“In recent years in Greece, the institution of Black Friday has been extended from one week to one month (the Greek phenomenon of “Black Month”), while the percentages of discounts and offers are lower than the percentages that vary in other countries, consequently to completely lose the spirit of Black Friday, where there is a steep price drop and consumers are not getting the most out of it.”

This is noted by the Consumer Quality of Life Association (EKPOIZO) in a statement in which it states what consumers should be aware of for safe shopping.

Consumers are encouraged to:

  • They do market research and check not only the price (original and new) but also the quality of the products.
  • Define their needs and plan with a list the purchases they are going to make, which will go along with their personal or family budget, avoiding reckless spending.
  • 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.
  • They always ask for the receipt for the products they have bought. In case the product is defective and they want to return or exchange it, proof is necessary.

Deals, discounts and free shipping are important factors

Deals, discounts and free shipping are important factors. As EKPOIZO reminds:

  • Check the original price of the product, not the percentage of the discount. The lowest price of the last month is taken as a reference price and any reduction the company decides to make should be made on top of it.
  • Return/exchange policies, fast shipping and online reviews all play a role.
  • Excessive or unusually large price reductions may in some cases conceal fraudulent and misleading practices, such as the sale of counterfeit products.
  • The practices of deceiving consumers, primarily when shopping online, by crafty traders or by persons impersonating traders (usually via social media channels e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok). Beware of unknown or new online businesses.

EKPOIZO also reminds consumers of their rights:

– The right to withdraw and return the product in online markets within 14 days from the date of its 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. Bank deposit in particular, if it appears as an exclusive payment method and if, at the same time, the merchant is required to discount the entire amount of the purchase, should cause 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.