New FTC rule, only testimonials from BUYERS allowed?

[Jason H]

Ok, I admit, I am a little confused by this whole new FTC regulations.

I thought that the new FTC new ruling over testimonials was that you have to put a disclaimer only if the testimonials talked about a specific outcome, and then we have to state the results are not typical and then mention the average result...

...nothing against people only liking the product, but do those people giving testimonials have to be buyers only?

Can they just be like friends or fellow warriors on this forum anymore?

I was now told that testimonials have to be from bona fide buyers, which I don't recall being mentioned...

[Dennis Gaskill]

If the person offering the testimonial has been compensated - a free copy for review purposes, a discount, or has a personal relationship to you - it's my understanding these things have to be disclosed.

[seobro]

This is what I hate. Sadly, one way I used to gain more reviews was to give people my software and ask for a review. Not only do you get links, but that all important press. However, what they get is an early beta version. When the software comes out it has more features and "hopefully" less bugs than the original beta program.

FTC is crushing us. We cannot compete with the majors. It was our hope by giving away free copies to build some buzz for our programs.

[KarlWarren]

Essentially, a testimonial was only ever supposed to be from buyers in the first place...
What you're suggesting is a REVIEW.
Two different things.

You can show reviews, providing there is a full disclosure...

i.e. My name is Malcolm, and Jon asked me to review this product - all I can say is:

It's easy enough.

This is the way it should have always been anyway.

[Paul Myers]

This isn't anything new. For an example, look at most business books with lots of nice reviews from famous people. The cover blurbs will usually say, "Advance praise" or something like that. Those comments will not ever be called testimonials.

Just label things as what they are. Reviews are not testimonials, but they have the impact that readers associate (or don't) with the people giving them.

I am constantly amazed that people worry about stuff like this. When you look at reviews of books or software in the real world, do you discount comments from authorities in the field because they didn't pay for their copies? Probably not. Do you think your customers will? Probably not.

This isn't rocket science, folks. Tell the truth, and you're fine.


Paul

[koncorps]

Originally Posted by Paul Myers

This isn't anything new. For an example, look at most business books with lots of nice reviews from famous people. The cover blurbs will usually say, "Advance praise" or something like that. Those comments will not ever be called testimonials.

Just label things as what they are. Reviews are not testimonials, but they have the impact that readers associate (or don't) with the people giving them.

I am constantly amazed that people worry about stuff like this. When you look at reviews of books or software in the real world, do you discount comments from authorities in the field because they didn't pay for their copies? Probably not. Do you think your customers will? Probably not.

This isn't rocket science, folks. Tell the truth, and you're fine.


Paul

Well said, I'll agree with this, as long as you're being honest and smart in your marketing methods this isn't much of a hurdle to go over.

Good post Paul.