About Business Ethics: Articles by Jeannine Clontz

Too Good to be True?

Finding great buys on the Internet can be an enjoyable experience. I get an unbelievable amount of spam, but on occasion find a gem nestled amongst the claims for low-cost Viagra and a guaranteed 3-inch penile increase.

Most recently I have been bombarded by a company out of Nevada offering Photoshop 7.0 for a mere $44.95 (Can't find it anywhere for less than $500). I read all their terms, followed the links to their site, and verified they were who they said they were through whosit.com.

When I went to close the e-mail, deciding to make a final decision at a later date, I got a popup stating that I could purchase it for $39.95 if I completed the form in the next 60-seconds.

Okay, I fell for it. I used a credit card that is specific to Internet purchases, and kept my fingers crossed that I'd ever receive anything at all. Unbelievably, five weeks later my CD arrived by mail. Imagine my surprise when I carefully opened the package to find a blank, unlabeled CD and a small note detailing that this software was NOT REGISTERABLE.

Hmmm, I wonder why that would be? I immediately headed for the Internet and penned an e-mail asking if this was illegal software, or if it infringed upon any copyright laws. I actually didn't expect a response, but knew that I wouldn't dare load it onto my system unless I was certain it was ethical of me to do so…but Photoshop for $39.95! How can I pass on this wonderful opportunity to increase sales and provide my clients with top of the line graphics, logos, etc.?

Although I didn't get a specific answer to my question, I did get an immediate response. They would be happy to refund my money. The next e-mail was exactly that, a refund. They didn't even ask me to return the CD . . . pretty amazing.

Of course I did return the CD to the address on the outside of the original packaging, and was thankful that I hadn't succumbed to the temptation I had been presented with.

So did the company's willingness to give me a refund negate the fact that most likely they sold me illegal software? Not a chance! It taught me something I already knew. Go with your gut. I was pretty sure, before I purchased it, that this had to be a scam, but I was willing to ignore my conscience and take a chance that there might be some way around it.

Taking that sort of a chance could irreparably tarnish my reputation, something that is extremely important to the success of my practice, and the VA industry. I hope you won't find yourself tempted by a "too good to be true" situation, as I was, and that you too will do everything you can to keep your integrity and ethics intact. Your character is very important - it's what distinguishes you from others and puts you a cut above the rest.

Wishing you continued success and the wisdom to consider ethical options.

©Copyright Accurate Business Services June 2003