Bait and Switch

What is Bait and Switch?

Definition

The bait and switch is a dubious sales tactic used to lure or attract a customer by advertising a low-priced item to the customer then maneuvering them to buy a high-priced item instead. Basically, bait and switch deals with advertising a highly desirable item and later switching it for a less desirable item or an entirely different item.

Understanding Bait and Switch

This type of method is used by advertising agencies or the marketing departments of companies to attract customers to a particular product. In most cases, the bait and switch method is dubious, as the customer is manipulated on their choice about items they may be interested in. However, the FTC has a few guidelines that help draw the line between a strategic bait and switch and a dubious bait and switch.

FTC Bait and Switch Guidelines

#1: Bait and switch isn’t a dubious bait and switch when the “bait” is already out of stock as at the time you indicated interest and the seller clearly stated “limited offers” on the bait. In such a case, the seller can decide to offer you something else instead of the actual “bait.”

#2: Bait and Switch isn’t dubious when the seller sells you the bait and is still able to sell you something else that may interest you.

#3: Bait and switch is dubious when a seller has no intention of selling you the bait at all but uses the bait to lure you into buying something entirely different