Source: CNA
The Ministry of Commerce is intensifying its market checks due to the January sales, especially in clothing and footwear stores. At the same time, consumers are urged to be informed of their rights and to be particularly careful about cases of misleading advertisements.
Although there is no longer a statutory sales period, it is expected that most stores will, as usual, offer the majority of their discounts in their winter collection in January, with offers already beginning in some stores.
According to Trade and Industry Officer Savvas Savvas Savva, consumers should be informed about the store's policy on returns and changes, especially during this period, because there may be some variations due to sales, which is up to the policy of each store. He clarified that there is no legal framework for this and that stores are free to determine their own return policies; however, they must inform their customers of their policies in advance. He also urged customers to be cautious and to inquire about the return policy.
Mr. Savva clarified that a store might refund money, accept a return for the total amount a product was purchased, exchange the product purchased before the sale for the reduced sale price, or refuse to accept it for a return at all.
The advertising of sales and discounts: what constitutes an infringement?
The previous sale price of the product should absolutely be mentioned when indicating discounts, it was noted. The new price or percentage of the discount should then be indicated.
In cases where there is a misleading claim and the consumer discovers that a price is advertised as reduced while remaining the same as in the pre-discount period, he stated that there is an infringement and the consumer can file a complaint.
He also advised customers to report any misleading window displays about discounts.
"For instance, if a window display advertises discounts of up to 60% and the customer discovers inside the store that these discounts are only valid on a select few items that are dispersed throughout the store, then again there is a misleading claim," he said.
If any violations are discovered, consumers should report them to the Consumer Hotline at 1429. Consumers are usually directed to the online complaint form, where they can attach any information they have. It is also possible that the complaint can be made anonymously through the line and forwarded to Ministry inspectors for appropriate checks.
What customers should know about online shopping
Concerning online purchases and discounts, Savva stated that there is also the possibility of control, with the legislation being more favorable to the consumer, as it gives him the right to withdraw from the purchase he has made, and the money he has given is returned. This should apply to all online stores, as opposed to brick-and-mortar stores, which can set their own refund policy.
He went on to say that the legislation governing online shopping is the same for all shops in the EU. He also stated that the United Kingdom continues to maintain its European Consumer Centre.
Consumers should be cautious about where they buy, as the majority of complaints received by the Consumer Line are about purchases from unknown websites, particularly those that advertise on social media and cannot be tracked. He added that if the relevant agencies cannot find the website, it is difficult for them to intervene.
In the case of well-known websites, the European Consumer Centre, housed in the Ministry of Commerce, takes over, and action is taken throughout the country where the shop is located. Consumers can call 1429, which will connect them with the appropriate European Consumer Centre officials.
Mr. Savva also urged consumers to be especially cautious when making online purchases of branded products advertised at exorbitantly low prices, primarily from unknown websites that do not provide contact information.
He concluded that the Ministry of Commerce will launch an organized campaign this week with more intensive checks to prevent and correct situations.
