The Cyprus Consumers Association issued a series of recommendations on Friday to help shoppers navigate Black Friday and Cyber Monday, urging the public to stay informed, vigilant, and well prepared before making purchases.
In its announcement, the Association advises consumers to conduct thorough market research in advance. Shoppers are encouraged to identify products of interest, record current prices, and compare them during the promotional period to determine whether the advertised discounts are genuine.
The Association also warns against purchasing products, regardless of how attractive the price may seem, from online shops operating through dubious or suspicious websites. It further recommends avoiding toys and cosmetics sold through certain international platforms, noting research indicating an increased safety risk for consumers. Particular caution is advised for products advertised with unusually large discounts.
Misleading tactics
Consumers are also urged to study the specifications of any product they plan to buy to ensure it meets their needs and expectations. The Association recommends consulting online reviews to gain a clearer picture of product quality and performance.
It highlights that price-reduction announcements may take many forms. Some may present numerical discounts, while others use more generic expressions, such as “Special Offer”, “Reduced Price”, “Sale” or “Bargain”, that imply price reductions without specifying how much the customer actually saves.
Shoppers are further cautioned when signing up to newsletters. The Association notes that data gathered through such subscriptions are commonly used by retailers to create personalised customer profiles and to carry out targeted promotional campaigns that follow consumers across the internet.
Know your rights
Before making any purchase, the Association stresses the importance of assessing the seller’s reliability and customer service record, checking the store’s return policy, and always requesting and verifying proof of payment before leaving the till.
For online or off-premises purchases, consumers have the right to withdraw within 14 days of receiving the product, provided they inform the business in writing of their intention to do so. However, the Association warns that this right may not apply if the purchase is made through a platform operated by a company based in a Third Country.
Finally, consumers are encouraged to check whether a business participates in an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism for consumer complaints. The public is invited to report violations to the Cyprus Consumers Association at 22516112 or info@katanalotis.org.cy, or to the Consumer Protection Service of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry at 1429.