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

Website design By BotEap.comAre you kidding me?! – Example 1. “We are looking for 3 female and 1 male model to read fake testimonials for an exercise video. We are in the process of producing an exercise commercial and need the models/actresses beforehand.” But wait, there’s more… “Your job will be to arrive at a park or beach (TBD) and read a pre-written script about your training plan. This will consist of saying: ‘I’ve toned it down, I have more energy, I’ve gone down a size, etc.” (San Diego) Date: 2010-02-06, 6:05PM PST

Website design By BotEap.comAre you kidding me?!

Website design By BotEap.comAt 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 seems to have more than a few bad apples. There are many “good guys” in the industry who do their best to stick to the rules and do not intentionally or unintentionally mislead the consumer. However, on a daily basis, some production companies and casting agencies brazenly recruit for materially connected “testimonials” and do not disclose the fact. The topic of typicality is an entirely different article, but it’s mute if the testimonial recruiting process was misguided from the start. If a so-called testimonial provider or seasoned infomercial producer uses these tactics, then they obviously do NOT know enough to provide a legitimate testimonial service and are setting themselves and their clients up 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 it handled, doing their best to keep the testimonial budget line. Some companies use cheap and flawed research and recruiting practices while thinking more about their profitability by “issuing” some fake testimonials instead of thinking about long term customer problems. Take a look at recent headlines and excerpts for 3 different examples. If you are one of those running testimonial programs correctly, this DOES affect you. Think of the sales that were stolen from you by a competitor who, even from the beginning, didn’t follow the rules/guidelines.

Website design By BotEap.comAre you kidding me?! Example 2: WEIGHT LOSS INFOMERCIAL TESTIMONIALS! “We are looking for motivated men and women ages 25-50 who have 10-40 pounds to lose. Specifications: Testimonials (can be real people or actors) Women: 25-60 (mostly 25-40 Caucasians These women must be 10-20 pounds overweight We may also see some thin/normal weight women who have cellulite Most importantly they must be motivated to want to lose cellulite and do Weight Watchers for a month “.

Website design By BotEap.comIt is best to have a third party testimonial provider with no material connection as to the success or failure of a show. Meaning, a legitimate testimonial provider should only be one that has no percentage stake in success. At this point, ignorance of the guidelines is not an excuse. The title says it all: “Are you kidding me?”

Website design By BotEap.comThese are just a few examples of companies across the country that most likely (you be the judge) will not disclose the material connection they have made to their testimonial program. Are you kidding me?! This is a great FTC No No.

Website design By BotEap.comPlease note: These ads are real and very recent as of this article. Here’s yet another example of how not to recruit testimonials perceived as materially unrelated.

Website design By BotEap.comAre you kidding me?! Example 3: “Fitness Weight Loss Program is looking for testimonial actors to participate in a fitness program for a national television infomercial project. Testimonial actresses with high exposure and television footage are needed (women ages 25 to 45 years old) women from 25 to 45 years of age. National television campaign must be in New York area willing to train with trainer”

Website design By BotEap.comSo, if after reading this article you are still one of those recruiting testimonials in the manner described above, then the only rational assumption is that you are intentionally misleading the consumer, intentionally defying the FTC, and defying those in the industry. they do their best to play fair. One more time “Are you kidding me?”

Website design By BotEap.comAre 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 next article will provide tips on the proper recruiting procedures to get your testimonial program started on the right foot. Eddie E Gaut Detuag Testing Centers – home of Infomercial Testimonial Group 714 850 9777