Today show’s “Jill’s Steals and Deals” and similar segments on Good Morning America, The Real, and The View offer viewers discounted products, driving traffic to their websites for purchase. However, these deals often come with hidden caveats like no-return policies, slow shipping times, and mandatory arbitration clauses, potentially leaving consumers with unsatisfactory experiences.
Edee Bruns, a customer who purchased a discounted fitness tracker from the Today show, found the product non-functional and received no response from the manufacturer or the show regarding her complaint. JoAnne Zucconi had a similar experience with the same fitness tracker, ultimately resorting to her credit card company for a refund.
While Zucconi acknowledges past successes with deals on bags, children’s books, and American Girl dolls from both Today and Good Morning America, these negative experiences highlight potential pitfalls for consumers.
Experts like Edgar Dworsky, founder of ConsumerWorld.org, emphasize the profit-driven nature of these segments. The shows receive a cut of the sales, a fact often obscured by vague language about “financial consideration” in fine print or website disclosures. This lack of transparency can mislead viewers who perceive the segments as an integral part of the show, rather than a separate commercial endeavor.
Consumers are advised to thoroughly research product prices and reviews before purchasing, ensuring the deal is genuinely competitive and the manufacturer reputable. Critically, understanding the return policy is crucial, as it varies significantly across shows and products. Good Morning America and The View reveal their policies only at checkout, often requiring clicking a hidden link. Today and The Real frequently offer no returns at all.
Shipping times, typically dependent on the manufacturer, can also be longer than anticipated. The View’s website estimates shipping within two to five days, while Today’s site allows up to two weeks.
A less obvious concern is the mandatory arbitration clause included in Today show purchases, preventing buyers from suing NBCUniversal and requiring disputes to be settled through arbitration. This practice, often criticized for favoring businesses over consumers, is typically disclosed in the website’s “Terms” section. While the Today show claims commitment to informal resolution of consumer complaints, the arbitration clause remains a significant limitation on consumer rights. Before participating in any TV talk show deals, consumers should diligently research product details, compare prices, understand return policies, anticipate potential shipping delays, and review the terms and conditions for potentially restrictive clauses.
