Code of Ethics and Regulations of the Direct Selling Association
Adopted 1970. Amended 1975.
PREAMBLE
The Direct Selling Association, recognizing that companies engaged in direct selling assume certain responsibilities toward consumers arising out of the personal-contact method of distribution of their products and ser-vices, hereby sets forth the basic fair and ethical principles and practices to which member companies of the association will continue to adhere in the conduct of their business.
I. Products or Services
The offer of products or services for sale by member companies of the Association shall be accurate and truthful as to price, grade, quality, make, value, performance quantity, currency of model, and availability.
II. Guarantee
The terms of any guarantee offered by the seller in connection with the sale shall be furnished to the buyer in writing at the time of the sale or delivery and shall clearly state the nature and extent of said guarantee in a manner that fully conforms to the guaranty regulations promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission in accordance with Public Law 93-637. The manufacturer, distributor and/or seller shall fully and promptly perform in accordance with the terms of all guarantees offered to consumers.
III. Terms of Sale
A written order or receipt shall be delivered to the customer at the time of sale, which sets forth in language that is clear and free of ambiguity:
A. All the terms and conditions of sale ' with specification of the total amount customer will be required to pay, including all interest, service charges and fees, and other costs and expenses;
B. The name and address of the salesperson or member of firm repre-sented;
C. That the contract or negotiable instrument signed by the customer in connection with the sale may be sold or assigned by the seller to a third party, if such is the fact.
IV. Responsibility
In the event any consumer shall complain that the salesperson or repre-sentative offering for sale the products or service of a member company has engaged in any improper course of conduct pertaining to the sales presentation of its goods or services, the member company shall promptly investigate the complaint and shall take such steps as it may find appro-priate and necessary under the circumstances to cause the r@dress of any wrongs which its investigation discloses to have been committed.
V. Deceptive or Unlawful Trade Practices
No member company of the Association shall engage in any deceptive or unlawful trade practice.
