This is not illegal. This is exploitation of a loophole. And people just like you and me fall for this every day.

Many of us will buy because of discount, special offer, sale price - and have less regard for product itself.

NOTE - businesses very, VERY rarely sell items for LESS than they cost. So Sale Prices still mean they make a profit - albeit a reduced profit.

Often our impulse purchases of special offers and discounts, are made without a second thought regarding terms, conditions, exemptions, exclusions, and guarantees (if any) that apply.

Here is another, very quick example, of how we can be exploited. Mail Order companies, just like any other business have sales and special offers.

But not all of them allow free returns of goods if you change your mind.

This means that if you have decided not to keep product, then YOU have to pay from your pocket, cost of returning item.

This itself is a factor which is off-putting to many, and deters people from returning goods. This results in lower returns, lower refunds for some Mail Order companies (and more profit).

The internet for example, is jam-packed with special offers, limited time sales etc. It’s is one of most popular forms of internet marketing strategies which ‘force’ (persuasive encouragement) people BUY NOW.

And it works!

You simply don’t want to be left out……. To be one who missed an opportunity…… so out comes that credit card and BANG! You’ve done it!

Often, following this very short period of adrenalin-driven hyperactivity, follows a prolonged period of remorse and regret.

“Why hell did I buy that?”

Sometimes we quickly try to claim a refund - but often we don’t. We may have some small nagging doubts inside, but we put them to one side and cross our fingers.

It’s only later, when we realise that sale was ‘hyper-hyped’ - and product may have been over-sold and in cold light of day, under-delivered - we really start to have our misgivings.

Often, it’s too late by this stage. The offer has closed, refund period *(if any) has expired. The product didn't live up to our expectations, car doesn’t have an engine, video we bought was Betamax, software was too hard to use, book was written in a reading style for those studying Quantum Mechanics, there is no support, I didn’t read small print……..

The last part is vital.

If you really MUST have it - then check, read, understand and know terms. Don’t spend $200 on software only to find it doesn’t come with installation instructions, a manual or support.

Check it out FIRST.

If you are SO pushed for time, that special offer / sale ends in two minutes - and you haven’t got time to read terms,…… do you really need it THAT MUCH?

If you have doubts - or questions, then ASK FIRST! If seller wants to make sale, they will be happy to help you. If they’re obstructive - walk away.

Is ANY purchase really THAT important that you MUST buy it NOW?

Unless you are buying food for your family…. I doubt it.

Can you afford to burn money? Or do you just buy things for hell of it?

Make sure you KNOW what you are getting, what limitations are, and if you get any support.

So….. Buyer Beware !!

An article by Gary Durkin Founder of the Internet Advice Center® http://www.InternetAdviceCenter.com

If you would like to join thousands of subscribers to his newsletter ‘Delivering Success’ - send a blank email to deliveringsuccess@kioskcities.ws

© Copyright 2005 - All Rights Reserved worldwide.

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