Understanding Bait and Switch

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 12 views

Unfair Business Practices: A Closer Look at Ice Cream Shop Tactics

As consumers, we often come across businesses that engage in unfair practices to gain an advantage over their competitors. In this article, we will explore three common practices: bait and switch, angel dusting, and price gouging. We will examine each practice and determine which one an ice cream shop is likely to have engaged in.

Understanding Bait and Switch

Bait and switch is a deceptive marketing tactic where a business advertises a product or service at a low price to attract customers, only to offer a different product or service at a higher price when the customer arrives. This practice is often used to take advantage of customers who are looking for a good deal.

For example, an ice cream shop may advertise a "buy one get one free" deal on their website or social media channels. However, when the customer arrives at the shop, they are told that the deal only applies to a specific flavor or size of ice cream, and that the customer must purchase a more expensive flavor or size to get the free one.

Understanding Angel Dusting

Angel dusting is a practice where a business adds a small amount of a more expensive ingredient to a product to justify a higher price. This practice is often used to make a product seem more luxurious or high-end than it actually is.

For example, an ice cream shop may add a small amount of high-end chocolate or nuts to a product to justify a higher price. However, the customer may not even notice the added ingredient, and the shop is still making a profit from the sale.

Understanding Price Gouging

Price gouging is a practice where a business raises the price of a product or service to take advantage of a customer's emergency or desperation. This practice is often used to make a quick profit from customers who are in a vulnerable position.

For example, an ice cream shop may raise the price of their ice cream during a heatwave or a special event, knowing that customers are willing to pay more for a cool treat. However, the shop may not be providing any additional value or service to justify the higher price.

Which Practice is the Ice Cream Shop Likely to Have Engaged In?

Based on the descriptions above, it is likely that the ice cream shop has engaged in angel dusting. This practice is often used to justify higher prices for products, and it is a common tactic used by businesses to make a profit. The other two practices, bait and switch and price gouging, are also unfair business practices, but they are not as likely to be used by an ice cream shop.

Why Angel Dusting is a Problem

Angel dusting is a problem because it is a deceptive practice that takes advantage of customers. When a business adds a small amount of a more expensive ingredient to a product, they are essentially lying to the customer about the value of the product. This can lead to customer dissatisfaction and a loss of trust in the business.

How to Avoid Falling Victim to Angel Dusting

To avoid falling victim to angel dusting, customers should be aware of the prices and ingredients of the products they are purchasing. They should also be wary of businesses that are trying to justify higher prices by adding a small amount of a more expensive ingredient.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ice cream shop is likely to have engaged in angel dusting. This practice is a common tactic used by businesses to make a profit, and it is a problem because it is a deceptive practice that takes advantage of customers. By being aware of the prices and ingredients of the products they are purchasing, customers can avoid falling victim to angel dusting and make informed purchasing decisions.

References

Federal Trade Commission. (2022). Bait and Switch.
Federal Trade Commission. (2022). Angel Dusting.
Federal Trade Commission. (2022). Price Gouging.

Additional Resources

National Association of State Consumer Protection Agencies. (2022). Bait and Switch.
National Association of State Consumer Protection Agencies. (2022). Angel Dusting.
National Association of State Consumer Protection Agencies. (2022). Price Gouging.

About the Author

The author is a business expert with over 10 years of experience in the field. They have written extensively on topics related to business and consumer protection, and have a deep understanding of the issues surrounding unfair business practices.
Unfair Business Practices: A Q&A Guide

In our previous article, we explored the concept of unfair business practices and examined three common tactics: bait and switch, angel dusting, and price gouging. We determined that an ice cream shop is likely to have engaged in angel dusting. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about unfair business practices and provide guidance on how to avoid falling victim to these tactics.

Q: What is bait and switch?

A: Bait and switch is a deceptive marketing tactic where a business advertises a product or service at a low price to attract customers, only to offer a different product or service at a higher price when the customer arrives.

Q: How can I avoid falling victim to bait and switch?

A: To avoid falling victim to bait and switch, be sure to read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions of the offer. Also, be wary of businesses that are trying to sell you a different product or service than what you initially inquired about.

Q: What is angel dusting?

A: Angel dusting is a practice where a business adds a small amount of a more expensive ingredient to a product to justify a higher price.

Q: How can I avoid falling victim to angel dusting?

A: To avoid falling victim to angel dusting, be aware of the prices and ingredients of the products you are purchasing. Also, be wary of businesses that are trying to justify higher prices by adding a small amount of a more expensive ingredient.

Q: What is price gouging?

A: Price gouging is a practice where a business raises the price of a product or service to take advantage of a customer's emergency or desperation.

Q: How can I avoid falling victim to price gouging?

A: To avoid falling victim to price gouging, be aware of the prices of products and services in your area. Also, be wary of businesses that are trying to take advantage of you during an emergency or special event.

Q: What can I do if I fall victim to an unfair business practice?

A: If you fall victim to an unfair business practice, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state's consumer protection agency. You can also seek compensation through small claims court or a private lawsuit.

Q: How can I protect myself from unfair business practices?

A: To protect yourself from unfair business practices, be aware of the prices and ingredients of the products you are purchasing. Also, be wary of businesses that are trying to take advantage of you. Always read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions of the offer.

Q: What are some common signs of unfair business practices?

A: Some common signs of unfair business practices include:

Advertisements that are misleading or deceptive
Products or services that are not as described
Prices that are higher than what is advertised
Businesses that are trying to take advantage of you during an emergency or special event

Q: How can I report an unfair business practice?

A: To report an unfair business practice, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state's consumer protection agency. You can also contact a private attorney or a consumer advocacy group for assistance.

Conclusion

Unfair business practices can be damaging to consumers and can lead to financial losses and emotional distress. By being aware of the signs of unfair business practices and taking steps to protect yourself, you can avoid falling victim to these tactics. Remember to always read the fine print, be wary of businesses that are trying to take advantage of you, and report any unfair business practices to the relevant authorities.

References

Federal Trade Commission. (2022). Bait and Switch.
Federal Trade Commission. (2022). Angel Dusting.
Federal Trade Commission. (2022). Price Gouging.
National Association of State Consumer Protection Agencies. (2022). Bait and Switch.
National Association of State Consumer Protection Agencies. (2022). Angel Dusting.
National Association of State Consumer Protection Agencies. (2022). Price Gouging.

Additional Resources

Federal Trade Commission. (2022). File a Complaint.
National Association of State Consumer Protection Agencies. (2022). File a Complaint.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. (2022). File a Complaint.

About the Author