Why has America accepted these practices with an “Oh well!” attitude.
Why aren’t we outraged when Monster Cables sells an HDMI cable for $79.99 that they imply works better than a standard cable when video expert (Scott Wilkinson) will tell you the $5.99 HDMI cable works the same. Dishonesty is everywhere. Companies will go to any length to increase their bottom line … ethics be damned. Those who choose to mislead others discover that this is not the type of corruption that sends people to prison. It is more a matter of intellectual dishonesty and lack of personal ethics. Compensation has replaced ethics as a governing principle.
If you have to “trick” me into buying your product through overstating its merits or altering the packaging to make it appear larger or the same size with less content you’re being dishonest … your moral values need work. The “That’s the way its done in this business” excuse just doesn’t cut it.
“Deception and dishonesty are running rampant practically everywhere you go. It’s exhausting trying to sift through it all and get to the truth. This is what is considered “marketing.” It has gotten to the point that if you are honest in what you are selling, you must be some sort of “fool.” However, what is “foolish” is not to recognize that if you are being deceptive in your business dealings, so is everyone else. Therefore it simply is not intelligent to continue these practices. Everyone seems to be doing his or her very best to try and take advantage of everyone else.” Quoted from an excellent article by Elizabeth Fink .
Some of my personal observations:
Java update with the pre-checked toolbar install … Every time there’s a new java update it try’s to trick you into installing either Open Office or some toolbar by having a pre-checked box about 1/2 way through the install … anytime there is a pre-checked box to install something like this they are being dishonest. The “That’s the way its done in this business” excuse just doesn’t cut it.
“Like New” items on EBay … EBay is a good place to find items and lots of those items are used. Unfortunately many sellers overstate the condition of the item or fail to mention material defects. Yes … it would have helped to know the cooling fan on that router doesn’t work. What do you mean you forgot to mention there was a 4 inch crack on the back of that antique figurine? The “That’s the way its done in this business” excuse just doesn’t cut it.
Credit card bill mailing and late charges … Credit card companies make a large profit on late payments either by charging a late fee of $30-$40 dollar or by raising the interest rate on your balance … or both. Did you think it was a coincidence that you receive your bill only 5 or 6 days before its due? The “That’s the way its done in this business” excuse just doesn’t cut it.
The towing and car rental premium on your insurance policy … That $30-$50 charge on your insurance policy premium for towing that your agent didn’t mention when quoting a price … because he gets a big commission on it. Many people already have this coverage with AAA or some other entity. The “That’s the way its done in this business” excuse just doesn’t cut it.
The guy on eBay that sells his item for $1 with shipping charges of $27.99 – I can’t think any of the carriers charge more than $5 dollars to deliver a DVD (the item was shipping 1st class mail which actually costs less than $2). EBay charges a commission based on the sale price of the item sold. If the seller is willing to cheat EBay they are probably willing to cheat you too. The “That’s the way its done in this business” excuse just doesn’t cut it.
USB cable not included or power adapter optional … Granted some printers now come with a USB cable but many still don’t and buying one at Staples or Office Depot for $15 (they are about $5 delivered on Ebay) just adds insult to injury. Battery operated electronics that sell a power adapter separately. No Thanks! The “That’s the way its done in this business” excuse just doesn’t cut it.
The tire sale … advertisement – 15″ name brand tire only $39.99. Of course when you arrive the model for your car is out of stock but there happens to be a Goodyear model available for only $15 more … and did you want that mounted, balanced, a new air valve … the total $72.99. “Oh, by the way, I noticed your brakes pads are getting low .. we’re having a special this week”. The “That’s the way its done in this business” excuse just doesn’t cut it.
The $19.99 Jiffy Lube oil change … No sir, the $19.99 price is only for certain models your car model costs $29.99. Did you want to replace the air cleaner too, no that’s not included … but it’s only $9.99 more? The “That’s the way its done in this business” excuse just doesn’t cut it.
Free download … When you search for freeware you’ll come across a lot of sites that say “Free Download” these are not for freeware but software that requires a fee … free to download? Who charges to download? Its not free to use. Shame on them for misleading us. The “That’s the way its done in this business” excuse just doesn’t cut it.
Buying an item then wearing or using it and returning it ... Businesses aren’t the only ones cheating … I think we all know someone who has bought an item for short term use then returned it to the store for a full refund. Its even worse when they brag about it … The store has to reduce the selling price. You may as well have dipped your hand into the cash register. I hope you don’t have children you are teaching these morals to.
Indeed dishonesty, deception and cheating are all common place. “It is exhausting trying to sift through all of this deception. Nothing is easy anymore. You need to take your time and read the fine print on practically everything. You need to have received a college degree practically to be trained in deception in order to be able to see through it. It is unfair and taking advantage of the public at large. We should not continue to be so accepting of these practices.” Quoted from an excellent article by Elizabeth Fink .
Here is another story I spotted that makes my point. From an article in the Telegraph News
Managers at Comet, Britain’s second biggest electrical store, forced staff to lie to customers to boost profits, an employment tribunal heard last week. They encouraged assistants to deceive shoppers into paying for unnecessary extras such as extended warranties, credit agreements and accessories, according to a former employee.
As a result of the allegations, Comet – whose mission statement is to aim to be the “most trusted and respected” electrical retailer – has been stung into launching an internal investigation. Gareth Sweeney, a former salesman who worked at the Comet store in Llansamlet, south Wales for 4.5 years, cataloged a series of sharp practices intended to squeeze money from customers.
Mr Sweeney, 45, told the tribunal in Cardiff that staff were told to give 40 per cent discounts to those prepared to pay for full warranties – but just 10 per cent if they refused. Customers who showed an interest in Sky television were offered just one package costing £40 a month and none of the cheaper options, he said.
Sales staff also gave false demonstrations of equipment to encourage customers to buy expensive cables, he told the tribunal. In one instance, Mr Sweeney said, they altered settings on DVD players to make it appear that a £60 cable produced a better picture than one costing £29.90, even though there was no difference.
Mr Sweeney, a father of two from Llanelli, near Swansea, also alleged that staff were encouraged to push accessories into the hands of customers even if they did not need them. Staff were also told not to use the term “store card” because it was associated with high interest rates, he said. Instead, they asked customers if they wanted to open a “store account”.
Mr Sweeney is claiming constructive dismissal after leaving his £20,000-a-year job. He told the tribunal on Friday that he resigned after being told that he faced a disciplinary hearing for not selling enough extra products. He said that sales assistants who sold more extras – called “key performance indicators” by the company – were rated higher than those who sold more goods. “I could sell £30,000 worth of items but no extras, but the celebrations would be for someone who sold lots of extras but just £2,000 worth of goods. I was bullied and pressured into selling extras,” he said.
“It was the final straw when I received a letter from a sales manager telling me to attend a disciplinary hearing because I had fallen down on my targets. “I felt as if I was being punished for being honest and decent to customers. I decided that the mis-selling of DVD connection leads amounted to deception on our part,” he said.
OK … so that is the end of my rant on dishonesty in America. My Advice to you … Steer clear of these unethical merchants and remember to treat others as you would like to be treated yourself.
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