The January sales have begun on major shopping platforms and will roll out in stores first thing in the morning. To get the most out of the discounts and avoid overspending, some clear guidance is helpful before hitting the shopping carts.
Consumer groups advise resisting the urge to chase every bargain and instead focus on what is really needed. Pulling back now can prevent bringing home items just because they are on sale, turning a potential saving into unnecessary spending.
The first recommendation from the Consumers and Users Association (OCU) is straightforward: consider needs before leaving the store, make a list, and budget carefully to avoid impulse buys.
January sales present a chance to acquire necessary products at lower prices, but it is essential to understand how discounts work and what to expect from them.
It is important to verify that the item is genuine or properly discounted and to clearly note the discount percentage. The product should be part of the store’s regular range for at least a month, and if there are only a few prices, those should serve as the lowest reference.
The quality of items should not decline in sales events. Sales should not involve defective or damaged goods, promotions or liquidations, nor items specially produced for sale events.
Different payment terms
Can sellers set different payment terms during the sale period? The OCU’s position is clear: retailers may adjust their sales policies and implement changes to card payments, returns, money-back options, or the acceptability window for changes. Sellers must clearly inform buyers of any such changes.
It should be remembered that the sale reduces only the price, not consumer rights. The Ministry of Consumption emphasizes that basic protections, such as guarantees, still apply.
Even when items are discounted, they must retain a valid warranty period. Buyers should receive a receipt or invoice, as these documents are necessary for returns or warranty claims.
Returns depend on purchase mode: online purchases grant at least a fourteen-day cooling-off period, while in-store returns depend on the retailer offering that option.
Physical stores are not required to accept returns unless there is a defect. If refunds are offered, they may be issued as store credit or coupons, but the amount must reflect what was paid, even if the price drops at the time of refund.
Regarding payment methods, businesses typically accept the same methods they offer, and if not, they should clearly warn customers or remove acceptance indicators. Prices must not vary based on payment type, whether card, financing, or cash.
Finally, if a shopper is dissatisfied and suspects a trader is not complying with the law, they should request a form from the General Directorate of Consumer Affairs or the Municipal Consumer Information Offices (OMIC), complete it, and submit the original to the appropriate authority.
Shopping with stores that participate in the consumer arbitration system offers a clear advantage. It provides a quicker, cheaper resolution for disputes, without going to court, benefiting both sides. [Cite: OCUs guidance and Ministry of Consumption regulations for consumer rights during sales.]