Promotional Guidelines

Overview

In order to better serve our sellers and affiliates, GlobalProReview has developed these Promotional Guidelines to help clarify what kinds of advertising (messaging, claims, imagery, testimonials, etc.) are and are not allowed to be used on GlobalProReview seller pitch pages, all product-related copy and collateral, and all other promotional materials. These are general guidelines only and are intended to supplement the information provided in our GlobalProReview Client Contract.

We at GlobalProReview value our customers, so we take Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations on advertising very seriously, and require that our product sellers and affiliates do too.

Please note that promotional advertising, sales copy, product messaging and materials, express or implied, are always subject to GlobalProReview approval. Please note that GlobalProReview reserves the exclusive right to update and amend these guidelines at any time, without prior notice, and reserves the right to approve or reject products, marketing, copy, labels, and any other sales-related collateral, at its sole discretion.

If you do not meet the requirements documented here, you may be asked to update new or existing products or marketing, your products may be denied, or your accounts may be suspended or terminated.

The following subjects are covered in this article:

• Truth in Advertising
• Promotional Channels
• Promotional Techniques
• Claims About the Product

Truth in Advertising

When consumers see or hear an advertisement, whether it’s on the Internet, radio or television, or anywhere else, federal law says the ad must be truthful, not misleading, and, when appropriate, backed by scientific evidence. In addition to these guiding principles and specific regulations, GlobalProReview will take into account the overall “net impression” of the advertising message, which includes, marketing, copy, labels, and any other sales-related collateral.

Deceptive advertising, advertising that is likely to mislead consumers in any way, likely to affect consumers’ conduct or decision with respect to a product at issue, or could cause consumer injury, are all potential FTC violations, and we may require immediate changes to new or existing products or marketing, deny new or existing products or marketing, or even suspend or terminate accounts.

Promotional Channels

Some promotional channels have additional restrictions to keep in mind. If you do not follow the guidelines listed here for each promotional channel, you may be asked to update new or existing products or marketing, your products may be denied, or your accounts may be suspended or terminated.

The following subjects are covered in this section:

Telemarketing

We do not allow “call to activate” products, or products that require a customer to call in and purchase another product in order to make their initial purchase through GlobalProReview work. Do not call customers who are on “do not call” lists, and please respect if they opt out being contacted. Do not attempt to coerce customers on the phone.

Email

It’s your obligation to understand how you can, and cannot, use email to contact customers. The CAN-SPAM Act establishes requirements for those who send unsolicited commercial email. The Act bans false or misleading header information and prohibits deceptive subject lines. It also requires that unsolicited commercial email provide recipients with a method for opting out of receiving such email and must be identified as an advertisement.

Video

Sellers must submit a full video script prior to shooting the video. Videos will not be accepted without a script pre-review.

Allowed:

• Videos and testimonials containing actors who portray consumers and describe their success using the product are only allowed if the video accurately portrays a typical customer experience, and includes a disclaimer appearing with the actor making such a disclosure (ex: “Actor Portraying Real Purchaser”).
• Clearly and conspicuously disclose the generally expected performance in the circumstances shown in the ad.
• Videos and testimonials containing actors telling the seller’s actual experience/story (either 1st or 3rd person) are allowed but must include a clear and conspicuous disclaimer identifying the fact that it is an actor portrayal. This disclaimer must be in accordance with FTC Guidance on Disclosers and Disclaimers. Please also see the section above entitled Disclosers & Disclaimers for more information. A text disclaimer alone is not adequate.
• Videos and testimonials containing a spokesperson describing the product’s actual attributes (must use a disclaimer).
• Videos and testimonials containing an actual customer telling their actual story (does not require a disclaimer, but the seller must have signed documentation from the customer on hand in the event a regulatory agency would want proof that the story is a customer’s actual experience).
• Videos and testimonials containing the actual seller telling their actual story (does not require a disclaimer).

Not Allowed:

• Videos that portray or reference a fictionalized individual or life story, where a seller makes false claims as part of the product pitch, are prohibited.
• Videos that portray or reference the seller, where the seller makes false claims about their earnings, are prohibited.
• Videos that don’t allow viewers to exit or pause are prohibited.
• Endorsements without substantiation are prohibited.
• Any claims contained in the video must be capable of substantiation. Sellers must understand that if the FTC, private litigant or other agency asks for substantiation, the seller must have proof to back up any claim made in the seller’s video.

