[ic] Interesting news...FYI

[Mike Heins]

FTC warns e-tailers about on-time holiday delivery

The Federal Trade Commission Nov. 17 issued warnings to more than 100
e-tailers about making promises about holiday deliveries they cannot
fulfill.

During last year's holiday shopping season, ToysRUs.com and KBKids.com
were two of seven e-tailers slapped that drew $1.5 million in penalties
by the agency for failing to give consumers adequate notification about
delays and promising deliveries by dates that were impossible to meet.

"Last holiday season, many Internet sellers aggressively competed by
making very quick shipment claims, from overnight to 48 or 72 hours,"
the FTC said in a statement. "Unfortunately, some sellers were unable
to meet those shipment claims, resulting in disappointed customers."

While recently searching more than 200 Internet retailers' promises for
holiday delivery, the FTC said it found almost 100 e-tailers making claims
that in-stock items were shipped within 24 to 48 hours of an order being
placed. Those assurances send "a powerful message to consumers rushing
to fill their holiday shopping list," the FTC said.

The agency said it is sending letters to more than 100 e-tailers
spelling out regulations to ensure they are aware of and comply with the
rules. However, the FTC declined to identify the companies receiving a
warning letter.

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