The Cyprus Consumer Association has issued recommendations for shoppers ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which fall on the last Friday and the following Monday of November, respectively. These shopping events offer consumers the opportunity to purchase a wide range of products online at significantly discounted prices.

The association advises consumers to conduct thorough research by identifying products of interest and noting their prices beforehand. This enables a better understanding of the actual discount levels during the shopping period. Consumers are also cautioned against purchasing products—even those offered at highly attractive prices—from questionable online stores. Red flags include websites lacking full contact details (e.g., email, address, phone number) or those that rely solely on social media platforms like Viber or Messenger for communication.

Consumers are further encouraged to avoid purchasing toys and cosmetics from international platforms. The majority of these products often fail to comply with EU safety and health regulations.

The association warns against falling for exceptionally large discounts, noting that in many cases, such offers may be deceptive or limited to a very small quantity of items.

Shoppers should review product features carefully to ensure they meet their needs and preferences. When shopping on platforms, it is essential to pay close attention to critical information, such as delivery times, availability, and potential delays due to global supply chain issues. Additionally, reading product reviews and comparing prices across different vendors or considering alternative products can help make more informed decisions.

The association highlights the need for vigilance when subscribing to newsletters, which often invite consumers to express interest in specific products and receive early updates on discounts. Personal information provided through these subscriptions is frequently used by sellers to create personalized profiles for targeted promotions that may follow users across the web.

Before making any purchase, consumers should evaluate the reliability and quality of the seller’s service. They should also familiarize themselves with the seller’s return policy and ensure they receive proof of payment. It is recommended to double-check the final price to confirm that the discount has been applied. Shoppers should also check whether the seller participates in alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, such as those offered by the Cyprus Consumer Association, for addressing consumer complaints.

The association references a February 20, 2024, study by Toy Industries of Europe (TIE), which revealed that 18 out of 19 toys purchased from the Chinese platform TEMU posed safety risks for children, violating EU toy safety regulations. Similarly, in October 2023, Italy’s consumer organization “Altroconsumo” found that 9 out of 13 cosmetics purchased from another platform either failed to include a complete ingredient list or listed only partial information.

The Cyprus Consumer Association reminds shoppers that for online or off-premises purchases, they have the right to withdraw from the transaction within 14 days of receiving the product. However, this right may not apply if the purchase is made from platforms operated by companies based in non-EU countries.

By following these guidelines, consumers can make safer and more informed choices during the high-pressure shopping events of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.