Compare prices and think carefully before making a purchase – the decision is yours!

In the face of attractive discounts and promotions, we encourage you to practice mindful consumption. Take the time to compare prices and consider whether the purchase is truly necessary. A good deal is only a good deal if it genuinely meets your needs.

Don’t blindly trust promotions

A large discount doesn't always mean it's a good deal. Advertisers may exaggerate the actual price reduction. Be cautious of slogans like "€50 instead of €100" or "70% mega discount." Always verify the original price and its history.
Also, look at our dossier on 'Dark Patterns' - deceptive online techniques designed to manipulate your choices.

It's crucial to understand that artificially inflating a price before applying a discount is illegal. Such practices are considered price deception. By law, any advertised discount must reflect a genuine reduction, based on the lowest price in the 30 days prior to the promotion.

Check user reviews before buying

A five-star rating on an online store doesn’t always mean a product is of good quality. It may have just one review or be influenced by fake ratings.

Do not rely solely on the overall rating of reviews; instead, carefully read their content and verify whether the professional guarantees that the reviews come from actual sales in order to protect yourself from fake reviews. Be cautious of overly positive comments, reviews that appear to be advertisements, or a large number of reviews posted on the same date. These signs should raise red flags. The purpose of a review is to help you make an informed purchasing decision based on genuine evaluations and recommendations. The absence of verification does not guarantee that a review is authentic. In general, this essential information should be clearly and prominently displayed.

Check the terms and conditions

Always verify the total price, including delivery fees, and carefully review the terms and conditions, as well as the return and warranty policies. Some websites link to third-party sales platforms. Make sure no other sellers are listed apart from the one on the site you're visiting. If you purchase from a third-party seller, be sure to review the platform's terms for external purchases, along with any specific conditions from the seller.

Prefer online purchases within the EU

It’s recommended to shop on Luxembourg-based or EU websites for better security regarding warranties and customer service.

When buying from non-EU sites, you may incur additional costs such as VAT, taxes, customs duties, and import fees, which are usually paid directly to the carrier upon delivery. Since Brexit, these fees also apply to packages from the United Kingdom.

Beware of phishing and cyber scams

If an offer seems too good to be true, proceed with caution. Links in ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or even emails may redirect you to fake websites created by cybercriminals. Entering personal or payment information could lead to identity theft or drained bank accounts.

Always check the sender's address and inspect the URL in emails or ads. Make sure the payment is secure by looking for "https" or the padlock logo next to the URL.

For more tips on safe online shopping, feel free to consult our dossier on worry-free online shopping.

Check your order upon delivery

Stay vigilant even after making a purchase. The seller is responsible for ensuring that the product you receive matches your order. If the delivered item is incorrect or damaged, the seller is at fault, but it’s important for the buyer to verify the product’s condition quickly.

If you notice an issue right away, refuse the package and return it. If the problem is discovered after opening, contact the seller promptly via their provided communication methods, such as email. If there is no response, send a registered letter.

Keep evidence, such as photos of any discrepancies, to support your claim. You can then request a replacement or a refund.

Adopt responsible consumption

Many websites feature promotions for products you don’t really need. To avoid impulsive purchases, it’s helpful to create a list of items you want and check if any are on sale.

For more mindful shopping, consider factors such as product repairability, the availability of spare parts, energy consumption, and delivery distance. For further insights on responsible consumption, feel free to consult our dossier on responsible consumption.