Tapestry Books and its deceptive advertising as it pertains to Adoption World Specialties.
One of our competitors, Tapestry Books, shows our books “The Real Me” and “My Adoption Workbook” on their website even though they are not an authorized reseller. They show a picture of our books with the caption “Product currently unavailable.” Our books are very much “available” and can be found on our website, www.adoptionworld.net.
At one time Tapestry did sell our books. However, over six months ago Mr. Shep Morrow was informed in writing that he was no longer authorized to sell our books. Since then, we have asked two more times for their removal from his site. Mr. Morrow says it will cost him money to change his website, yet he has recently added this phrase to the description of our book “The Real Me”,
Indefinitely Out of Stock
Contact us for alternate suggestions.
When we spoke to Shep about this, it was pointed out to him that this is a tactic known as deceptive advertising and it is illegal.
You have to go no farther than the Federal Trade Commission website for confirmation. “The Federal Trade Commission Act allows the FTC to act in the interest of all consumers to prevent deceptive and unfair acts or practices. In interpreting Section 5 of the Act, the Commission has determined that a representation, omission or practice is deceptive if it is likely to:
* mislead consumers and
* affect consumers’ behavior or decisions about the product or service.”[1]
We believe that what Tapestry Books is doing falls under this act.
Readers, what do you think?
Please blog and let us know your thoughts, or take your views to Tapestry Books directly, jmorrow@tapestrybooks.com and let him know what you think of his deceptive practices.
Keywords
Tapestry Books
The Real Me
My Adoption Workbook
Adoption World Specialties
[1] http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/business/ecommerce/bus28.shtm
