The Union of Consumer Workers of Greece on the occasion of the day of cheap online shopping on November 27
“In conditions of precision and/or obscene profit, the consumer frenzy created by commercial techniques, such as Cyber Monday and even continuously after Black Friday, has the effect of subconsciously exerting psychological pressure on the consumer, who feels that he “must” take advantage of the offers by rushing to the shops. The antidote to the widespread practice is increased consumer awareness, prudence and caution when shopping.”
This is noted by the Union of Consumer Workers of Greece on the occasion that on Monday, November 27, 2023 (i.e. the first Monday after Thanksgiving celebrated in the USA), consumers will have the opportunity to shop online, as part of “Cyber Monday”. On this day, online stores provide offers to the consumer public, who are given the opportunity to purchase products at promotional prices.
The association reminds that for responsible purchases, consumers must take into account the following:
1. To do market research and check not only the price (original and new) but also the quality of the products. 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 one
2. Before buying, read carefully all the information that the law requires traders to provide to the consumer public, such as clear general information about their identity (name, geographical address of establishment, any commercial registration number)
3. When referring to the price of a product or service, the total price must be quoted, which must include tax and all additional costs
4. The consumer can exercise the right to withdraw from the electronic contract free of charge within a period of 14 calendar days and without having to justify his decision
5. The terms and conditions of electronic transactions must be worded in such a way that the consumer can read them before concluding the contract
6. If the submission of the online order by the consumer requires the activation of a selection icon, it must be clearly stated that the order is made with an obligation to pay
7. To delineate their needs and plan with a list the purchases they are going to make, which will be in line with their personal or family budget avoiding reckless spending
8. To be informed of the details and conditions of their transaction when purchasing products in installments. Especially for purchases with a credit card, always be informed about the terms and conditions of the specific purchase and in particular whether there are charges such as e.g. interest
9. When announcing a price reduction, it is mandatory to explicitly state the previous price or reference price on the basis of which the discount is applied. The reference price is the lowest price applied by the merchant during the 30-day period before the price reduction was applied. Attention: In the possible discount during Cyber Monday, the lower reference price is the one applied by the merchant on Black Friday (if on that day he reduced the price)
10. Offers often say no changes, so if you regret it, you can’t change
11. If the product to be delivered has a defect, the buyer has the right to request a correction or replacement without his own charge, or alternatively the right to a price reduction or withdrawal.
12. To avoid full payment of the products by bank deposit before their delivery, unless we have complete confidence in the prestige and commercial reputation of the seller
13. We pay attention to possible “hidden charges” such as the cost of the commercial guarantee that the supplier may provide, the cost of transportation and installation, the cost of returning a defective product, etc.
