If you have Snuggie, beware of the $150 crosssale... - GoFuckYourself.com

Wizzo · 07-16-2009, 10:45 AM

FULTON -- Across the country, customers who've ordered the popular Snuggie blanket are getting something else in the mail - an $8.50 check, with a catch.

"I thought it was a rebate on shipping," said Marc Catalina, who received the check seven months after ordering a Snuggie.

The check - which comes in an envelope stamped with the Snuggie logo - is real but it's not a rebate.

It's from a group called "Great Fun" - a company that promises 2 percent back off credit card purchases. They piggy-back onto Snuggy and a number of products with a controversial advertising method.

On both the front and back of the check, in small print, is a notice that says cashing or depositing the check automatically signs you up for a $150 a year membership in their service.

"By cashing or depositing this check you are purchasing a membership in Great Fun," it says in small print on the front. "When you cash or deposit the ecnlosed check, we will automatically charge the $149.99 annual fee to your credit card," it explains on the back.

Deceptive or clever marketing?

Consumer experts say it's not illegal but it can be deceptive.

"If it comes to me, I'm probably going to look at it and say $8.25? That's worth my while to cash it," said Travis Ford with the Missouri Division of Finance.

While some marketers defend the practice of sending so-called "activation checks" as a legitimate form of advertising - with everything spelled out in writing -Ford says it can catch unsuspecting consumers off-guard.

"It's certainly not as clear as it could be," said Ford. "Because normally there's fine print on the back of a check where people don't spend a lot of time reading anyway."

Ford says this type of advertising has been challenged by consumers across the country, including here in Missouri. Last year, then-Attorney General Jay Nixon got a 26-state, $400,000 settlement in a lawsuit against a company that sent out similar checks.

"Any company that does this may run into trouble," said Ford. "Either with unhappy customers or even law enforcement agencies."

Not a rebate or refund

A representative from Great Fun told us, emphatically, what they're doing is not deceptive.

"We view our terms as clear, inconspicuous and as up front as possible," Mike Bush, a spokesman for Great Fun said by phone. "At no point do we claim there is a rebate or refund attached to this. It's simply an opportunity to try our products."

The $8.25 amount isn't chosen randomly. It's calculated, based on research, to get the greatest number of people to cash the check, according to Bush.

Still, he acknowledges people could "mistakenly opt into this program," despite the fine print. He says a full refund will be offered to anyone who unknowingly signed up.

Less than 1500 people, a small amount of their customers, have recently cancelled their accounts, said Bush.

KRCG News tried to contact representatives from Snuggie but were unable to reach anyone.

Agent 488 · 07-16-2009, 10:48 AM

impossible. only happens in porn.

GrouchyAdmin · 07-16-2009, 10:49 AM

If they shortened it to 'Great FU', it'd fit.

Agent 488 · 07-16-2009, 10:52 AM

the snuggie industry is it's own worst enemy.

rhon23 · 07-16-2009, 10:53 AM

You cashed the check Wizzo didnt you

GrouchyAdmin · 07-16-2009, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by budsbabes

the snuggie industry is it's own worst enemy.

The snuggie is going to put the blanket corporations out of business.

Iron Fist · 07-16-2009, 10:54 AM

That fucking bear was up to something.... I told you so!

fris · 07-16-2009, 10:57 AM

thats why if you want any of he shit you see on tv, either buy it at amazon or a as seen on tv store

Twistys Tim · 07-16-2009, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wizzo

A representative from Great Fun told us, emphatically, what they're doing is not deceptive.

"We view our terms as clear, inconspicuous and as up front as possible," Mike Bush, a spokesman for Great Fun said by phone.

Surly he meant conspicuous, not inconspicuous....?

snaker · 07-16-2009, 11:00 AM

ya know I almost pulled the trigger on a snuggie, but instead decided to wear my robe backwards

Iron Fist · 07-16-2009, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snaker

ya know I almost pulled the trigger on a snuggie, but instead decided to wear my robe backwards

YouTube greatness awaits.

Si · 07-16-2009, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snaker

ya know I almost pulled the trigger on a snuggie, but instead decided to wear my robe backwards

The maroon coloured one looks a fucking monks robe anyway!

Who wants to sit at home looking like friar tuck while they are watching tv?

JFK · 07-16-2009, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by budsbabes

impossible. only happens in porn.

seeandsee · 07-16-2009, 11:14 AM

jesus they fuck fuck and fuck

Machete_ · 07-16-2009, 11:15 AM

I got snuggietube.com for sale @ one billion dollars

Get it before all the free snuggie destroy the snuggie market

JFK · 07-16-2009, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mobilefun1987

The maroon coloured one looks a fucking monks robe anyway!

Who wants to sit at home looking like friar tuck while they are watching tv?

You really think so ?

Cyndalie · 07-16-2009, 11:47 AM

That's not a crosssale, it's an incetivized upsell

SleazyDream · 07-16-2009, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhon23

You cashed the check Wizzo didnt you

that's what I thought!

Snake Doctor · 07-16-2009, 12:05 PM

If 12clicks were here he'd tell you idiots that you just don't understand how real business works. Hidden charges that customers were warned about in tiny print don't hurt business at all. They don't breed feelings of mistrust or cause consumers to be disinclined to make future purchases.

If you people were real businessmen instead of the rabble you are, you'd understand that.

