It’s in the Mail: FTC Amends the Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule

Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise RuleMail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule

The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) recently issued final amendments to the Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule, which will now be known as the “Mail, Internet, or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule.”

The FTC Amends the Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule

The FTC proposed the instant amendments to the Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule (the “Rule”) in October 2011.  The Rule was originally issued in 1975 and required marketers who solicited consumers to order goods through the mail or by telephone to have a reasonable basis to expect that they would be able to ship the goods within the timeframe advertised or otherwise within thirty days.  The FTC is now amending the Rule based on changes in technology and commercial practices, as follows:

  • Expanding the Rule to include all Internet merchandise orders – including those made through mobile applications – and changing the name of the Rule to reflect Internet orders;
  • Permitting sellers to provide refunds and refund notices to consumers “by any means that is at least as fast and reliable as first-class mail;”
  • Clarifying sellers’ obligations when consumers use payment methods not specifically listed in the Rule, such as debit cards or prepaid gifts cards; and
  • Requiring sellers to provide refunds within seven business days for purchases made using third party credit cards and within one credit cycle for purchases made using any seller-issued credit card.

The amendments will go into effect on December 8, 2014.

As we have reported, the FTC regularly polices its rules and regulations with a particular emphasis in recent years on deceptive advertising and marketing practices.  It is important to understand the new Rule to ensure compliance in advance of December 8, 2014.

If you are interested in learning more about this topic or if your marketing policies and practices require updating, please e-mail us at info@kleinmoynihan.com, or call us at (212) 246-0900.

The material contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal or tax advice, nor is it a substitute for obtaining legal or tax advice from an attorney or tax advisor.  Each situation is unique, and you should not act or rely on any information contained herein without seeking the advice of an experienced attorney.

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David Klein

David Klein is one of the most recognized attorneys in the technology, Internet marketing, sweepstakes, and telecommunications fields. Skilled at counseling clients on a broad range of technology-related matters, David Klein has substantial experience in negotiating and drafting complex licensing, marketing and Internet agreements.
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