HSBC Watch News Release Forum Index
Forum Name: - Rainsoft
Topic Title: RainSoft turns to opt-in marketing similar to spam
Wed Sep 01, 2004 6:36 am
A recent report in the Denver Post cited Peter Waelti, owner of RainSoft of Denver, a water filtration and purification franchise, as stating that the new "Do Not Call" list has been devastating to telemarketers.
A new tactic to get around new laws is not limited to RainSoft, and is similar to Spam. Sending post cards which state "We have been unable to reach you by phone" or "you have won a prize" also contain the legal right for companies to contact you if you call them.
Opt-in mailers are considered by many to be deceptive. Opt-in is used to bypass regulations regarding spam email, and has resulted in worldwide abuses of email.
In October 2003, the Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau brought an advertising challenge against RainSoft on the unspecific nature of a Front Range Research postcard it sent out that offered a complimentary case of orange juice to homeowners who filled out a survey - complete with their phone number.
"We wanted them to disclose that they are who they say they are - that it's an offer for you to buy water softener equipment, rather than these bogus roundabout surveys and whatnot," said Susan Liehe, vice president for public affairs at the bureau, who calls this type of marketing "masquer-ads."
RainSoft has since pulled that postcard from circulation, according to the BBB, and the challenge has been resolved.
We monitor customer trends for possible violations of Regulation Z and other possible illegal actions.