This year alone, the Economic Inspectorate counted 403 reports of misleading promotions and 240 actual infringements. Since 2022, the number of violations identified has even risen to 811. Reports about this peak, especially in the run-up to commercial peak days such as Black Friday.
1. What are the rules anyway?
However, these are well defined, the FPS Economy reports in a press release: all promotions must be clear, honest and not misleading. A discount may only be calculated on the reference price: this is the lowest price of the past 30 days and this must also be clearly indicated.
Be careful: this rule does not apply to promotions such as ‘1+1 free’ or offers with conditions such as ‘2nd for half the price’.
When comparing prices, it must be clear what is being compared. Does a store compare with a suggested retail price? Then it must be realistic and it must be clear that this is a recommended retail price and not a discount. Crossing out a recommended retail price or working with discount percentages can therefore be misleading.
2. What misleading tricks do traders use?
- Fake discounts: the ‘old’ price is artificially increased, so that the discount appears more impressive.
- Unfair comparisons: the price is compared to a list or suggested retail price that is unrealistic. The price therefore appears cheaper than is the case.
- Vague or incorrect terms: For example, ‘up to 50% discount’, while this only applies to some products or the use of confusing terms such as “flash sale” without clear timing.
- ‘Always’ discount: promotions follow each other so quickly (autumn offers, Black Friday sales, Sinterklaas discounts, winter promotions) that there is no real discount left.
- Pressure to decide quickly: countdown clocks or phrases such as ‘last = gone’, ‘limited stock, be quick’, ‘last chance’, while stock is not really limited and the promotion continues as usual.
DLE
3. How can you protect yourself?
- Does the offer seem too good to be true? Then it often is.
- Look up old prices: see if the ‘old’ price is realistic.
- Compare with other stores: is this really the best deal? What is the price of the competitors?
- Read the fine print: check if there are any restrictions or conditions attached to the discount.
- Track prices in advance: if you have a product in mind, keep an eye on the price several weeks in advance.
4. What if you notice a misleading promotion?
Please report this immediately via the website ConsumerConnect of the FPS Economy. Describe the situation clearly and include evidence such as screenshots or photos of the price and discount terms. This gives the Economic Inspectorate a clear picture of the situation and accelerates their investigation.
Spotting Misleading Promotions: A Comedy of Errors!
Ah, the festive shopping season is upon us! It’s that time of year when we’re bombarded with deals that seem too good to be true. In fact, they *often* are, and who better to dissect it than a group of comedians bursting with wit…and perhaps a dash of cynicism? Let’s dive into the world of misleading promotions, and trust me—you won’t want to miss this! Or you’ll miss out… on the truth!
1. What Are the Rules Anyway?
Now, listen closely, ladies and gentlemen! According to the FPS Economy (as thrilling as their annual reports may sound), the rules are about as clear as mud. Promotions need to be crystal clear, honest, and no misleading nonsense. Discounts should only be calculated from the reference price. Sure, it’s like saying your ex is “just a friend” after dating for three years. Anyway, this reference price is supposed to be the lowest price of the last 30 days. Imagine that!
But beware! If you see an offer like ‘1+1 free’ or ‘the second item for half price,’ those might not adhere to the same rules. It’s like having a party and telling everyone it’s BYOB—bring your own beef! The rules start changing, and suddenly your good time is a little bumpy.
2. What Misleading Tricks Do Traders Use?
- Fake Discounts: Ever notice how the ‘old’ price is suddenly inflated? It’s like saying you were once a model—you know, before the pandemic!
- Unfair Comparisons: Comparing prices to ones so unrealistic they could be in a superhero movie! You find yourself wondering if you’ve wandered into a comic book store rather than a proper shop.
- Vague or Incorrect Terms: “Up to 50% discount” sounds great until you realize it only applies to a single sock that nobody wants.
- ‘Always’ Discount: Promotions have become like bad reality TV shows—they never really go away. Autumn sales lead straight into Black Friday, then it’s Sinterklaas, winter promotions, and before you know it, there’s no real discount left!
- Pressure to Decide Quickly: You know the drill—countdown clocks ticking away, as though it’s the last five minutes of a life-or-death situation! It’s a promotion, not a hostage crisis!
