Retail

The ad is pretty clear: when you buy a select Whirlpool or KitchenAid dishwasher, you get three years-worth of Electrasol dishwasher detergent free.  The slightly smaller print says, “Get up to 3 Years FREE*” [Emphasis added] [Parade magazine, April 9, 2006]

*MOUSE PRINT: “3 year supply equals six 85 count canisters.”

That would give you enough dishwashing tablets for 510 loads. Some medium to large families probably have to run the dishwasher at least once a day, so over a three year period, they would require 1095 tablets.  This offer, despite the “3 year” promise, would provide only enough dishwasher detergent for less than a year and a half.

This $119.99 luggage set is on sale for only $44.99 one day only. Wow, you save $75 off of the price that Kohl’s usually charges. Or do you?

*MOUSE PRINT: “The “Regular” or “Original” price of an item is the former or future offered price for the item or a comparable item by Kohl’s or another retailer.” [Kohl’s circular, 3/18/06]

Translation: Kohl’s has eight different definitions for what it means by the term “regular” price for an item:

1. The price that Kohl’s charged for that item in the past.

2. The price that Kohl’s will charge for that item in the future.

3. The price that Kohl’s charged for a similar item in the past.

4. The price that Kohl’s will charge for a similar item in the future.

5. The price that another retailer charged for that item in the past.

6. The price that another retailer will charge for that item in the future.

7. The price that another retailer charged for a similar item in the past.

8. The price that another retailer will charge for a similar item in the future.