Misleading Sauna Information Online- Our Jobs Are To Protect Consumers

Many companies in the sauna industry, like those in other sectors, sometimes mislead customers with false advertising to sell products quickly. These marketing tactics can be subtle or blatant, but they all share a common goal: to persuade buyers that they're getting more than they actually are. Here are some common ways companies mislead consumers:

1. Exaggerated Health Benefits

Some companies claim their saunas offer miraculous health benefits like curing diseases, detoxifying the body, or promoting weight loss, without scientific evidence to back up these claims. While saunas have been shown to provide certain health benefits (like improving circulation and promoting relaxation), the idea that they can cure major illnesses or drastically change body composition is often overblown.

2. Misleading Material Claims

A lot of sauna companies will promote their products as being made from "premium" materials like "natural wood" or "eco-friendly wood," but the reality is that the quality of the materials might not be as high as claimed. For example, some companies advertise using cedar wood but end up using cheaper alternatives with similar looks but lower durability.

3. False “Health” Certifications

Some sauna companies claim their products are "FDA approved" or carry other certifications without proper backing. While certain saunas may meet electrical safety standards, claiming FDA approval for therapeutic benefits is misleading unless the sauna has gone through rigorous clinical trials (which most have not).

4. Underestimating Maintenance Requirements

Companies may claim that saunas are low maintenance, but they fail to mention that frequent cleaning, maintenance of heating elements, and wood care can be time-consuming and costly over time. Misleading buyers about the upkeep requirements can leave them frustrated later on.

5. Overstating Energy Efficiency

Some companies advertise saunas as being "ultra-energy-efficient" or "low energy consumption" without being clear about the true energy usage. They might leave out details like the amount of electricity it actually uses over time, which could lead to higher-than-expected utility bills.

6. Vague Sizing and Performance Metrics

Buyers may be led to believe that a sauna is larger or more powerful than it actually is. For example, a company might claim that a sauna can accommodate 4 people comfortably, but in reality, it's cramped for even two. Similarly, they might advertise a sauna's heating time as much quicker than it really is, leading customers to think they’ll get the benefits faster than is possible.

7. Non-Disclosure of Key Costs

Some companies leave out important costs in their marketing. For example, the cost of installation might not be clearly outlined, or customers may not be informed about extra charges for delivery, setup, or special electrical requirements, which can add hundreds of dollars to the final price.

8. Fake Customer Reviews

Some businesses might use fake or overly positive reviews to create a false sense of credibility. These reviews may be fabricated, or real reviews might be cherry-picked to highlight only the positive aspects of the sauna while ignoring any negatives.

9. Misleading Claims About Sauna Types

Infrared saunas, for example, are marketed as being more beneficial than traditional saunas because they use infrared technology to heat the body directly. However, some brands exaggerate how much more effective infrared saunas are for detoxification, weight loss, and health benefits, sometimes without scientific proof to support their claims.

10. Inflated Discounts

Some companies advertise huge discounts to make their sauna appear like a great deal, but the original prices are often inflated to make the discount seem more significant. This kind of pricing trick is commonly used to create a sense of urgency.

Consumers should be cautious when buying saunas and do thorough research. Checking customer reviews, looking for third-party testing or certifications, and comparing different brands will help ensure you're not misled by false advertising. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.