Nope!

Have you ever seen those ads offering some crazy deal like, “Buy now and get this exclusive bonus worth $500!”? It’s called value stacking, and it’s a popular marketing tactic designed to make offers look more irresistible by bundling bonuses or extra perks. But here’s the catch: if you’re claiming that bonus is worth $500 and you’ve never sold it for that price—or have no proof of its actual value—the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) calls foul. That’s deceptive advertising, and it’s a big no-no.

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What’s the Deal With Value Stacking?

Value stacking itself is totally fine (and a really smart strategy when done right). It’s all about adding extra goodies to your main offer so customers feel like they’re getting way more bang for their buck. For example, if you’re selling an online course and you throw in a free workbook or access to a private Facebook group, that’s value stacking.

The problem arises when businesses exaggerate the value of those bonuses. If you’ve never sold that workbook on its own for $500—or have no clear evidence that it’s worth that amount—you can’t just slap a $500 sticker on it to make your offer seem more enticing. That’s where the FTC steps in.

Why It’s a Problem

The FTC is all about protecting consumers from misleading or deceptive practices, and inflated value claims fall squarely into that category. When you say something is worth $500, you’re creating a specific expectation in your customer’s mind. If that expectation isn’t backed up by actual proof, it’s considered deceptive.

Think about it this way: would you feel ripped off if you bought something believing you were getting $500 worth of extras, only to find out those bonuses were never priced that high in the first place? That’s why the FTC takes this issue seriously—it’s about maintaining honesty and fairness in advertising.

What Happens if You Break the Rules?

If the FTC catches you inflating bonus values without proof, you could face serious consequences, like fines, legal action, or damage to your reputation. And let’s be honest: once your customers lose trust in you, it’s tough to win them back.

How to Do Value Stacking the Right Way

The good news is, you don’t have to give up value stacking to stay compliant. Here’s how to keep things above board:

1. Be Honest About Value: If you’re going to claim a bonus is worth $500, make sure it’s backed by something solid—like actual sales data showing customers have paid that price before.

2. Focus on Real Benefits: Instead of inflating price tags, highlight the actual benefits your bonuses bring. What problems do they solve? How do they make your main offer even better?

3. Avoid Overhyping: It’s tempting to throw big numbers around, but authenticity goes a lot further with customers than flashy (and unverified) claims.

4. Provide Transparency: If a bonus has a specific value, explain where that number comes from. For example, if a workbook is normally sold separately for $49, say so.

The Bottom Line

Value stacking is an awesome way to make your offers more attractive, but honesty is key. Claiming that a bonus is worth $500 when it’s never been sold at that price? That’s a shortcut you don’t want to take. Stick to real, verifiable values, and your customers will appreciate your transparency. Plus, you’ll avoid running afoul of the FTC—which is always a good thing! Keep it legit, and your offers will shine for all the right reasons.

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