Misleading advertising

“Propane – $16.95 – each.” Upon seeing that sign, one would presume propane tanks cost $16.95 each. That’s a good deal. After all, nothing else appears on the sign – no conditions, no small print, not even an asterisk.

This sign is placed at the entrance of a hardware store on the west side of Bangor during regular business hours. Upon entering the store to purchase a propane tank at that price, I was informed it was only with an exchange. (I didn’t see that on the sign.) Without the exchange it will cost $34.95. (I didn’t see that either.)

Is this legal? Since I am not a lawyer, I don’t know the answer to that question. Is it false advertising? Again, I am not a lawyer. However, it is clearly misleading and deceptive. If that price is only possible with an exchange, why isn’t it included in the advertising? What would prompt a business to resort to this type of advertising tactic?

Jim Paton

Carmel