Hyundai was first out of the gates last year with an offer that lets buyers return their cars if they’re laid off. Suddenly, this novel form of guarantee is taking off, and not just among other car companies. One men’s clothing company, Jos. A. Bank, says it will refund the cost of a suit, and let the buyer keep the clothes, if he loses his job before July 1. The U.S.
airline JetBlue is promising to refund tickets purchased this spring for buyers who lose their jobs, while Bank of America says it will waive certain bank fees for three months. Companies hope these deals, which one analyst calls “altruism marketing”, will lure back recession-scared customers and build a little good PR in the process.