Bait-and-Switch
By: Kathryn Davis
Definition
Example
Example
Example
Result of Bait-and-Switch
When a seller uses this tactic, they frequently tell the customer that the original product is sold out or no longer available, even if the product is actually still available, and they push for the customer to buy a more expensive product. This tactic can be considered false advertising if the seller is not actually providing the original product, but if the item is available but the seller strongly urges the customer to buy a different item, generally no legal action can be taken.
Dell
One plaintiff was a San Francisco nurse who said she bought a Dell notebook computer listed at $599 along with an $89 printer, but was billed $1,352 for her order.
The suit also said that Dell and its lending partner CIT Bank changed without notice financing packages promoted as "easy" and "preferred," to include much higher interest rates and hidden charges.