Are you kidding me ?! That is more than likely what the FTC would have to say with the continued lack of regard for the past and most recent FTC Guidelines. The FTC has written these guidelines to protect consumers. Infomercial Testimonial Group has published numerous articles since 2004 in an attempt to protect the infomercial industry on this topic. However, it all seems to fall on deaf ears and ultimately creates an unfair advantage for abusers as they play with FTC fire. In essence, companies are stealing YOUR sales by not meeting the guidelines.

Are you kidding me ?! – Example 1. “We are looking for 3 women and 1 male model to read fake testimonials for an exercise video. We are in the process of producing an exercise commercial and we need the models / actresses beforehand.” But wait, there is more ….. “Your job will be to get to a park or beach (to be determined) and read a previously written script about your training plan. This will consist of saying:” I have toned down, I have more energy , I have lowered a size, etc. “(San Diego) Date: 2010-02-06, 6:05 PM PST

Are you kidding me ?!

At the end of the day, it’s simply about creating a level playing field for everyone in the industry when it comes to testimonials. The unfortunate reality is that the industry still appears to have more than a few bad apples. There are many “good guys” in the industry who do their best to comply with the rules and not intentionally or unintentionally mislead the consumer. However, on a daily basis some production companies and casting agencies are blatantly recruiting for materially connected ‘testimonials’ and do not disclose the fact. The topic of typicality is an entirely different article, but it remains mute if the testimonial selection process was carried out wrongly from the beginning. If an experienced testimonial provider or infomercial producer uses these tactics, then they obviously DO NOT know enough to provide a legitimate testimonial service and are preparing themselves and their client for potentially painful scrutiny from the FTC. Usually the actual client is not even aware of this practice, as some production and casting agencies convince their clients that they have handled it, doing their best to maintain the testimonial budget line. Some companies use cheap and flawed research and recruitment practices while thinking more about their profitability by ‘issuing’ some ringtone testimonials rather than thinking about the long-term problems of customers. Take a look at recent headlines and excerpts for 3 different examples. If you are one of those who runs testimonial programs successfully, this DOES affect you. Think of the sales that were stolen from you by a competitor who, even from the beginning, did not follow the rules / guidelines.

Are you kidding me ?! Example 2: INFOMERCIAL TESTIMONIALS OF WEIGHT LOSS! “We are looking for motivated men and women between the ages of 25 and 50 who have between 10 and 40 pounds to lose. Specifications: Testimonials (can be real people or actors) Women: 25 to 60 years (mostly 25 to 40). Caucasian These women must be 10-20 pounds overweight. We can also see some lean / normal-weight women who have cellulite. Most importantly, they must be motivated to want to lose cellulite and do Weight Watchers for a month. “

It is better to have a third party testimonial provider with no material connection as to the success or failure of a program. That is, a legitimate testimonial provider should only be one that does not have a percentage share of success. At this point, ignorance of the guidelines is not an excuse. The title says it all – Are you kidding me ?! “

These are just a few examples of companies across the country that most likely (you are the judge) are not going to disclose the material connection they have created with your testimonial program. Are you kidding me ?! This is a huge FTC No No.

Please note: these announcements are real and very recent as of this article. Here’s yet another example of how not to recruit for perceived testimonials that aren’t materially connected.

Are you kidding me ?! Example 3: “The fitness slimming program seeks testimonial actors to participate in a fitness program for a national television infomercial project. Large exposure and television footage (women ages 25-45). Testimonials from women between the ages of 25 and 45. National television campaign must be in New York City. area willing to train with coach “

Therefore, if after reading this article, you are still one of those who recruit testimonials in the manner described above, the only rational assumption is that you are intentionally misleading the consumer, intentionally challenging the FTC, and challenging those in the industry who They do their best to play fair. One more time “Are you kidding me ?!”

Are you using the ITG seal? Did you know Infomercial Testimonial Group is recommended in SELF magazine and so is the ITG seal for verified testimonials. The following article will provide advice on proper hiring procedures to get your testimonial program off to the right start. Eddie E Gaut Detuag Testing Centers – home of the Infomercial Testimonial Group 714 850 9777