Read these 2023 FTC best sellers and become a better seller in 2024

Technically, we can’t classify these prominent 2023 FTC staff publications as “best sellers” because they are available free of charge. But what we can say is that “bestsellers”—our description of law-abiding advertisers, marketing professionals, and the attorneys who represent them—form people into a culture of reading the FTC’s concise business publications and following the advice they offer. Habit. To join the ranks of 2024’s bestsellers, consider these books published or updated in 2023 for guidance.

CAN-SPAM Act: A Guide to Business Compliance. If you use email marketing in your business (and who doesn’t?), the FTC will modify its CAN-SPAM recommendations to reflect market developments. Please remember that all consumers (including subscribers and members) have the opportunity to opt out of receiving marketing emails. It is the business’s responsibility to clearly provide this notice and respect the consumer’s choice within 10 working days.

FTC CARS Rule: Fighting Auto Retail Scams – A Dealer’s Guide. “I feel safest in my car.” We can’t legally guarantee new wave music pioneer Gary Numan’s ’80s lyrics, but the FTC car rules This is an important step to empower consumers and honest dealers by combating automotive retail fraud, including illegal bait-and-switch tactics and hidden junk fees. Before the rule takes effect on July 30, 2024, read the new compliance guidance to learn more about what the CARS rule means for dealers and potential car buyers.

Artificial Intelligence and Your Business Blog Series. When the FTC Business Blog launched in 2010, we promised our readers “as little fluff as possible, as much how-to, and as little as a legal website can handle.” All About Artificial Intelligence in 2023 Digital Ink, our ongoing Artificial Intelligence for Your Business blog series, dissects these issues with a fresh, candid, and fluid perspective you won’t find anywhere else.

Inform businesses about the Consumer Information Act and What third-party sellers need to know about the Consumer Notice Act.Well, they probably don’t look like twilight Legend – We certainly wouldn’t compare companies covered by the Consumer Information Act to vampires and werewolves. But if you’re looking for an introduction to what the new law means for your business, these two FTC publications are a good place to start. Just like the differences between Edward and Jacob, the Information Consumer Bill recognizes the different roles of online platforms and third-party sellers in promoting transparency in consumer transactions.

Using Consumer Reports: What Landlords Need to Know. If you are in the real estate industry or your clients are in the real estate industry, the Federal Trade Commission’s “updated” guidance on the use of consumer reports is worth your attention.Of course, the basic principle remains the same: Landlords who use consumer reports to make tenant decisions must follow Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Protecting Children from Invisible Advertising in Digital Media: A Federal Trade Commission Staff Perspective. The thought-provoking staff paper recommends that to avoid harm to children, businesses, social media influencers and others who market products to children online should clearly separate advertising from entertainment, educational and other content. Another important observation: Especially with younger children, disclosure is less likely to be effective.

Scams and Your Small Business: A Guide for Businesses. The tactics of scammers targeting small businesses change as the market changes.So we modified our guide and focused on a few scams of the dayThese include corporate and government impersonators, ransomware and “business coaching” agencies, which often promise large sums of money to retirees, veterans or others looking to supplement their income, only to take the money and then run away. What’s more, small business owners speak multiple languages ​​and scammers are fluent in all of them. Therefore, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued this guidance for businesses in: English, spanish, Simplified Chinese, Koreanand Vietnamese. (Also check out ftc.gov/language Get new consumer resources in multiple languages. )

Collect, use or share consumer health information?Reference HIPAA, FTC Act, and Health Breach Notification Rules. 2023 is an important year for health privacy, and this revised FTC-HHS guidance provides recommendations to help your company comply with the law. In case you missed it, this FTC Business Blog article – Protecting the privacy of health information: A dozen takeaways from an FTC case from a baker – Discuss some of the key enforcement developments you need to know about.

Franchise Basics Blog Series. If you’re considering purchasing a franchise, don’t take action without considering the advice in the Federal Trade Commission’s five-part Franchise Basics series. These blogs begin by debunking some long-standing myths about buying a franchise, including the inaccurate assumption that owning a franchise means you will “be your own boss.” The series also provides guidance on researching franchise opportunities, reading between the lines of franchise disclosure documents, finding people who can provide an independent perspective on franchise opportunities, and reporting problems when they arise.

FTC Accreditation Guidelines: What People Are Asking. June 2023 is a trifecta for businesses that use endorsements in their marketing.Released by the Federal Trade Commission Final revision of accreditation guidelinessoliciting public opinions Proposed new rules on the use of consumer reviews and testimonialsand updates this key compliance resource for businesses, endorsers and members of the advertising industry.

Nutraceutical Compliance Guide. The FTC’s revised guidance just missed our 2023 list, with a release date of December 2022, and deserves another look at ICYMI. Of course, the publication offers important advice for companies making health claims, but don’t let the “health product” title fool you. With recommendations regarding the FTC’s fundamental principles (such as identifying express and implied representations, disclosing qualifying information, making disclosures clear, and substantiating advertising claims), the points in this updated publication still apply to advertisers who do not sell products in health care products.