A 40% discount catches the eye. But how much did the product cost before the offer? How much is it selling for elsewhere? And how much will you end up paying, including delivery?
Ahead of Black Friday, the Independent Authority for Market Control and Consumer Protection is already monitoring online retail. Its checks focus on misleading discounts, charges that are not apparent upfront and practices that pressure consumers into buying in haste.
For safer shopping, the Authority recommends:
- Start with what you need.
Before looking at the offers, make a note of what you want to buy and how much you can afford to spend. - Check which price the discount is based on.
As a rule, when a shop announces a price reduction, it must show as the previous price the lowest price at which it sold the product during the preceding 30 days. The manufacturer’s ‘recommended retail price’ does not tell you how much the shop was selling it for. - Compare exactly the same product.
Check how much it costs at other shops, too. Check the model number, capacity, what is included in the package and whether the product is new or refurbished. - Take your time.
Before clicking ‘buy’ because you see ‘only a few left’ or a countdown timer, check the price and availability. If the timer reaches zero and starts again, that is another reason not to rush. - Find out who the seller is.
Look for the company name, registered address and valid contact details. A website written in Greek does not necessarily mean the shop is based in Greece. If you found the offer on social media (Instagram/Facebook/TikTok etc.) and cannot verify who is selling the product or how to contact them, do not go ahead with the purchase. - Go to the shop using its own web address.
If an eye-catching offer reaches you by text message or email, type in the shop’s address yourself. A familiar logo is easy to copy. - Check what you will pay at checkout.
Check delivery costs and any other charges. Before completing your purchase, make sure the basket does not include insurance, a subscription or a service you did not select. - If you are paying in instalments or deferring payment, work out the total.
Check how many instalments there are, when they are due and how much you will have paid by the end, including any interest or fees. - Check the amount and the recipient before approving the payment.
Do not give anyone your banking passwords or one-time passcodes. If an unfamiliar shop accepts payment only by bank transfer, carefully check its details before sending money. If you suspect fraud, contact your bank immediately. If you find a charge you did not authorise, ask how to dispute it in writing. - Check when the product will arrive and where returns are sent.
Check where the product is being shipped from and who pays the return costs. A lower price may not be worth it if you have to send the product back abroad. - Distinguish between changing your mind and a faulty product.
For most online purchases from a trader, you have 14 days from receipt to notify the seller that you are withdrawing from the purchase, without giving a reason. You have the right to withdraw from ‘distance contracts’ or ‘online purchases’. There are exceptions, such as products made specifically for you. At a physical shop, returns because you have changed your mind depend on its policy. But if the product is faulty, your statutory rights still apply even if you bought it at a discount. - Keep a record of the offer and the receipt.
Keep the receipt and order confirmation. Also save a screenshot of the offer showing the price and its terms. If a problem arises, contact the seller in writing.
The Authority reminds all businesses that discount announcements must be genuine, clear, transparent and accurate. Fake price reductions, falsely creating a sense of urgency and charges without explicit consent are contrary to consumer protection obligations.
To submit a complaint online, visit: kataggelies.mindev.gov.gr and 1520.gr.