MyPillow gets downgraded over sales promo

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MINNEAPOLIS — MyPillow, the heavily advertised product that allows you to customize your own pillow, just got downgraded by the Better Business Bureau for violating its advertising code.

The nonprofit watchdog’s Minnesota and North Dakota affiliate downgraded the company’s BBB rating to an F, CBS affiliate WCCO reported. The organization says the company violated its code of advertising after receiving complaints from consumers.

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The BBB said MyPillow’s “buy one get one free” discount must be offered for only a limited time. Otherwise, it would be construed as using the sale to mask the product’s regular price. According to the bureau, the offer then becomes continuous and its price must be presented as the normal price of a product.

The BBB says a “substantial number” of the 232 complaints filed against the company are focused on this issue of what the price really is.

The group said it contacted MyPillow owner Mike Lindell about the confusion, and he told them he wouldn’t be able to stop the company’s “buy one get one free” offer, but would look at making changes in 2017. When pressed for more, the BBB said Lindell was not specific.

The BBB also says the “as seen on TV” claims are sometimes listed on MyPillow boxes when the content isn’t the same as what’s seen on the ads. Furthermore, the BBB disputes MyPillow’s claim of offering a “full warranty” -- customers need to pay a fee to return the pillow.

Lindell released a statement saying: “We run sales and specials for our customers, so that we can give as many people as possible the chance to have a great night’s sleep. Naturally, I am terribly disappointed by the BBB’s decision.”