‘Complimentary Bottle’ of Nugenix Total-T

It’s an experience every American man has after turning 40: When a pleasant afternoon on the driving range with retired pro athletes Doug Flutie and Frank Thomas turns into a candid discussion on how diminished testosterone levels are affecting your performance.

Though this ad for Nugenix Total-T, a purported testosterone boosting supplement, is ripe for SNL parody, the way it (and other ads) misleads consumers with a “complimentary bottle” offer is no laughing matter.

What’s the catch?

Nugenix first arouses suspicion with a small-print disclaimer appearing over the bottle in question: “No obligation if cancelled within 18 days.”

What that means for consumers is that they will have an obligation – i.e., a bill – if they fail to cancel in time. That’s a negative-option offer, a frequent inspiration behind TINA.org’s hard-hitting coverage.

More fine print later in the ad = more alarm bells:

Terms of Offer: Receive a 14-day sample of Nugenix Total T for only $4.99 S&P. No obligation if you cancel within 18 days, after which you will be enrolled in our Monthly Subscription Program.

First of all, is something really “complimentary” if you have to pay $4.99 to get it?

More important, while this disclaimer may warn speed-reading fine print enthusiasts about Nugenix’s monthly subscription program, it doesn’t actually disclose the cost.

To find the actual price of the autoship program – that is, buyers’ “obligation” if they don’t know or remember to cancel within 18 days of placing their first order – consumers need to search through the Nugenix website for the terms and conditions, where they will learn that this subscription costs $75 per month ($69.99 + $4.99 shipping).

Other important details: Though consumers can start a subscription online, they must call or email to cancel. Also, by accepting the terms and conditions, customers agree not to hold the company responsible for “any overdraft charges or fees” while on autoship. All of this may explain why unwanted/difficult-to-cancel subscriptions and unexpected charges are common themes in customer reviews and complaints filed with the BBB.

The bottom line

Always read the fine print, even if pulling out your reading glasses makes you feel old.

Also, as TINA.org wrote when we previously covered Nugenix, “low testosterone” is frequently just a marketing term. If you have concerns about “performance,” talk with your doctor, not aging sports icons on the driving range.

TINA.org reached out for comment. Check back for updates.

Find more of our coverage on purported testosterone boosters here.