experts remind us of “good manners” before buying online

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According to the Federation of e-commerce and distance selling (FEVAD), 160 billion euros were spent online in 2023. Online purchasing has become a regular practice for consumers.

A few weeks before Christmas and a few days before the Black Friday promotional period, the Directorate General for Competition, Consumption and Fraud Repression (DGCCRF) of Loire" rel="tag">Pays de la Loire reminded Pitfalls to avoid when buying online.

Tips for “buying well online”

“You have to ask yourself questions before making any purchase,” says Jean-Marie Sanchezdeputy departmental director of population protection in Loire-Atlantique (departmental branch of the DGCCRF).

Consumer protection professionals recommend six questions to ask yourself before making any online purchase:

• “Who will I buy from?” » ;
• “What product will I buy”;
• “What is the price of the product on the market? » ;
• “When will the product be delivered?” » ;
• “Can I withdraw?” » ;
• “What should I do if the product doesn’t work?” “.

To identify the seller, buyers can consult the legal notices. “ Legal notices must be mentioned just like the company name,” describes Jessica Develles, DGCCRF inspector.

These elements allow us to know who we are going to buy from and who the customer can turn to in the event of a problem.

Online consumption must provide the same information that we can find on a product offered in store.

“Online purchasing represents a risk”

The DGCCRF hammered this home during a press conference organized thisTuesday November 19 in Nantes: any online purchase represents a risk. Hence the need to ask questions.

“When we buy online, we want to go quickly. It is by taking the time to answer these questions that the client can avoid disappointments,” notes Jean-Marie Sanchez.

The administration particularly encourages consumers to compare market prices for the desired product and not to “blindly trust reviews on the internet”.

Another point of vigilance raised by professionals: messages from sellers to encourage customers to consume.

“Sometimes it is mentioned low stock or “two products remaining”. In 99% of cases, the seller seeks to create a sense of urgency among the consumer. The latter does not take the time to ask questions,” cites Jessica Develles as an example.

“When you buy online, you have to take your time and compare,” concludes Jean-Marie Sanchez.

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