Wizzo · 07-16-2009, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhon23

You cashed the check Wizzo didnt you

Nope, I just wear my bathrobe backwards, no snuggies here...

07-16-2009, 10:45 AM	#1
Wizzo 2011 GFY Hall of Fame! Industry Role: Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Back in Texas! Posts: 15,227	If you have Snuggie, beware of the $150 crosssale... FULTON -- Across the country, customers who've ordered the popular Snuggie blanket are getting something else in the mail - an $8.50 check, with a catch. "I thought it was a rebate on shipping," said Marc Catalina, who received the check seven months after ordering a Snuggie. The check - which comes in an envelope stamped with the Snuggie logo - is real but it's not a rebate. It's from a group called "Great Fun" - a company that promises 2 percent back off credit card purchases. They piggy-back onto Snuggy and a number of products with a controversial advertising method. On both the front and back of the check, in small print, is a notice that says cashing or depositing the check automatically signs you up for a $150 a year membership in their service. "By cashing or depositing this check you are purchasing a membership in Great Fun," it says in small print on the front. "When you cash or deposit the ecnlosed check, we will automatically charge the $149.99 annual fee to your credit card," it explains on the back. Deceptive or clever marketing? Consumer experts say it's not illegal but it can be deceptive. "If it comes to me, I'm probably going to look at it and say $8.25? That's worth my while to cash it," said Travis Ford with the Missouri Division of Finance. While some marketers defend the practice of sending so-called "activation checks" as a legitimate form of advertising - with everything spelled out in writing -Ford says it can catch unsuspecting consumers off-guard. "It's certainly not as clear as it could be," said Ford. "Because normally there's fine print on the back of a check where people don't spend a lot of time reading anyway." Ford says this type of advertising has been challenged by consumers across the country, including here in Missouri. Last year, then-Attorney General Jay Nixon got a 26-state, $400,000 settlement in a lawsuit against a company that sent out similar checks. "Any company that does this may run into trouble," said Ford. "Either with unhappy customers or even law enforcement agencies." Not a rebate or refund A representative from Great Fun told us, emphatically, what they're doing is not deceptive. "We view our terms as clear, inconspicuous and as up front as possible," Mike Bush, a spokesman for Great Fun said by phone. "At no point do we claim there is a rebate or refund attached to this. It's simply an opportunity to try our products." The $8.25 amount isn't chosen randomly. It's calculated, based on research, to get the greatest number of people to cash the check, according to Bush. Still, he acknowledges people could "mistakenly opt into this program," despite the fine print. He says a full refund will be offered to anyone who unknowingly signed up. Less than 1500 people, a small amount of their customers, have recently cancelled their accounts, said Bush. KRCG News tried to contact representatives from Snuggie but were unable to reach anyone. __________________ Looking for Opportunity!

07-16-2009, 10:49 AM	#3
GrouchyAdmin Now choke yourself! Industry Role: Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 12,085	If they shortened it to 'Great FU', it'd fit. __________________ AIM: GrouchyGfy

07-16-2009, 10:54 AM	#7
Iron Fist Too lazy to set a custom title Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 23,400	That fucking bear was up to something.... I told you so! __________________ i like waffles

07-16-2009, 10:57 AM	#8
fris Too lazy to set a custom title Industry Role: Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 54,800	thats why if you want any of he shit you see on tv, either buy it at amazon or a as seen on tv store __________________ Since 1999: 69 Adult Industry awards for Best Hosting Company and professional excellence. WP Tube Themes

07-16-2009, 11:00 AM	#10
snaker Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,281	ya know I almost pulled the trigger on a snuggie, but instead decided to wear my robe backwards __________________ My Best Sponsors: Naughty Revenue \| Get Score Cash \| Thick Cash

07-16-2009, 10:48 AM	#2
Agent 488 Registered User Industry Role: Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 22,511	impossible. only happens in porn.

07-16-2009, 10:52 AM	#4
Agent 488 Registered User Industry Role: Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 22,511	the snuggie industry is it's own worst enemy.

07-16-2009, 10:53 AM	#5
rhon23 Rebel Girl Industry Role: Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: The Island Of Misfit Toys Posts: 3,261	You cashed the check Wizzo didnt you

07-16-2009, 11:14 AM	#14
seeandsee Check SIG! Industry Role: Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Europe (Skype: gojkoas) Posts: 50,945	jesus they fuck fuck and fuck __________________ BUY MY SIG - 50$/Year Contact here

07-16-2009, 11:15 AM	#15
Machete_ WINNING! Industry Role: Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 14,579	I got snuggietube.com for sale @ one billion dollars Get it before all the free snuggie destroy the snuggie market

07-16-2009, 11:47 AM	#17
Cyndalie Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Cherry Hill, NJ Posts: 3,615	That's not a crosssale, it's an incetivized upsell __________________ Cyndalie Marketing Director StoriesTraffic.com

07-16-2009, 12:05 PM	#19
Snake Doctor I'm Lenny2 Bitch Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: On top of my soapbox Posts: 13,449	If 12clicks were here he'd tell you idiots that you just don't understand how real business works. Hidden charges that customers were warned about in tiny print don't hurt business at all. They don't breed feelings of mistrust or cause consumers to be disinclined to make future purchases. If you people were real businessmen instead of the rabble you are, you'd understand that. __________________ sig too big