Deer Mountain Retreats, LLC

I am rejecting this response because it does not address the advertising concern, or the varying and conflicting rationales offered to explain the pricing Of course the business owner can charge whatever price he/she wishes, but the owner may not make claims or advertise prices on its websiteAccording to the Federal Trade Commission: "When consumers see or hear an advertisement, whether it’s on the Internet, radio or television, or anywhere else, federal law says that ad must be truthful, not misleading, and, when appropriate, backed by scientific evidence." (https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/media-resources/truth-advertising)More specifically, this tactic is called "bait-and-switch." Specifically, "Bait-and-switch is a deceptive form of advertising or marketing tactic generally used to lure in customers into the storeA company will advertise their product at a very cheap and enticing price which will attract the customers." The practice used by this company is, then, bait-and-switch The website--advertising--gives very specific times and prices for cabins This lures the customersIt is not until the customer is about to finalize the sale that the real prices are revealed This is deceptiveThe explanations offered via email ranged from holiday pricing to in-season pricing, etcand were completely inconsistent The owner does not acknowledge his/her mistakes or deception in advertising, only saying "I can charge what I want, and you don't have to stay here if you don't like it." This does not address the fundamental dishonesty of the practice and its likely illegality Again, I repeat: I would prefer to be charged the advertised price, not a rate made up on a whim, the rationale for which apparently changes at will

I am rejecting this response because it does not address the false advertising concern, or the varying and conflicting rationales offered to explain the pricing.  Of course the business owner can charge whatever price he/she wishes, but the owner may not make false claims or advertise false prices on its website. According to the Federal Trade Commission: "When consumers see or hear an advertisement, whether it’s on the Internet, radio or television, or anywhere else, federal law says that ad must be truthful, not misleading, and, when appropriate, backed by scientific evidence." (https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/media-resources/truth-advertising). More specifically, this tactic is called "bait-and-switch."  Specifically, "Bait-and-switch is a deceptive form of advertising or marketing tactic generally used to lure in customers into the store. A company will advertise their product at a very cheap and enticing price which will attract the customers."  The practice used by this company is, then, bait-and-switch.  The website--advertising--gives very specific times and prices for cabins.  This lures the customers. It is not until the customer is about to finalize the sale that the real prices are revealed.   This is deceptive. The explanations offered via email ranged from holiday pricing to in-season pricing, etc. and were completely inconsistent.  The owner does not acknowledge his/her mistakes or deception in advertising, only saying "I can charge what I want, and you don't have to stay here if you don't like it."  This does not address the fundamental dishonesty of the practice and its likely illegality.  Again, I repeat: I would prefer to be charged the advertised price, not a rate made up on a whim, the rationale for which apparently changes at will.

You knew the price and you still booked there is nothing deceptive there.

I am rejecting this response because: the response ignores the entire basis of the complaint and all evidence.  Yes, my friends and I booked the cabin despite the deceptive advertising because we have gone there before and like the space--I discussed it with them, and they said they would pay the higher price.  This fact does nothing to mitigate the deceptive advertising on the website or the inconsistent responses to explain the incorrect pricing.  The entire concept of bait and switch works as it did here: I looked at the cabin and pricing--looked good.  I communicated to my friends, and they said sounds great.  I take the next step to book the cabin, and--wait!  The price is higher now!  Do we still want this cabin despite the higher price?  Sure, because we were counting on it and liked it before, but maybe not next year.I repeat: I would like to be charged the advertised price.  Thanks for your time.

Evey year I change the In Season start date from 3/1 to 3/14.  It starts out at 3/1 and around 2/15 I will change it to 3/14 if I have a lot of cabins open.  I have been doing it this way for 8 years.  It is always cheaper to book closer to arrival.  I do reserve the right to...

change my pricing at will.  Sometimes the price will go down and not match the website as it does now.  I have lowered pricing on several cabins for the next few weeks.  I still stand by my statement that you do not have to book the cabin if you do not like the price and I do apologize if that sounds harsh.  You can also get discounts on stays more than 2 nights in the non-peak season.  You always get a 7th night free year round.  Just call me to discuss discounts on stays for more than 2 nights.  If this guest would like to add on a 3rd night at half price, I would be happy to do that.  He has already recieved a $25 discount for being a Return guest and it is usually one or the other but I will give him a 3rd night 1/2 price + the $25 discount.