Purdue News

Beware of 'phony' herbicide sales

"Typically, these products are marketed by out-of-state companies touting wild claims, but carrying hefty prices, particularly when you consider that the product itself contains a very low dosage of the active ingredient," Childs said.

Product names recently reported include "Triple Threat," a premix of three phenoxy herbicides, and "Turf King," a nonselective herbicide containing 3.73 percent promaton (Pramitol), he said.

The Indiana State Chemist, based at Purdue, offers these tips for those contacted by herbicide telemarketers:

• Purchase products only from a local dealer with an established business location. Avoid vendors whose only address is a post office box.

• Be sure to examine the herbicide label to determine that it is suitable for the intended use. Most local dealers have a supply of specimen labels for the herbicides they sell. Demand that the solicitor provide the product's Environmental Protection Agency registration number and an advance copy of the label before agreeing to accept shipment of the product. Herbicides sold by mail or phone often are unregistered and cannot legally be sold in Indiana.

• Telephone solicitors often misrepresent the products they sell, either recommending them for inappropriate uses or exaggerating the length of their residual activity.

• Avoid vendors who claim they can provide a product "just like" one of the best-selling herbicides for one-third or half the price of the best-seller. There is no free lunch.

• When ordering by mail or telephone, whether ordering potholders, computer equipment or herbicides, the best way to buy is with a credit card. Under the fair credit billing statutes, you have the right to withhold payment for products that are unsatisfactory or misrepresented. Most credit card companies are willing to assist consumers in resolving such disputes with vendors.

CONTACT: Dan Childs, (765) 494-6474; e-mail: childs@btny.purdue.edu

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