Running a business requires a great deal of responsibility. Among the myriad considerations, ensuring fair and accurate pricing ranks high in maintaining a positive business reputation and compliance with the law.
In Oregon, businesses are subject to consumer protection laws that prohibit deceptive pricing. By using certain strategies, you can protect your business from allegations of deceptive pricing.
Transparency is key
One of the most effective ways to avoid allegations of deceptive pricing is by being completely transparent about your prices. Ensure that all prices, including any extra fees or charges, are clearly displayed. Do not hide costs in the fine print or mislead customers about the total amount they will have to pay.
You should make sure all promotional materials and advertisements are straightforward and honest. If there are conditions or limitations on a sale or discount, these should be clearly and prominently displayed so that customers can make informed decisions.
Consistency in pricing
Maintaining consistency in pricing can help you avoid deceptive pricing allegations. Your prices should be consistent across all platforms, be it your physical store, online store or any other platform where you sell your products or services. This includes prices in advertisements, on product labels and at the point of sale.
Price changes are inevitable in business due to various factors like an increased cost of materials or inflation. But whenever you change a price, update it promptly across all platforms.
In Oregon, as in other states, unethical business practices such as deceptive pricing can lead to legal troubles and harm your business reputation. By ensuring transparent and consistent pricing, you can safeguard your business from these risks and continue to build trust with your customers.
