a Shopping Cart? Make Sure you Weigh your Options First!
If you sell more than a handful of products on your website, you'll need to add what's known as a shopping cart. This is a function that allows your customers to pick out the items they want and send them to a "cart," which holds onto them until...
...Read More
Must Read Tips For Shopping & Booking Your Travels Online
Booking & shopping online has proven to revolutionize the travel industry. There are many pros to utilizing online booking sites to plan your trip. Bottom line is, it saves you time and money, both important factors when planning your trip. Before...
...Read More
|
