Lesson #12 Read the Fine Print; not everything is as advertised

Your Destination: Advertising provides an image of a service or product for consumers to buy. Read the fine print. Advertisements are meant to make you want something, but just remember, would you have bought it before seeing the ad?

Travel Kit: Do the research and make sure you are getting the best deal. See Draw Your Dream Car and Draw Your Dream Bicycle handouts. 

On the Path: Have you noticed that after you Google something, you keep getting advertisements for these products on Instagram and Facebook? That’s because of search engines. Typically, advertisement companies use social media, TV, age, sex, race, and many other factors to follow you and your buying habits. If you see an advertisement for a product or service, you are part of that targeted group, so keep that in mind when that car or bicycle looks good in an ad. 

Step 1: Don’t buy something because it seems like a good deal. If you genuinely want to buy something, check out different models and stores. For instance, reach out to multiple mechanics or bicycle shops and online sales posts to learn about the pros and cons of the different models. 

Step 2: Often, items are placed at a higher price and with more valuable things to make it seem like that item is also valuable. Make sure you are not overspending on something that is valued less. Check out the Blue Book value listing of car make/model/year or used bicycle listings to get an idea of the “true” instead of just the “brand new” value of what you are buying. 

Step 3: Draw your dream car and/or bicycle or draw an advertisement for something.

Extend Your Journey: Look at advertisements online or in print. Design an advertisement for something you like. How will your advertisement get people to buy this product? Look for words used in advertising campaigns like “Get the latest”. Be aware of labels that have “premium” or “pro” award-winning and question what they really mean. 

Learn New Vocabulary:

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Resources and Visual Aids:
https://artsphere.org/blog/how-to-draw-a-bicycle-handout/