THE WHAT? The Federal Trade Commission has filed a lawsuit against Amazon alleging that the e-commerce behemoth has tricked ‘millions’ of shoppers into signing up for a Prime membership and, once enrolled, obstructed attempts to cancel, according to a report published by The Wall Street Journal.
THE DETAILS The tactics Amazon used to sign consumers up to its US$139 annual subscription service, which grants members access to faster delivery, among other privileges, has been the subject of an investigation commenced in March, 2021.
A spokesperson for Amazon has rubbished the claims. “By design we make it clear and simple for customers to both sign up for or cancel their Prime membership. We look forward to proving our case in court.”
THE WHY? The FTC is tasked with consumer protection and the complaint charges Amazon with using ‘manipulative, coercive, or deceptive user interface designs known as dark patterns’ that conned users into renewing their subscriptions, the WSJ reports. Changes that would have simplified the cancellation process were delayed or rejected, the suit adds.
Buying aesthetics supplies typically involves sourcing these items from licensed distributors, manufacturers, or specialized suppliers who cater specifically to the needs of aesthetic professionals. These supplies are integral to performing aesthetic treatments aimed at enhancing skin appearance, addressing various skin concerns, and improving overall beauty and wellness.
Examples of aesthetics supplies include:
-
Dermal Fillers: Injectable substances used to add volume and reduce wrinkles.
-
Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Injectables used to temporarily relax facial muscles and reduce wrinkles.
-
Laser Devices: Equipment used for hair removal, skin rejuvenation, tattoo removal, and other laser treatments.
-
Chemical Peels: Solutions applied to the skin to exfoliate and improve texture.
-
Microdermabrasion Devices: Tools used for mechanical exfoliation to rejuvenate skin.
-
Microneedling Devices: Devices that create tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production.
-
Cosmeceuticals: Skincare products that contain biologically active ingredients with pharmaceutical-like benefits.
-
Sterilization and Disinfection Products: Essential for maintaining hygiene and preventing infections in clinical settings.