Ellen T. Berge

Beware E-mail Marketing Strategies That Deliver Trouble

2010 represented the toughest legislative climate the DR industry has faced in years — and 2011 will likely only be tougher. The economic downturn squeezed the bottom line and regulators took aim at a broad swath of marketing practices. At the same time, many states were busy enacting some even...more >>

The onslaught against unauthorized charges is gaining momentum on many fronts, with pressure exerted on everyone from major retailers and advertising networks to major credit card companies — and for charges posted not just to credit cards but also to bank accounts and telephone bills.

Just about every retail business uses upsells to convince consumers to spend more money. Fast-food restaurants ask customers if they want to make it a combo. Toy stores ask customers if they need batteries. As a result, consumers spend more money than they otherwise would have spent if no one ever...more >>

Lured by online free trial offers for skin creams, make-up, weight-loss supplements and other products, consumers have apparently been unable to answer one fundamental question: What's the catch? Federal and state regulators are coming to the rescue.

Opt-in laws are riding a strong wave on the regulatory waters. With increasing frequency, federal and state authorities are focusing their consumer protection missions on permission-based measures that could force marketers to rethink the way they share customer data, generate leads and contact...more >>