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The winter sales are here! Until February 4, 2025, you can dive into an avalanche of bargains. But be careful, this effervescent period can also become a minefield for reckless buyers. Fraud, counterfeits and misleading promotions lurk with every click.
To take full advantage of these winter sales, adopt a well-honed strategy and protect your wallet.
Distinguishing real offers from false promises
THE impressive discount labels do not always mean real savings. In fact, some sellers purposely inflate prices just before sales, giving the illusion of discounts in their store. To avoid this type of trap, monitor the prices of coveted items several weeks before the winter sales.
This way, you will have a clear view of fluctuations and easily spot the really advantageous promotions. THE online comparators or the specialized browser extensions in price monitoring are also preferred tools.
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Winter sales: official start and end dates, depending on your department
THE opinions of other consumers also provide valuable insight into the trustworthiness of a merchant or promotion. Whether on forums or social networks, this feedback helps avoid unpleasant surprises during the winter sales.
Finally, there are the loyalty programs offered by certain brands. They often provide additional benefits during this period, especially in the form of discounts or vouchers. These will make your shopping even more interesting.
Fight against counterfeiting in winter sales
THE branded products and the technology items are at the top of the categories most affected by counterfeiting. Buying online, especially during winter sales, can expose consumers to this type of scam.
To protect yourself from this, it is better to favor official brand websites or the recognized platforms for their seriousness. For example, ordering directly from the Nike or Apple website guarantees the authenticity of the products.
In the market places, a careful examination of product sheets also proves to be crucial. Blurry descriptions, poor quality images or unusually low prices should always arouse suspicion.
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Heavy fine and suspension of your driving license if you do not respect these legal obligations
Furthermore, check the reputation of the seller. To do this, consult the reviews left by other buyers to avoid unpleasant surprises.
When it comes to high-tech products on winter sales, you also need a comparison of technical characteristics. Indeed, comparing them with those appearing on the manufacturer’s official website can be a good way to detect a possible counterfeit.
Secure your purchases for the winter sales
Sales excitement should never override caution. Cybercriminals often take advantage of this period to increase phishing attempts or create fraudulent sites. Verifying the security of a site involves observing the presence of a padlock in the address bar, indicating that the site uses an HTTPS protocol.
To limit the risks, also favor payment methods offering guarantees. For example bank cards or other secure payment services. These solutions make it possible to contest a transaction in the event of a dispute. Conversely, direct bank transfers represent a risky choice, especially when the merchant site is little known.
Finally, remain vigilant against overly generous offers during the winter sales. A product displayed at -70%especially if it is a popular item like a smartphone or a pair of designer sneakers, should immediately arouse suspicion. Taking the time to verify the authenticity of the offer can avoid costly disappointments.
