“Black Friday 2023” is a fact: The “bells” for traps – What consumers should be aware of

“Zero hour” today with her Black Fridayin which the participating stores display very tempting offerson selected products for a limited number of days, is seen by many consumers as a shopping opportunity. At the same time, consumer associations and agencies recommend to consumers be especially careful not to be deceived.

OR Union of Consumer Workers of Greece of GSEE advises consumers to be particularly careful and not to be tempted by seemingly impressive offers. Especially this year, as she says in a statement, with punctuality putting the maximum burden on family budgets, prioritizing needs and market research are becoming more necessary than ever.

The rules

The Union proposes it observance of five rules which, in its view, ensure that consumers do not fall victim to “offers”:

• To do market research and check not only the price (original and new) but also the quality of the products. They should also search the internet for the price of the product they are going to choose by code or model number, so they can be sure that the price they have found is the best.
• To delineate their needs and plan with a list the purchases they are going to make, which will keep in line with their personal or family budget avoiding reckless spending
• To be informed of the details and terms of their transaction when purchasing products in installments. Especially for credit card purchases, always be informed of the terms and conditions of the particular purchase. In particular, they should investigate whether and to what extent interest is imposed on this market, since, in this case, the cost of the purchase increases rapidly.
• Products must carry the original price and the offer price (not the discount percentage). Attention! Offers often say no changes, so if you regret it, you can’t change
• Always ask for the receipt for the products they have purchased. In the event that the product is defective and they wish to return or exchange it, proof is required.

How are price checks done?

He also notes: It would be good for everyone to know that the consumer frenzy created by marketing techniques (Black Friday, opening of shops on Sundays, white nights, etc.) has the effect of subconsciously exerting psychological pressure on the consumer, the who feels that he “must” take advantage of the offers by rushing to the shops. In today’s context of explosive precision in essential goods, the consumer must make his purchases with prudence and caution.

Consumer rights

– The right of unexcused, unjustified withdrawal and return of the product in online markets within 14 days from the date of receipt.

– In the event of a defective or different product from what the consumer has ordered, the seller is obliged to replace it at his own expense or refund the amount.

– The product warranty. The duration of the legal guarantee is two years.

– Consumers should look for other guarantees in combination, such as indicatively:

• The full details of the company are posted on the store’s website (Company name, headquarters, postal and electronic (email) address, VAT number, contact numbers (which should be landline and not mobile), GEMI registration number),
• Alternative payment methods. Prefer cash on delivery or prepaid cards. Especially the bank deposit, if it appears as an exclusive method of payment and if, at the same time, the merchant is required to discount the entire amount of the purchase, it should be of particular concern to consumers and make them extremely hesitant,
• Not to observe a large number of spelling and grammatical/syntax errors in important texts of the company’s website (e.g. in the product descriptions, in the terms of use or in the personal data policy), which are an indication of sloppiness, but also of fraudulent intentions,
• Carefully read the terms of use of the online store before making a purchase or ask about the store’s policy, when it is a physical store, in case of returning the product,
• In the event that the business does not deliver the product on time, remember that debit or credit card transactions offer substantial safeguards for consumers in case of cancellation of the transaction. Conversely, payment by deposit into the supplier’s bank account should be avoided.
  Check your order. If the delivered product does not correspond to the order or is damaged, the seller is responsible. Always keep all possible evidence, such as photos and payment receipts, so that you can prove the problem if necessary. In the event that you notice a defect within 30 days, you have the option to alternatively request: a. a new product, b. refund, c. price reduction (proportional to lack of conformity), d. product repair.