Promotion Guide

Part of a Subscription Term as "Free"

It is possible to construct offers where the circulation is intended to be claimed as paid, but part of the total delivery term is presented to the consumer as “free,” “trial,” “no additional cost,” “bonus,” “no extra cost,” “gift,” or other synonymous language.

For the entire delivery term to qualify and be classified as paid circulation, the following is required:

• The promotional material must present to the consumer a perceived dollar value for the entire delivery term.
• This perceived value is accomplished through the existence of a contractual agreement in the offer stating the total term and total amount charged. The contractual agreement is the portion of the offer where the consumer takes action to order the subscription – checking a box, completing requested data, selection of service term or verbal agreement in a telemarketing offer.
• The purchase price for the entire delivery term must be at least one cent.

Example of Acceptable Offer

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Simply return this form to begin your subscription.

____ YES! Send me 3 trial issues and if I like Prototype Magazine, please bill me for 9 more (that is 12 issues in all) at the great price of only $20.00!

Name___________________________________________
Address_______________________ City________________ State _____ ZIP _______

A contractual agreement must state the total term of delivery (number of issues or term) and total purchase price. In this example, the contractual agreement states “…(that is 12 issues in all) at the great price of only $20.00!”