CCPC issues warning ahead of 'Black Friday'
CCPC encouraging consumers to do their research and be cautious about taking offers at face value
Ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is reminding online shoppers of the importance of checking where a business is based before they buy.
This follows research, commissioned by the CCPC, which shows that the majority of those who shop online look to the currency and IP address of the website before they buy goods.
The CCPC’s insights show that 2 in 5 (39%) consumers are planning to make a purchase during the upcoming Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Younger consumers are most likely to avail of the sales, with 75% of under-25s reporting that they are likely to make a purchase. Of those intending to snap up a bargain, 8 in 10 (79%) plan to carry out pre-sale research on prices to confirm that the retailer’s marked discount reflects the previous full price. However, pre-sale price checks were least likely to be carried out by those under 25 (28%).
The CCPC is encouraging consumers to do their research and to be cautious about taking offers at face value.
The CCPC is also reminding consumers that neither can be used as guarantees of a business’s location and is urging them to check for a registered address before they buy, to ensure they have strong rights under EU consumer protection law.
Grainne Griffin, Director of Communications with the CCPC said: “In light of the recent reports of shortages and delays, businesses also need to be aware that if they advertise a product for sale with delivery by a certain date, they need to stand by that commitment. In recent weeks, we took enforcement action against a business for misleading consumers about the availability of Play Station 5’s last Christmas. We will continue to monitor for similar misleading practices this Christmas and will use our powers to take enforcement actions against traders who breach consumer protection law.”
If any consumer needs additional information on their consumer rights, of they are having difficulty with a purchase they can visit the website at www.ccpc.ie, or call our helpline on 01 402 5555.