Black Friday and co.

Tips for bargain hunters who buy smart

Prices are tumbling just in time for the start of the Christmas shopping season. However, cheap products - especially online - are not without risk.(Bild: stock adobe )

Christian Koisser, consumer protection officer at the Burgenland Chamber of Labor, warns against false offers and fake stores

For many, the bargain hunt in November is the starting signal for Christmas gift shopping. However, supposed discount campaigns on the Internet often conceal a risk for the buyer. The Chamber of Labor's consumer protection department therefore advises caution when it comes to particularly low prices. "Before ordering online, you should always check whether there is an error-free imprint, existing general terms and conditions as well as information on withdrawal and return rights, data protection regulations and quality marks. This gives you an indication of the seriousness of the company," says consumer protection expert Christian Koisser.

If you have any questions about unsafe online purchases or problems, the experts at the Burgenland Chamber of Labor will be happy to help and advise you on 02682/740.(Bild: Roman Felder)

A price comparison is also recommended. This is because retailers often assume a high list price. This means that the supposed bargain quickly becomes a normal-price product: "To avoid falling for this trick, it is worth cross-checking on price comparison websites such as geizhals.at or idealo.at - even if pressure is exerted with a countdown or extremely limited availability."

There are also pitfalls with online reservations and personal pick-ups. Therefore, clarify the right of withdrawal before concluding the contract.

Konsumentenschutz-Experte Christian Koisser

It is also worth taking a look at hidden additional costs and shipping charges to avoid any nasty surprises in the event of a return. To protect your own bank details, you should ensure secure, encrypted data transfer: "Avoid advance payments with unknown stores." If you don't want online retailers to create profiles of your purchasing behavior in order to place targeted advertising, you should delete your browser history and cookies after shopping.