Promotional Techniques

Some promotional techniques can only be used with certain restrictions, or cannot be used at all, when promoting GlobalProReview products.

If you do not follow the guidelines listed here in your promotional techniques, you may be asked to update new or existing products or marketing, your products may be denied, or your accounts may be suspended or terminated.

The following subjects are covered in this section:

Prohibited Techniques

• Testimonials and Endorsements
• Disclosures and Disclaimers
• Scarcity
• Pricing
• One-Time Offers, Upsells, and Down-sells

Prohibited Techniques

GlobalProReview does not permit marketing tactics that incite or otherwise evoke in any way, fear, panic, or chaos, etc. GlobalProReview does not permit marketing tactics that discriminate on the basis of religion, culture, nationality, race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age, etc. Major brand/corporate logos on seller any marketing collateral, including Pitch Pages and Thank You Pages, except credit card logos next to payment links, are prohibited unless the seller has documented permission, by said brand or corporation, to use their intellectual property. Unauthorized use of the GlobalProReview logo is prohibited. For authorized usage, see our Trademark Use Guidelines article. Qualifying criteria when no qualifiers are truly necessary to purchase the product are prohibited. Qualifying criteria must have a demonstrated disqualifying criteria. Statements that infer that the product is significantly easier to use than it really is (for example, “one push button to make money” or “three simple words will provide you income”) are prohibited. GlobalProReview requires that pitches make reasonable attempts to reflect the actual or typical effort required to achieve typical results. Salesmanship is encouraged, but do not over-embellish; it’s generally unreasonable to assume that someone with little or no experience in Internet marketing can achieve a 6-figure income with an hour or less of effort per day. It is more reasonable to assume that with attention, effort, and spare time, the average person with little or no Internet marketing experience can achieve a supplemental income. “As Seen On… “statements without documentation showing that the product was seen on the stations, TV shows and/or magazines that are listed (not required for the product approval, but will be asked if they have it to provide if requested). “Blind offers,” which are defined as sales pitches that make promises about what the customer can earn or achieve without any specific details about how the product accomplishes these claims. GlobalProReview Pitch Pages, particularly in the Internet marketing/make money online niche, must be clear about what techniques or tactics the product teaches or utilizes to achieve results for the customer. Promotional techniques that do not follow all relevant laws and regulations are prohibited.

Testimonials and Endorsements

All use of testimonials and endorsements must comply with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines. This means that GlobalProReview cannot use false or deceptive statements in their written copy or video promotions. All specific advertising claims about a product’s performance or quality must be capable of substantiation—that is, they must be real examples based on actual experiences. A statement that not all customers will get the same results is not enough to qualify a claim. Testimonials and endorsements can’t be used to make a claim that GlobalProReview itself cannot substantiate.

Connections between an endorser and the seller that are unclear or unexpected to a customer also must be disclosed, whether they have to do with a financial arrangement for a favorable endorsement, a position with the seller, or stock ownership. Expert endorsements must be based on appropriate tests or evaluations performed by people that have mastered the subject matter.

Also, affiliates cannot pose as neutral third parties evaluating two products so they make a commission on selling one of them.

Scarcity

GlobalProReview strictly prohibits promoting false scarcity. False scarcity messaging occurs when there is no actual scarcity of the product. For instance, claiming “Only 300 copies” when there are, in fact, unlimited copies, using time tickers to create a false sense of urgency, or presenting products as a “one-time” or “today only” opportunity when they are not.

Allowed:

• Scarcity messaging is permissible only when real quantity or time limitations exist, and promoters must communicate this during the Product Approval Process.
• GlobalProReview will monitor and limit sales based on the appropriate unit or time limit. The offer cannot be reused for 7 days.

Not Allowed:

• Any messaging that states or implies that the product is only available for a short time when it is not is prohibited.
• Any messaging that suggests a product is only available for a short time until discontinuation, when, in fact, there will be other opportunities to buy in the future, is prohibited.

Pricing

Prices must be presented clearly and conspicuously. GlobalProReview expressly prohibits deceptive pricing in any form and reserves the right to demand promoters prove the validity of MSRP/or “pre-sale” prices.

Allowed:

• Real and genuine discounts from the normal price.
• Clear and conspicuous pricing, billing options, and terms. Product pricing and purchase options must be easily understood “at a glance”.

