Ethical Marketing Pledge

Recognizing the impact marketing has on shaping the world we live in

At Restless Stories, we recognise the significant role marketing plays in shaping perceptions and behaviours.

In our commitment to positive change, we adhere to the principles of transparent, responsible, and honest marketing, leading by example in the industry.

With this pledge, we take a stand to make a positive difference.

Responsibility

We recognise marketing's responsibility in the cycle of consumerism. We will no longer rely on fear-based tactics or psychological manipulation to drive sales. Instead, we will focus on highlighting the genuine value our offerings bring to the lives of our customers.

We will promote values that contribute positively to society and foster sustainable consumption habits. By supporting informed decision-making, we aim to break the cycle of insatiable consumerism.

Having followed the United Nations Staff College's training in circular economy, we refuse to engage in activities that promote consumerism. Instead, our focus is on key principles of circularity: refuse, reuse, repair (and recycle only as last resort).

Honesty

We pledge to uphold the highest standards of honesty in our marketing endeavours. We will avoid exaggerations, false claims, and misleading information. Our aim is to build lasting relationships based on truth and integrity.

We will openly admit our mistakes and continuously strive to improve our practices, setting an example for ethical conduct in the marketing landscape.

Collaboration

We understand that change requires collective effort. We pledge to collaborate with other businesses, organizations, and individuals who share our commitment to ethical marketing.

We wholeheartedly embrace this Ethical Marketing Pledge. We believe that by taking a proactive stand against unethical practices, we can reshape the marketing landscape for the betterment of society and the well-being of our planet.

We invite you to join us in this journey to create a world where marketing is a force for good, promoting authenticity, trust, and meaningful connections.

Join the Ethical Move's pledge

Going beyond the ethical move's pledge

Here is a list of principles and practices that we pledge to adhere to:

  1. Honesty and Transparency: Always represent your services, capabilities, and results truthfully to clients and stakeholders. Avoid deceptive practices.
  2. Respect for Privacy: Uphold the confidentiality of client information and respect consumer privacy, particularly in digital marketing where data collection and usage are critical.
  3. Compliance with Laws and Regulations: Stay informed and compliant with all relevant advertising, marketing, and data protection laws, including international regulations if applicable.
  4. Non-Discrimination: Ensure that your marketing materials and campaigns do not discriminate against any group or individual based on race, gender, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, or age.
  5. Responsible Content Creation: Avoid misleading or false claims in your content. Ensure all advertising messages are clear, truthful, and substantiated.
  6. Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware of and sensitive to cultural differences and norms in your marketing strategies.
  7. Environmental Responsibility: Consider the environmental impact of your marketing practices and strive to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
  8. Fair Competition: Adhere to fair competition laws and avoid slanderous or unfair practices against competitors.
  9. Accountability for Marketing Decisions: Accept responsibility for the impact of your marketing strategies and campaigns on society and individual consumers.
  10. Commitment to Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and improve your ethical standards and practices in marketing.
  11. Employee Respect and Well-being: Foster a workplace environment that respects and promotes the well-being of all employees.
  12. Client Education and Empowerment: Educate clients about ethical marketing practices and empower them to make informed decisions.
  13. Community Engagement and Social Responsibility: Actively engage in community service and take initiatives that contribute positively to society.
  14. Avoidance of Conflict of Interest: Disclose and manage any potential conflicts of interest in your business dealings.
  15. Quality Service and Deliverables: Ensure that all services and products delivered to clients meet high-quality standards.
  16. Responsible Use of Technology: Use technology ethically, especially in areas like data analytics, AI, and automated marketing tools.
  17. Ethical Partnership and Outsourcing Practices: Ensure that your partners and outsourced services also adhere to ethical standards.
  18. Transparent Billing Practices: Maintain clear, honest, and fair billing practices with clients.
  19. Feedback and Grievance Redressal Mechanism: Have a system in place for clients and employees to provide feedback or report ethical concerns.
  20. Commitment to Learning and Adaptation: Stay informed about emerging ethical issues in marketing and adapt your practices accordingly.
  21. Promotion of Positive Impact Campaigns: Whenever possible, engage in or support marketing campaigns that have a positive social impact.

Steering clear of manipulative marketing tactics

Finally here is a list of manipulative marketing practices - as outlined by the Ethical Move - that we refuse to employ and what we will do instead: 

  • Charm Pricing: Avoid making prices appear cheaper than they are. Use round numbers in pricing and communicate taxes and charges clearly.
  • Countdowns: Eliminate false urgency. Offer a pressure-free decision-making environment and be transparent about sale timelines.
  • False Scarcity: Be truthful about product availability. Communicate the real reasons for limited quantities and offer alternatives when necessary.
  • Lead Magnets: Allow access to offerings without mandatory sign-ups to marketing materials. Be transparent about what the email list will be used for and make it easy to unsubscribe.
  • Bait and Switch: Clearly communicate if a value proposition includes a sales pitch. Limit the sales pitch to a small portion of the value delivered and consider separating the value and pitch.
  • Woke Washing: Ensure that any ethical or progressive statements made are genuinely reflected in your business practices. Be transparent and accountable for the actions taken in support of these claims.
  • Secret Recipe: Avoid presenting your approach as the only solution or a secret to success. Be honest about the variety of solutions available.
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