3. How Can You Protect Yourself?
- Does the offer seem too good to be true? Then it often is, like finding out your favorite snack is actually made of kale!
- Look up old prices: like checking your Tinder matches to ensure they’ve not popped a filter on their photo!
- Compare with other stores: is this really the best deal, or are you just falling for the same trick again, like that awful relationship back in 2015?
- Read the fine print: it’s like looking for the catch in a first date—it’s usually there, hiding in the shadows!
- Track prices in advance: so you won’t look like that person who overpaid for a toaster just because you were impatient!
4. What If You Notice a Misleading Promotion?
Don’t just sit there fuming like you’ve been served a rubber chicken! Report it immediately on the ConsumerConnect website! Describe the situation accurately and include proof, like screenshots. Think of it as evidence for the world’s worst magic show—one that keeps disappearing discounts!
So, dear readers, as we race toward Black Friday and the holiday shopping frenzy, remember that even in the chaos of promotions, your keen eye can save you from buyer’s remorse… or buying a secondhand sock.
This year alone, the Economic Inspectorate has documented an alarming 403 reports of misleading promotions, alongside 240 confirmed infringements. Notably, since 2022, the number of violations has surged to 811. Reports indicate that this peak in deceptive practices is particularly prevalent during high-consumption periods, especially leading up to commercial events such as Black Friday.
1. What are the rules anyway?
According to a recent press release from the FPS Economy, the regulations governing promotions are clearly defined: all marketing claims must be transparent, truthful, and not misleading in any way. Discounts can only be calculated based on the reference price, which is defined as the lowest price recorded in the last 30 days, and this pricing information must be clearly displayed to the consumer.
Be careful: this rule does not apply to promotions such as ‘1+1 free’ or offers with conditions such as ‘2nd for half the price’.
When comparing prices, it is essential to clarify what is being compared. If a retailer compares their price to a suggested retail price, it must be genuine, and it must be clearly stated that it is a recommended retail price rather than an actual discount. Crossing out a suggested retail price or using discount percentages inappropriately can create a misleading impression of savings.
2. What misleading tricks do traders use?
- Fake discounts: Retailers sometimes inflate the ‘old’ price artificially, making the subsequent discount seem more substantial than it truly is.
- Unfair comparisons: Prices are often compared with artificially inflated list prices or suggested retail prices that bear no resemblance to reality, leading customers to believe they are getting a better deal than they actually are.
- Vague or incorrect terms: Terms such as ‘up to 50% discount’ can be misleading if they only apply to select items, or if confusing phrases like “flash sale” are used without any clear timing or criteria.
- ‘Always’ discount: Retailers frequently roll out promotions rapidly—autumn offers, Black Friday sales, Sinterklaas discounts, and winter promotions—diluting the authenticity of any actual discount.
- Pressure to decide quickly: Techniques like countdown timers or urgent phrases such as ‘last chance’ create a false sense of urgency, suggesting scarcity while the promotions typically continue without limit.
3. How can you protect yourself?
- Does the offer seem too good to be true? If so, it often is.
- Look up old prices: verify if the ‘old’ price is genuinely reflective of its prior value.
- Compare with other stores: conduct a price comparison to determine if you are indeed getting the best deal available or if competitors offer lower prices.
- Read the fine print: always check for any hidden restrictions or conditions that may apply to the discount.
- Track prices in advance: if eyeing a specific product, monitor its price over several weeks to assess fluctuations and potential sale opportunities.
4. What if you notice a misleading promotion?
Please report this immediately via the website ConsumerConnect of the FPS Economy. Clearly describe the situation and provide evidence, such as screenshots or photographs, of the price and discount terms. This evidence helps the Economic Inspectorate to better understand the context and expedites their investigation.
What are the common tactics retailers use to create a false sense of urgency during sales?
A small fraction of items that few customers actually want, leaving the rest with minimal or no discounts at all.
5. Wrap-Up
In this chaotic shopping landscape, knowledge is power! Understanding the rules, recognizing the tricks that traders employ, and knowing how to protect yourself will undoubtedly let you navigate through sales season with confidence. So don’t be shy—put on your detective hat, do your research, and ensure that you’re not falling for the next flashy promotion that promises you the world but delivers nothing but disappointment.
