Common FTC Disclosure / Testimonial Mistake

13 replies
I have seen this done a couple times recently by marketers trying to sidestep FTC rules regarding testimonials and typical results.

The marketer will say:
Most buyers sit on their butt and do nothing with the program, so the typical results are no earnings. But for those who do take action ... then the pitch continues about easy millions.
The FTC disclosure rules about earnings results, testimonials, whether they are typical, and an average user experience pertain to users. Not buyers.

If 1000 people buy a $1997 guru product. 600 do nothing and never install it. 400 try the product and each make on average $300.

The typical user experience is $300 in earnings. Not zero.

The "most do nothing" claim also presumes that the marketer knows that most buyers do nothing with their product. How do they know that?

The marketer is simply looking for an easy out - fabricating that most do nothing as an excuse to avoid FTC disclosure requirements.

The end result is a potential fraud action by the FTC:

- False claims about the average user not doing anything.
- False claim that anyone who uses the product will make millions.
- Improper and inflated earnings claims without an accurate disclosure of common results.

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#common #disclosure #ftc #mistake #testimonial
  • Profile picture of the author Victoria Gates
    Here is a novel idea... tell the truth!
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    Victoria Gates - Digital Marketing Specialist

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  • Profile picture of the author R Hagel
    Most people who read your post will ignore it.

    But those who read it, understand it and apply it will save themselves millions of dollars in lawsuits and legal fees. Guaranteed.

    cheers,
    Becky
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    • Profile picture of the author davezan
      Originally Posted by R Hagel View Post

      Most people who read your post will ignore it.
      Especially those in other countries they feel are outside the FTC's reach or so.
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      David

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  • Profile picture of the author Marvin Johnston
    Regarding testimonials, the real question is how to find out what the "average user experience" actually is. It is more than a bit unreasonable to expect small business owners to have the resources to find out.

    I doubt the FTC can easily find out either. It appears their only research is with people who complain, and that is a biased population by definition.

    And then the FTC can file actions against small business owners who use the FTC method of research except with people actually using the product/service .

    Marvin
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  • Profile picture of the author lotsofsnow
    That's a very smart post and understandable.

    Most of the things that I have read that were written by attorneys were probably smart but I could not understand anything really.

    This makes sense. Thank you.

    HP
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    Call Center Fuel - High Volume Data
    Delivering the highest quality leads in virtually all consumer verticals.

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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    I avoid the whole issue by not launching with testimonials and only include them afterwards from real people who left testimonials of their own accord and by not making income claims.
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    • Profile picture of the author gorufus
      Originally Posted by sbucciarel View Post

      I avoid the whole issue by not launching with testimonials and only include them afterwards from real people who left testimonials of their own accord and by not making income claims.
      But even then wouldn't you have to verify what they are claiming as well? That would be hard to verify and track. If someone used your program and made lets say 10k, would you ask them for the check or paypal info for verification?

      I don't have a solution, just more quesitons I guess...
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  • Profile picture of the author JamesGw
    If people stopped making silly claims then this wouldn't be an issue at all.
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  • Profile picture of the author RussRuffino
    Does anyone have a sample affiliate disclaimer template that would work for anyone with just a little modification?

    Russ
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    • Profile picture of the author MisterE
      Originally Posted by RussRuffino View Post

      Does anyone have a sample affiliate disclaimer template that would work for anyone with just a little modification?

      Russ
      Russ,

      No idea how good this is. But it surely will be better than nothing.

      Disclosure Generator
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      "Procrastination is like a credit card: it's a lot of fun until you get the bill" Christopher Parker

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      • Profile picture of the author RussRuffino
        Originally Posted by MisterE View Post

        Russ,

        No idea how good this is. But it surely will be better than nothing.

        Disclosure Generator
        Interesting! Thank you!

        Russ
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  • Profile picture of the author tpw
    If I understand the FTC rulings correctly, then I am probably safe in my approach.

    I don't testify about the earning potential of others. Instead I say, "this is what I earned using the principles I am going to teach you." And that is verifiable by my tax records.
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    Bill Platt, Oklahoma USA, PlattPublishing.com
    Publish Coloring Books for Profit (WSOTD 7-30-2015)
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    • Profile picture of the author packerfan
      Originally Posted by tpw View Post

      If I understand the FTC rulings correctly, then I am probably safe in my approach.

      I don't testify about the earning potential of others. Instead I say, "this is what I earned using the principles I am going to teach you." And that is verifiable by my tax records.
      Where's the fun in that? It's much more exciting to talk about making millions in your underwear, right? pff... you and your silly facts!
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      Nothing to see here

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