You Don't Always Find Bargains at

Oriental Rug merchants at a recent BBB-organized "industry roundtable" expressed concern that many consumers are unaware of misleading marketing practices used by a few unethical businesses in their industry. For example, a merchant may advertise steeply discounted prices -- such as "75% off!" -- when the supposedly marked-down price is actually higher than the normal selling price for the advertised product.

The BBB Serving Louisville, Southern Indiana, and Western Kentucky reports that, in recent years and around the country, often during the holiday season, deceptive advertised sale prices have been seen in connection with well-planned, highly-advertised "going out of business" sales. In some cases, these "going out of business" sales are actually conducted by out-of-town companies that bring in large amounts of inventory originally marked at highly inflated prices.

Deceptive marketing practices have also been seen when "transient merchants," operating a so-called sale from a hotel room or warehouse facility, advertise a weekend "Public Notice" sale. These travelling sales crews may claim to offer "federally seized" merchandise at discounted prices. In reality, such claims are often a pretense to convince unsuspecting consumers that they are getting a bargain price when that is not the case.

Oriental rugs add elegance to your home, and customers want these rugs because of their beauty and value. But Oriental rugs are like jewelry: only an expert can appraise their true value. If you are interested in purchasing an oriental rug to enhance your home or business, the BBB recommends that you:

1. shop carefully,
2. always deal with a reputable merchant,
3. be wary of claims regarding deeply discounted prices, and
4. when in doubt, check with the BBB before you buy!

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Author Notes:

Daryl Marples contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.beautiful-home-101.com.  An online guide to home decorating, furniture and improvement decor.