Unethical
Marketing is
Widespread
More
and more corporations, including some large retail chains, are using
trickery and dishonesty in marketing. Misleading advertisements,
deceptive 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 year lows. Then there is the small print,
hidden charges, planned over-consumption, self awarded awards, junk
mail, telemarketing, loud repetitive commercials, loyalty card
propaganda.
It does not help a great deal to complain to these corporations as the
processes are deeply rooted. They are in competition to increase profits and extracting a few extra dollars from
the consumer by using deceptive practices is an easy way. 'We
aren't breaking any laws', or 'we
strictly conform to guidelines set out by our association', are typical
responses.
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 over
recent years, ‘the customer is always ripe for picking’ would be more
appropriate.
And we must complain to everyone who will listen, or we will be unable
to blame anyone when all truth is gone from the marketplace.
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return Greed
Profit Consumerism
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