For some time now, I have been disgusted at how companies have been allowed to sell products that are anything from what they advertise them to be. As a society, we are inundated by advertising that promises us products that deliver what they say they do – only to buy them and get exactly the opposite. For example, I recently purchased the Westinghouse Stick Up Light Bulb for my closet, that, according to its advertising, is, “The amazing wireless light bulb that installs anywhere, requires no wiring or an electrician to install and provides lighting whenever you need it. Just peel and stick the Stick Up Light Bulb base then slide in this revolutionary light bulb. That’s all you have to do to light up your closets, stairwells, and anywhere that you need light.” First off, the bulb provided so little light that my lighter did a better job. Second, after a few days, the bulb stained my wall with a black dust that I still can’t get off. How can this be allowed?

It isn’t just this company that is doing this – it seems to be everywhere. My mother is attempting to get a Reverse Mortgage that – according to the commercial – takes, “Only days” – when in reality – it has been seven months and she still has not seen any money. And most notably, The Shaper Image is currently involved in a Class-Action lawsuit because its famous Ionic Breeze, according to the suit, “Alleges that the product does not perform up to the companies claims that it will clean the air of airborne irritants, allergens and pollutants, eliminate odors and freshen the air, and the suit also claims that the product does not meet federal ozone emission regulations.” So people that have spent over three hundred dollars – like my mother – have basically purchased a product that does absolutely nothing. The wildest part of this lawsuit is that the company has agreed to give everyone a $19 refund – but only as a store credit to The Sharper Image. So let me get this straight – my mother’s refund is going to be a store credit which she can use to buy more false products from this company?

Another amazing example is the fact that on Saturday, I ran out of heart pills and called CVS to get some – because if I stop taking them – this will be certainly be my last column. So when I spoke to the pharmacist and explained my situation to her – she said she could not give them to me because of the fact that I could not contact my doctor. Understand, I was not asking for Vicodin – I was asking for a pill that basically keeps me alive. But without a prescription – she could not help me. Thankfully, Duane Reade, CVS’ competitor, gave me pills to tide me over until they could verify the prescription with my doctor today – but CVS basically blew me off. Yet, they have commercials advertising that, “At CVS/pharmacy, our number-one goal is to provide outstanding service and value to our customers – while meeting their healthcare needs and making their overall shopping experience as easy as possible.” So how is letting me go without medication that clearly states on the label, “DO NOT SUDDENLY STOP TAKING THIS MEDICATION” customer service?

I have always been an opponent of advertising. I never bought a pair of Nike sneakers because Michael Jordan told me to. I don’t buy products because celebrities claim they use them. But what I don’t do is trust the advertising that we see because these companies literally lie to us and promise us false outcomes and solutions through their products – and amazingly – continue to sell them as if everything they claim is true.

Simply incredible.

I have a message for the Ionic Breezes, CVS’ and Westinghouse Stick Up Light Bulbs of the world – how about you practice what you preach. Why not deliver what you promise – and most importantly – pretend that you are a company selling something to someone who is spending their hard earned money for it – and most importantly – remember that last time I checked – the customer is always right… …now that would be customer service.