Here’s another example of the FTC’s dynamism and innovation—sometime in the early 1970s, it created radio spots to inform consumers of various marketplace problems. This album, titled, Shop Wisely Think Before You Buy, includes tracks (listen below) from: Shirley Jones, Leonard Nimoy, Karen Valentine, Sebastian Cabot, Burt Reynolds, Clu Gulager, Carol Burnett, Lloyd Haynes, and Beverly Garland.
Many of the tracks include the word “gypped,” a term that the FTC would be unlikely to use today!
I’ve asked all the FTC old-timers I know about this album, but none knows about it. It would be interesting to learn how the FTC secured the participation of all these celebrities. The spots are not terribly polished, and some actors are not doing their best in them. Perhaps they were performing to get out from under a FTC investigation 🙂
Also interesting: many of the problems discussed in the spots are now governed by various specific rules (unordered merchandise, holder in due course, cooling off, BOGO offers), instead of leaving it to the consumer.
The album (AAVP 70139) is undated, but it is accompanied by a letter from Chairman Miles Kirkpatrick, who served from September 1970 until February 1973. The letter from Chairman Kirkpatrick reads:
Dear Program Director:
“Consumerism is sweeping the country.
Roman Law of 2000 years ago, “Let the buyer beware” is being changed to “Let the seller beware.” The consumer protection movement – with new laws at local, state and national levels – has become a strong restraining factor on those given to making products and services.
We ask your cooperation in presenting these radio public service announcements. Through your efforts you will be helping your listeners to look for more value in what they buy. As consumers they have certain rights. Your station can help to inform them of these rights and tell them of some of the pitfalls of the marketplace by scheduling these important messages as often as possible.
Sincerely,
Miles W. Kirkpatrick
And here are the tracks, in order:
Shirley Jones: beware 2 for 1 offers, bulk sizes
Announcer: credit isn’t free!
Leonard Nimoy: beware door-to-door, high-pressure sales
Announcer: beware authenticity of textiles, furs, and wool products
Karen Valentine: carefully examine warranties
Announcer: get a free booklet by writing to “don’t be gypped, FTC, Washington, DC 20580”
Sebastian Cabot: what to do about unsolicited merchandise that one receives in the mail?
Announcer: “be cool, don’t be a sucker for phony advertising.”
Burt Reynolds: “contracts can be very confusing…”
Announcer: know the cost of credit before you buy
Clu Gulager: beware the holder doctrine
Announcer: labeling of furs
Carol Burnett: beware of contests–especially ones you did not enter!
Lloyd Haynes: compare APRs…credit means things cost much more
Peggy Lipton: do not fall all the “smiling faces” that try to get you to buy
Announcer: be skeptical of “free” … the “FTC doesn’t want you to get gypped”
Beverly Garland: don’t believe everything you see or hear
The friendly salesman: a two-minute long spot featuring a pushy door-to-door salesperson posing as a survey researcher
