You're looking to buy six chairs for your new dining room table. A retailer advertises the price for one dining chair in an ad. However, when users click on the ad and buy the product, they are charged for a set of six chairs. Which Shopping ads policy is the advertiser violating?

Analysis of Correct Answer(s)

The correct answer is Misrepresentation of self or product. This policy is violated because there is a significant discrepancy between the information presented in the ad and the actual offer on the landing page.

• The ad promotes the price for a single unit (one dining chair), which sets a specific expectation for the user.
• However, the user is ultimately forced to purchase a bundle (a set of six chairs) at a much higher total price.
• This tactic is considered a bait-and-switch, misleading the user about the price and the minimum purchase quantity required. The core of the violation is that the product advertised is not available for purchase at the advertised price.

Analysis of Incorrect Options

• Restricted content: This policy applies to products or services that have legal or cultural restrictions, such as alcohol, gambling, or certain healthcare products. Dining chairs do not fall into this category.
• Return policy: This policy requires advertisers to have a clear and conspicuous return and refund policy. The issue in the scenario is related to misleading pricing before the sale, not the process after the sale.
• Prohibited practice: This is a broad policy category that includes misrepresentation. However, Misrepresentation of self or product is the specific and most accurate policy that directly addresses the violation of misleading users about pricing and product availability.