Tips for successful sales and not getting scammed

The summer sales are here, and retailers have been welcoming their customers since June 26. The good weather returned this week, but the French are experiencing a period of collective uncertainty that is not necessarily conducive to spending. How to get a good deal during these sales? Fanny Guinochet’s suggestions.

That’s it, a few days ago, the sales started. We are talking about it today with Fanny Guinochet.

franceinfo: Some advice today for doing business, that’s still the objective, but also to avoid the pitfalls?

Fanny Guinochet: Yes, especially since this summer 2024 edition promises nice discounts with minus 50%, minus 60%, minus 70%, because traders have many stocks on their hands, after a gloomy spring, where sales were not. were not good. So, that leaves possibilities, even a few days after the sales start.

For example, this first weekend, the most popular sizes should remain at a very low price. But of course, if you absolutely want an item that you have spotted, you should not wait. Especially since sellers, we remind you, do not have the right to restock on sale products, so you could miss out. We also remind you that sales are the only periods when the merchant can sell his merchandise at a loss.

But are you telling us to be vigilant?

Yes, because there are abuses. For example, the seller is not obliged to settle everything. And one of the most common tips is to mix sale and non-sale items in the same department, or on the same rack. And if you’re not careful, you’ll inevitably pay a high price.

Also watch out for fake discounts, the main trap denounced by consumer associations. Be aware that during sales, there is an obligation for the seller to display the initial price next to the sale price. And some retailers inflate the starting price to make you believe in a great promo. So to spot and if there really is an interesting discount, try to look at the prices first. Try to compare with competitors, before buying.

But indeed, there are somewhat disingenuous practices on the Internet?

So the Internet is not a lawless zone, you have to know that, including during sales. The same obligations apply. Look carefully, for example, at any additional costs, i.e. package preparation, delivery, and administration costs, which the seller can try to make up for, especially at the moment, when they are cutting prices elsewhere.

And for refunds, how does it work during sales?

Sales or not, the merchant must exchange, refund, repair an item that has a hidden defect, a manufacturing defect or a lack of conformity. On the other hand, if the item does not suit you, if you change your mind or if it is not the right size, then the merchant is absolutely not obliged to take it back. If he does, it is a commercial gesture.