In the context of inflation, rising energy prices and product shortages, Black Friday will have a particular importance for consumers this year. But beware, sometimes slogans like “best deal” hide false promises or even fake shops that don’t actually exist. The famous “only three items left” is a popular trick to put customers under pressure. With our five shopping tips, you are on the safe side and well prepared for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

1. Check if the online shop is safe and legitimate

Before you start shopping online, take a good look at the website. Be sure to check the imprint and the general terms and conditions.

• Are both sections available? Are they complete?
• Is a plausible postal address given? Don’t hesitate to check the address with the help of online mapping services.
• Call the given number to test whether it is taken and whether someone picks up.
• Check out review sites to see whether other users have had problems with the shop or, on the contrary, have left positive reviews.

You can find more tips on our website: https://ecclatvia.lv/en/online-shopping

2. Check if this is a real deal

During promotion periods, both the discounted price and the price without discount must be displayed. The price before promotion must be the lowest price charged in the last 30 days. This is a legal obligation since 28 May 2022 laid down the European “Omnibus” directive.

Our tip is to observe product prices over a longer period of time. If you notice that the indicated non-discounted price is not the lowest of the past month, you may be dealing with unfair business practices.

3. Resist the pressure

“20 other people are looking at this item” or “only three items left”: Many websites, mobile applications, social networks and even search engines use so-called dark patterns to put pressure on you.

Some shops also try to influence our buying behaviour with countdowns or shaming buttons like ” No, I am silly and don’t want to benefit from a 20% discount”.

You will need strong nerves but in the end, you will be glad you did not fall for the trick.

4. Make sure to choose a safe payment method

• If you pay online, make sure you have a secured internet connection
• Make sure the website URL stars with “https” and the closed padlock symbol
• Don’t save your bank details on your mobile phone, your computer or any shopping platforms
• Set a maximum amount for one-off payments for your credit card
• Avoid payments by bank transfer

5. Make use of the legal guarantee

You benefit from a legal guarantee of conformity on all new or second-hand goods (furniture, car, computer, household appliance, etc.) purchased from a seller based in Latvia or in the European Union.

Since 2022, this guarantee has been extended to digital products (e.g. connected watch or fridge) as well as to digital services and content (video on demand, online video games, etc.).

The legal guarantee of conformity lasts for a minimum of 2 years. If your product is faulty, you can ask the seller to repair or exchange the product or, if these two solutions are not possible, to reimburse you.

Don’t forget: When buying online, you usually have a 14 days cooling-off period to change your mind and return the product.