I received an email from Ballard Designs that said "Email Exclusive - just for you. 30% off* full price items - take an extra 40%* off all clearance when you shop through this email. Offer ends 6/27. Exclusions apply". I've attached a copy of that email. I noticed there was an * after the word "off" so I read the small print which said, "Additional 40% off clearance offer valid through 11:59 PM EAST, 6/27/19. Discount reflected at checkout when you shop through email or after entering code. Offer not valid with any other offer, unless specified. Cannot be applied to previous orders or gift certificates." It said it didn't include shipping charges, had no cash value and was void where prohibited.
There were 3 items I intended to purchase as a result of this: one at regular price and two that were on clearance. Accessing Ballard Designs online through their email as directed, I placed the three items in my cart. As expected, a 30% price reduction was taken off the one item with a regular price. However, the "take an extra 40% off all clearance" was an ABSOLUTE FALSE STATEMENT. In the example below, you see the Due North Wall Decor was listed on clearance for $83.99 but when you go to order it, it is listed as $71.99 rather than $50.40 which is an extra 40% off the clearance price. This was also encountered for the second clearance item I had in my shopping cart. When I called their customer service, a polite woman placed me on hold and went to check on the situation. She returned and informed me that rather than using the currently listed online clearance price, they were taking 40% off the last crossed-off amount listed. In the photos below, you will see that was $119.99 rather than the $83.99 as it was listed. That does NOT meet the definition of "take AN EXTRA 40% off all clearance". There was a total of $83.98 at issue in my order and I left both a concern about this misleading advertisement as well as my contact information for a promised follow up call. At this point, the offer has expired and no one called. My order was for $1500 and I'm so glad I didn't place it! It doesn't matter that they send very attractive catalogs listing desirable items - they are going straight to the trash in my house and I blocked them as junk mail in my email.