Not Allowed:

• Pricing that implies a product was previously sold at a higher price when it never was, or currently is not, is prohibited.
• Deceptively presenting your pricing, total cost of purchase, and options to purchase is prohibited. Pricing and purchase options must be clearly intelligible “at a glance”. Any pricing presentation that confuses customers, at our sole discretion, is prohibited.
• You cannot invent a higher MSRP or “pre-sale” price. For example, a promoter cannot invent the $99 price just to claim $79 is a sale price when it has always been sold for $79.
• Recurring billing products (including trials) that do not clearly and conspicuously present the terms of that sale and recurring billing directly near the initial price are prohibited. If it is unclear that your product is a recurring billing product, or if it takes extra effort for a consumer to reasonably understand this about your product, GlobalProReview will require changes to the pricing presentation or reject the product.

If GlobalProReview discovers that a product violates these regulations or leads to substantial customer issues, at our discretion, we will mandate immediate changes to new or existing products or marketing. Additionally, we reserve the right to deny new or existing products or marketing and may even suspend or terminate affiliate accounts. It’s crucial to adhere to these guidelines to maintain a fair and ethical promotional environment.

One-Time Offers, Upsells, and Down-sells

At GlobalProReview, we prioritize providing standalone products of genuine value to our customers. While loss leaders are acceptable, we strictly prohibit the promotion of ‘bait’ products, as it is considered deceptive.

For upsells and down-sells, it is imperative that these products either enhance the value of the initial purchase or complement it. Requiring an additional purchase to make the initial product functional is strictly unacceptable and may lead to the suspension or termination of the associated account.

To ensure transparency and customer-centric practices, we adhere to the following standards for displaying decline links and buttons (‘No Thank You’ links):

1. Font Size and Conspicuous Display:

   • A minimum font size of 12, or larger if necessary for visibility.
   • The decline link must be clear, obvious, and easily noticeable. Customers should not have to extensively scroll through the page to locate the ‘No Thank You’ button.

2. Contrast:

   • The font color must contrast distinctly with the background color, ensuring clear visibility.

3. Page View:

   • The decline link must be within the same page view as the ‘Yes’ and ‘No Thank You’ buttons, catering to standard 1024 x 768 displays or any mobile device screen. No scrolling should be required to access these links/buttons.

By adhering to these standards, GlobalProReview aims to maintain transparency, enhance user experience, and foster trust with our audience.”

Claims About the Product

If your marketing, pitch page, or other materials make certain claims about the nature of the product itself, those claims must be verified as described in this section.

The following subjects are covered in this section:

• Environmentally Friendly Products
• Consumables and Cosmetics
• Products Made in the USA

Environmentally Friendly Products

Companies are offering consumers an ever-growing assortment of “green” options. But whether your environmental claims are about the product or the packaging, you’ll need competent and reliable scientific evidence to support what you say. Find out more by consulting the FTC’s Green Guides.

Consumables and Cosmetics

In addition to the FTC’s regulations regarding health claims, foods, dietary supplements, cosmetics, ingestible products, etc., GlobalProReview takes the regulations of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seriously. As the product owner, it is your responsibility to understand every regulation that may affect the production, manufacturing, and marketing of your products.

Among the types of claims that are defined by statute and/or FDA regulations: disease claims, health claims, nutrient content claims, structure/function claims, and cosmetic claims. You must have competent and reliable scientific evidence in support of any claims. The FTC case law defines “competent and reliable scientific evidence” as: “[T]ests, analyses, research, studies or other evidence based on the expertise of professionals in the relevant area, that has been conducted and evaluated in an objective manner by persons qualified to do so, using procedures generally accepted in the profession to yield accurate and reliable results.”

See the Selling Physical Products article for more information about selling physical products.

The following subjects are covered in this section:

• Disease Claims
• Health Claims
• Nutrient Claims
• Structure/Function Claims
• Cosmetic Claims

Disease Claims

The FDA defines disease as “damage to an organ, part, structure, or system of the body such that it does not function properly (e.g., cardiovascular disease), or a state of health leading to such dysfunctioning (e.g., hypertension); except that diseases resulting from essential nutrient deficiencies (e.g., scurvy, pellagra) are not included in this definition.” (21 CFR 101.93(g)).

