A sample from the Bavarian Consumer Center confirms that consumers cannot rely on this impression of cheaper prices on Black Friday.
Sample Black Friday deals
Ten online shops were examined from October 24th to Black Friday on November 25th, 2022. The Bavarian consumer advice center observed the prices of a smartphone, a tablet and a Bluetooth speaker and compared them with the prices on Black Friday.
“The sample revealed that the discounts were not as high as they appeared at first glance. Consumers would even have received some products cheaper on another day.”
Tatjana Halm, lawyer at the Bavarian Consumer Center
Providers often use tricks when it comes to price reductions
As of May 28, 2022, when making a markdown, retailers must quote the lowest price charged within the last 30 days. An exception to this is a comparison with the “recommended retail price”. This is exactly what providers take advantage of. They compare the reduced price with the often much higher recommended retail price and can thus advertise supposedly high discounts.
What's particularly annoying for consumers is that the product is sometimes more expensive on Black Friday than on any other day before.
“In our view, there is a gap in the law that must be closed by the legislature. If a price reduction is compared with the recommended retail price, consumers must be informed whether the product was previously cheaper. This is the only way they can make an informed purchasing decision.”
Tatjana Halm, lawyer at the Bavarian Consumer Center
Prices should better be compared over the longer term
The Bavarian Consumer Center advises not to allow yourself to be put under pressure by supposedly high discounts, especially on promotional days. If expensive purchases are coming up, it is worth comparing the prices over the long term beforehand. More information on this and many other topics can be found at www.verbraucherzentrale-bayern.de , on Instagram and in the podcast “The Consumer Heroes” .
Source:
Bavarian consumer advice center
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