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Black Friday this year is November 29 with stores already starting sales.
The biggest sales of the year are still a few weeks away, but the first Black Friday 2024 deals are already rolling in at all major retailers. The discounts apply to everything from technology, TVs and laptops to beauty, clothing, mattresses and home appliances.
Already consumer e-mails have been … on fire with the announcements of sales and offers, as this now established period of special prices begins 7-10 days in advance.
The recommendations for Black Friday
Black Friday takes place this year on Friday November 29th and Cyber Monday Monday December 2nd, (usually the whole week or more) and considering the flurry of announcements / promotions from businesses, INKA recommends to consumers:
Set your budget in advance. It’s obvious that during Black Friday there will be plenty of deals and it will be easy to get carried away.
Determine in advance what you need and the maximum amount you want to allocate, taking into account your financial capabilities.
Conduct market research. Identify the products you may be interested in beforehand, and note their price, so that you can more easily get a real picture of the amount of discounts that will be announced.
Don’t buy a product just because it’s on sale. Study the features of the product you are interested in to make sure it meets your needs and requirements. Look for product quality reviews. Evaluate the final price, not the discount.
Take advantage of the internet. Use the internet, not only to make purchases, but also to find alternative products, reviews of the product you are interested in, as well as the selling price of the product from other suppliers.
Check the store’s return policy before making a purchase. Please remember that according to European law, there is no legal obligation for in-store purchases and it is up to each store’s policy whether to accept returns or exchanges. This does not apply to online purchases, where consumers have a right of withdrawal after receiving the product within 14 days. You can cancel your order for any reason within this time – even if you’ve changed your mind.
The minimum statutory warranty of 2 years when you buy new products, either in store or online, is provided by law at no extra cost.
If the product you have purchased proves to be faulty or does not match its advertised specifications, you are entitled to free repair or replacement of the goods and, if this is not possible, a reduction in the value of the goods or withdrawal from the contract.
The seller/merchant must inform you of the main features of the product/service, the total price, the terms of payment and delivery, the delivery deadline, the duration of the contract, the policy it applies to deal with complaints, as well as remind you the existence of a legal guarantee.
Be careful when shopping online. By visiting the page (site) of an online store, before making a purchase, we must first of all check as consumers if the company discloses – declares a) its full details (name, registered office, tax details, contact details, etc.), which it would be good to cross as far as possible, b) the rules for delivery and return of the products mainly regarding the right of withdrawal of the buyer (deadline and conditions of withdrawal – return of the product and in what condition), c) finally the final price of the product with additional charges (eg taxes, shipping costs, cash on delivery costs, etc.).
How you can protect consumers
- complaint to the General Directorate of Consumer Protection at the four-digit telephone number 1520 or complaint online (it has a relevant complaint form).
- complaint to the Competition Commission (EC) which is responsible for the above infringements that fall under the provisions of law. 2251/1994, at epant.gr
- complaint to certified Consumer Associations. The Institute of Consumers based in Thessaloniki, as part of its institutional role, is at the service of the consumer by providing detailed information and guidance on their rights.
Source: OT.GR
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, retailers should implement fair practices to build trust with consumers. Transparency in advertising and clear communication about promotions are essential.
Here is an interview with 2 guests about the information provided in the article: Black Friday 2024 and consumer protection. The guests are Maria, a seasoned consumer rights activist, and John, a marketing expert who works with major retailers during Black Friday sales events.
Website Editor: Hello everyone, this is John and Maria. First of all, how are you both?
John: Hello there, I’m doing well. Looking forward to this conversation about Black Friday.
Maria: Thank you for having me. I’m also excited to share my views on consumer rights during this important shopping event.
Website Editor: Great to have you both. Let’s start by talking about the recommendations for consumers during Black Friday. Maria, as a consumer rights activist, what are your thoughts on these recommendations?
Maria: I believe these recommendations are quite helpful for consumers. It’s always great to set a budget in advance, do some research, and check the store’s return policy before making a purchase. However, I would also like to emphasize the importance of being cautious when shopping online, as some websites may not disclose all the necessary information. Additionally, it’s crucial for consumers to be aware of their rights, including the legal guarantee and the right of withdrawal.
John: Absolutely, Maria. As a marketing expert, I completely agree with you. Being informed and aware of your rights is crucial during Black Friday. From a retailer’s perspective, it’s also essential to ensure that the information provided to consumers is clear and transparent. Don’t just focus on the discount; evaluate the final price and make sure the product meets your needs.
Website Editor: That’s an excellent point, John. Moving on to consumer protection, what measures can be taken to ensure that consumers are adequately protected during Black Friday?
Maria: Complaining to the General Directorate of Consumer Protection or the Competition Commission is a good start. However, I also believe that certified Consumer Associations can play a vital role in protecting consumer rights. They provide valuable information and guidance on these issues.
John: I agree with Maria. Certified Consumer Associations can be very helpful in resolving disputes between consumers and retailers. Additionally
