Black Friday: The 9 most common dangers when finding bargains online

Black Friday is once again offering discounts and promotions this year.

However, discount fever and buying frenzy sometimes lead to a rude awakening: behind many attractive offers there is pure fraud and fake shops also let bargain hunters fall into the trap. The Internet Ombudsman points out nine common dangers when shopping online, gives tips and offers free advice at www.ombudsstelle.at if problems arise.

The countdown with announcements and offers has been running for weeks - today it officially starts: Black Week 2022, which culminates on Black Friday (November 25th) and is immediately extended with Cyber ​​Monday (November 28th).

Numerous discounts make the hearts of those willing to shop beat faster and the cash registers of the suppliers ring. But there are also many traps lurking, especially on bargain occasions like Black Friday. Almost 90 percent of all Austrians would like it to be easier to find out which online shops are reputable. This emerges from a current study by the Austrian E-Commerce Quality Mark, which was carried out Safer Shopping Month

Karl Gladt, head of the Internet Ombudsman, knows the most common problems when shopping online, which are particularly common around Black Friday: “The enthusiasm for bargains often leads to consumers not questioning offers or not taking a closer look at online shops take. Fraudsters also know this and are becoming increasingly active. Bait offers and later cancellations can also cause trouble.”

The Internet Ombudsman therefore points out the most common dangers and is available to provide free advice and dispute resolution in an emergency.

Problem 1: Enticement offers

What may seem like a good offer at first glance unfortunately often turns out to be just a lure offer upon closer inspection.

Tip: Compare prices! Price comparison portals like Geizhals help to get a better idea of ​​a really cheap price.  

Problem 2: Fake shops

Fraudulent online shops that e.g. B. No goods delivered despite payment are becoming more and more common. If you are unsure about typical features (e.g. dumping prices, no imprint), it is best to rely on online shops with quality marks.

Tip: Pay attention to trustworthy payment methods - caution is advised when paying in advance. However, we recommend purchasing by invoice, direct debit, credit card or PayPal - here you can object or charge back or at least additional buyer protection applies. Current warnings are available at www.watchlist-internet.at .

Problem 3: Impulse purchases

When you're in a buying frenzy, it's easy to become overextended - a problem that you can't blame on online retailers.

Tip: The Internet Ombudsman therefore recommends that you make a list of the products you would like to have before Black Friday so that you don't get carried away with excessive impulse purchases that you later regret. 

Problem 4: False discounts

Some providers are happy to use any means in the bidding war - even tricked-out discounts where the price has been increased beforehand.

Tip: Pay attention to the comparisons provided; in the event of a false price reduction, there is also legal backing. Since this year there has been a stricter regulation: For discounts - for example for "instead" prices (9.99 € instead of 19.99 €) or percentage discounts - only the lowest price of the last 30 days can be used and not the non-binding price Manufacturer's recommended price can be used as a comparison.

Problem 5: High buying pressure 

“Only three items left in stock” – and you can buy before someone else bags the (alleged) mega bargain.

Tip: Don't allow yourself to be put under pressure to buy, as retailers often change their offers and prices several times a day. You shouldn't necessarily believe that only a few pieces are available anymore. Often the items are still in stock or will soon be available again.  

Problem 6: Long delivery times 

Frustration is inevitable: You get a great deal on Black Friday - but then it doesn't even arrive in time for Christmas.

Tip: Pay attention to the stated delivery time! The provider must deliver the goods within this period. If this is not the case - despite a valid contract - and you have to purchase the product elsewhere at a higher price, the difference may be charged to the dealer - unless the dealer is in no way responsible for the delay in delivery.  

Problem 7: Subsequent cancellations

It often happens that online retailers do not keep their Black Friday delivery promises and cancel an order afterwards. This is particularly annoying if you forego the cheap offer from another online shop.

Tip: If an order has been accepted and a purchase contract has thereby been effectively concluded, the retailer may not simply cancel the order, but must also deliver it at the agreed price. 

Problem 8: Regretted order 

Against your better judgment, you get carried away with an impulse purchase on Black Friday (see problem 3) and then regret the purchase.

Tip: The good news is called “right of withdrawal”. In online trading, a purchase contract may be canceled up to 14 days after delivery. This also applies to discounted goods. If necessary, the return shipping costs must be borne if the retailer has indicated this.  

Problem 9: Late decision

Sometimes buyers want to return a product later or, for example, For example, a gift that was ordered some time ago needs to be returned. However, the statutory right of withdrawal of 14 days may then already be over.

Tip: Some online retailers offer a longer return policy of up to 60 days or even more - so it's worth reading the conditions carefully. However, the specifications of the respective provider apply here (e.g. returns only with original packaging). In case of doubt, the Internet Ombudsman's office provides quick and uncomplicated advice.  

Please also read our WhatsApp warning about “Amazon Black Friday 2022”