ASA Takes Action Against Online Retailer’s Deceptive Pricing and Shipping Claims
- Lightinthebox reprimanded by ASA for ‘misleading’ prices
- ASA found issues with advertised product pricing and shipping times
- Complainant claimed additional duty tax fees were required
- Retailer failed to respond to ASA inquiries
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has reprimanded British online clothing retailer Lightinthebox for misleading advertising practices in an advert for men’s shoes. The ad featured a price of £19.74 with a ‘43% off’ tag, but consumers were required to pay additional duty tax fees due to the product being shipped from China. The ASA also found issues with the shipping time claims. Lightinthebox failed to respond to inquiries and was told to be more prompt in future communications. The authority stated that total costs should be included in advertisements, as consumers expect prices to include all taxes.
Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about the ASA’s ruling against Lightinthebox and the issues raised by the complainant, without any significant digressions or sensationalism. It presents objective facts and does not include personal opinions or fallacies.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about a specific incident involving an online retailer and the Advertising Standards Authority’s ruling against them for misleading advertising practices. However, it lacks in-depth analysis or exploration of broader issues related to international e-commerce and consumer protection.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Lightinthebox
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses a financial issue related to pricing and taxes for an online retailer, which can impact the company’s sales and reputation.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event in the text, but the article discusses a legal and judicial event involving Lightinthebox being reprimanded by the Advertising Standards Authority for misleading advertising practices.
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