AGCM

According to the Authority, the two companies allegedly implemented misleading practices to sell publishing and numismatic products, above all doorstep selling methods to the elderly

The Italian Competition Authority has started an investigation against the companyTreccani Reti Spa, which distributes literary works, numismatic products, coins and medals, even under the Treccani brand, and against the companyGSLP Cross Selling Srl, which markets these products.

According to the information the Authority has obtained, the two companies allegedly adopted misleading marketing practices for the sale of publishing and numismatic products, through the Treccani sales network, using doorstep selling methods, above all to the elderly.

In particular, GSLP Cross Selling would contact, on behalf of the Treccani Network, potential customers by phone to arrange a meeting at their homes for the delivery of a gift, without informing the persons concerned , during the telephone call, that they would also be trying to sell Treccani products.

Moreover, when the salespersons of Treccani Network are in the households of the consumers, in addition to delivering the gift, they would propose the purchase of Treccani products, describing non-existent characteristics and claiming that the economic value of the products is much higher than the actual value of said products, thus convincing consumers to make economic choices they would not otherwise make. Moreover, the products are apparently sold with payment by instalments, thus confusing consumers because this payment method makes it more difficult to understand the total amount actually paid, so that consumers may be induced to believe that the economic commitment is more sustainable.

The officials of the Authority today carried out inspections at the premises of both companies involved in the proceedings.

Rome, 9 November 2021