The FDA provides 10 criteria that are useful in determining if a statement is a Disease Claim:

1. Claims an effect on a disease.
2. Claims an effect on a characteristic sign or symptom of a disease (i.e., “reduces cholesterol” or “reduces inflammation”).
3. Claims an effect on a condition associated with a natural state or process.
   • Examples of acceptable structure/function claims are “mild memory loss associated with aging,” “noncystic acne,” or “mild mood changes, cramps, and edema associated with the menstrual cycle.”
   • Examples of disease claims are “Alzheimer’s disease or senile dementias in the elderly,” “cystic acne,” or “severe depression associated with the menstrual cycle.”
4. Implied disease claim because of product name, formulation, use of pictures such as medical symbols, or other factors.
   • Product names such as “Cholest-off,” “CarpalHealth” or “CircuCure” are considered disease claims.
5. Claims that a product belongs to a class of products intended to treat diseases (anti-inflammatory, laxative).
6. Claims to be a substitute for a product that is a therapy for a disease or has fewer side effects than a therapy for disease.
7. Claims to augment a therapy or drug intended to treat a disease.
8. Has a role in the body’s response to a disease (“supports body’s ability to resist infection”).
9. Claims to treat, prevent, or mitigate adverse events associated with a therapy for a disease (“maintains intestinal flora in people taking antibiotics”).
10. Otherwise suggests an effect on a disease or diseases.

You can find more information on the above criteria can be found in the FDA’s Guidance for Industry: Structure/Function Claims, Small Entity Compliance Guide document.

The following are examples of disease claims:

• Lowers LDL cholesterol.
• Fights inflammation.
• Cures cancer.
• Are you struggling with anxiety?
• Improved blood pressure.
• Greater insulin sensitivity.
• Supports blood sugar in diabetics.
• Let food be thy medicine.
• Reduce joint and muscle pain.

Health Claims

Health Claims are claims that associate a food or nutrient with an effect on a disease. All health claims:

• Must be approved by the FDA. See the FDA’s Health Claims document for more information about what health claims are permitted.
• Must meet the FDA’s significant scientific agreement standard. See the Evidence-Based Review System for the Scientific Evaluation of Health Claims and the Significant Scientific Agreement in the Review of Health Claims for Conventional Foods and Dietary Supplements documents for more information.

The following is an example of a health claim:

• “Low fat diets rich in fruits and vegetables (foods that may contain dietary fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C) may reduce the risk of some types of cancer, a disease associated with many factors. Broccoli is high in vitamins A and C, and it is a good source of dietary fiber.”

Nutrient Claims

The Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 (NLEA) permits the use of label claims that characterize the level of a nutrient in a food (i.e., nutrient content claims) if they have been authorized by FDA and are made in accordance with FDA’s authorizing regulations. Nutrient claims are reserved for recognized nutrients.

The following are examples of nutrient claims:

• Excellent source of calcium
• Low fat
• Loaded with antioxidants
• Full of nutrients

Structure/Function Claims

Structure/Function claims describe the association between a food or nutrient and a normal structure or function in humans. Dietary supplements and food products may carry claims in their labeling that describe the effect of a substance in maintaining the body’s normal structure or function, as long as the claims don’t imply the product diagnoses, treats, cures or prevents a disease. The following requirements must be met to qualify a structure/function claim:

• The claim must be truthful and substantiated.
• The seller must submit 30-day premarket notification to the FDA (supplements only).
• The seller must use the FDA disclaimer (supplements only).

Structure/function claims are not allowed for cosmetics products.

The following are examples of structure/function claims:

• Helps build muscle
• Fat burner
• Antioxidant support
• Calcium helps support bone health
• Fights free radicals to support the cardiovascular system

Cosmetic Claims

Per the FDA, “cosmetic labeling, including claims, must be truthful and not misleading. In addition, if a product is marketed with claims for purposes such as treating or preventing disease, or affecting the structure or function of the body—including the skin—it’s a drug according to the law, and it must meet the requirements for drugs, even if it affects the appearance.”

Cosmetics may not be ingested. Cosmetic claims may apply to look, feel, appearance, and surface only.

The following are examples of claims that make a cosmetic a drug:

• Removes wrinkles instantly.
• Aids in stimulating collagen production.
• Promotes skin repair and cell regeneration.
• Eliminates age spots and boosts collagen synthesis.
• An excellent alternative to medically administered treatments.

Products Made in the USA

A product has to be “all or virtually all made in the United States” for it to be advertised or labeled as “Made in the U.S.A.” See the FTC guidelines for more detail.