More "BS marketing" I'm sure consumers can SEE THROUGH this (in more ways than one!)

Allstate car insurance has an "accident forgiveness" policy.

If you get into an accident, your rates will not go up (after first accident only) -- but, the fine print says, this aspect of the policy COSTS EXTRA! In other words, you can pay a higher rate NOW, month after month, whether you have an accident or not, just to protect that HIGHER rate from 'going up' *IF* you do have an accident -- makes NO sense at all, but sounds good.

Then there's the classic fine print example: *the price has increased due to the inclusion of a free gift.

Or this one which was used here locally for YEARS, and really SEEMS to make SENSE -- until your think about it for a minute...

"WE WILL BEAT ANY COMPETITOR'S PRICE, OR YOUR MATTRESS IS FREE!!!!!"

Well that means the mattress will NEVER be free. If the competitor's price is $318, that means your price will be $317. No matter how low the competitor's price is, it will always be way more than $1 -- so the mattress will never be "FREEEEE!!!!" as the promoter proclaims (LOUDLY!).

Here's the ULTIMATE one -- also used here locally for MANY years -- but the guy finally went out of biz...

"We will BEAT THE PRICE OF ANY SEALY, POSTUREPAEDIC, or SIMMONS MATTRESS, GUARANTEED!!!"

Here's the HIDDEN catch (very clever, actually) -- The store YELLING that claim DOES NOT SELL THOSE FAMOUS BRANDS!!

Notice it says "beat the price *OF* (not *ON*)..." So, yes, the no-name mattresses he was selling WERE cheaper than the name brands mentioned!!!

As I say, actually pretty clever. Deceptive yes -- but creative + clever, just the same.

I've also seen storefronts covered in paper banners saying, "Going Out for Business" Instead of going out OF business.

Yes, it is a fun exercise.

"This way to the Egress..."

Cheers!

-- TW