Hundreds of dresses of Marie Antoinette, a few dozen pairs of gloves of Mary Lincoln, addiction to buying clothes and furniture of George Washington. The obsession of buying may reach each of us - both women and men. The shops ending their seasonal sales may take advantage of this weakness. UOKiK reminds how not to fall into the trap of "bargain shopping" during these last days

High air temperature in Poland is a sign of the ongoing shopping fever. In some EU countries, the dates are designated by the administrative authorities, and in others the shops decide when to sell goods at a promotional price. It is good to know that there are some limitations. Seasonal sale in Poland takes place only at the end of summer or winter, and should last up to maximum 30 days. When choosing a product, as much as 76 percent consumers follow the price - according to CBOS* research published this year. Many people are rubbing their hands at the thought of saving money maintaining the same quality, but will we really gain this year?

Missing buttons

Example: John bought the shirts on sale - two for the price of one. He could not miss such a bargain. When he returned home, it turned out that the buttons are missing. Can he claim them, even though their price was reduced? Advice: John can file a complaint to the seller within two years of purchase, but no later than two months after the detection of the defect. Of course, he will need the evidence of purchase - a receipt. Remember – when buying the product for reduced price you have the same rights as when buying at regular price.

Together or separately?

Glass cleaner for free? For each PLN 100 spent cream as a gift? Verify whether that really is a promotion. Before placing the products in the cart, you may want to calculate, whether free is free indeed. It happens that when buying a set such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, we will pay more than if we take the same products separately. Remember that a product labeled as free must be free.

How to spend less?

You can lodge complaint to the seller within two years of purchase, but no later than two months after the detection of the defect. Of course, you will need the evidence of purchase - a receipt. Remember – when buying the product for reduced price you have the same rights as when buying at regular price

It is advisable to practice one’s habits. Example: Adam bought perfume for his wife, whose value paid at the checkout was higher than the price listed on the shelf. Advice: If Adam noticed the difference, he should reclaim the money he overpaid. We have the right to buy a commodity at a price that is on the shelf. It is also a good practice to carefully compare the offers of undertakings before making a purchase. This will allow for choosing the cheaper product of equal quality. Sometimes, the cost of the product in a promotional brochure is different from the price in a shop, or advertisement suggests a 70 percent reduction in the whole range of products, and, in fact, the promotion relates to small quantities of goods.

Unwanted shoes

Example: After several hours in the mall Kasia bought red high-heeled shoes on sale. After three days she found that they do not fit her clothes, which she had in the closet. Advice: if the seller has assured Kasia about the possibility to return the product within the specified time, she should go with the shoes to the shop. Pursuant to the law, the seller is not obliged to accept a product that is not defective - it only depends on his good will. Moreover, if Kasia picked wrong size of the shoes and wanted to exchange them for larger ones, the seller does not have to agree to it. The shop may also stipulate conditions for the replacement with another product, e.g. on condition of providing the packaging box or a set of tags. Therefore, before making a purchase it is worth considering whether you really need another similar thing.

Low price? Do not lose your head

When buying hundreds of dresses, Marie Antoinette probably was not guided by their price. A consumer who is not so rich usually calculates the cost of purchased products. He will be more willing to put them into the shopping cart when their price is attractive. The prices ending with the magical 99, the appropriate arrangement of goods on the shelf, the music, they all encourage the purchase. The undertakings tempt, the consumers pay - sometimes too much. During the sales time it is worth remembering, above all, to prepare a detailed shopping list and critically evaluate the colorful advertisements of seasonal discounts - not all are a bargain for us. It's then easier to avoid another similar pair of shoes.

Assistance

The shop customers will obtain free assistance in pursuing their rights at the poviat or municipal consumer ombudsmen at the municipal offices or poviat starosts’ offices, or at the phone number 0800 007 707 available Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Additionally, the consumers may receive free advice at the local branch offices of the Federation of Consumers. Irregularities in organization of promotions can also be notified to the Voivodeship Inspectorates of Trade Inspection.

Additional information for the media:
Małgorzata Cieloch, Spokesperson for UOKiK
Department of International Relations and Communication
Pl. Powstańców Warszawy 1, 00-950 Warszawa
Tel.  +48 22 827 28 92, 55 60 106, 55 60 314
faks  +48 22 826 11 86
E-mail: [SCODE]bWFsZ29yemF0YS5jaWVsb2NoQHVva2lrLmdvdi5wbA==[ECODE]

*http://www.cbos.pl/SPISKOM.POL/2011/K_005_11.PDF