1. Understanding Deceptive Marketing Strategies

Companies use a variety of techniques to attract consumers' attention and generate fast sales:

A. La FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

The fear of missing out on a bargain drives many shoppers to act impulsively. Time counters or statements such as “offer valid while stocks last” are often used to create a sense of urgency, encouraging consumers to buy without thinking.

B. Overvaluation of reductions

Some companies display discounts on inflated prices. For example, a product that usually sells for €100 may be “offered” at €70 with a 30% discount. However, the reference price may have been artificial, making the offer less advantageous than it seems.

C. False Testimonials and Opinions

To lend credibility to their offers, some sites display positive customer reviews, which are often fabricated or exaggerated. This can mislead consumers about product quality, encouraging them to buy items that don't meet their expectations.

2. Consequences of impulse buying

Buying under the influence of a tempting promotion can have several negative consequences:

A. Dissatisfaction and returns

When the reality of the product doesn't match the expectations created by the offer, dissatisfaction is common. Consumers may end up with items of poor quality or that don't match the description, leading to returns that can be complicated and costly.

B. Financial impact

Impulse buying can also have a financial impact. By giving in to the lure of a misleading offer, consumers can empty their wallets on unnecessary or poor-quality products. This can also lead to debt if credit is used to finance these purchases.

C. Erosion of trust

Negative experiences linked to misleading offers can erode consumer confidence in e-commerce in general. This creates mistrust that can affect their future purchasing decisions and brand loyalty.

3. How to avoid the pitfalls of misleading offers?

Here are a few practical tips to help you navigate the world of e-commerce safely:

- Do your research: Before you buy, compare prices on several sites. Use tools like “CamelCamelCamel” to track price history on Amazon and determine whether an offer is a real bargain.​

- Read reviews with skepticism: Don't rely solely on reviews on the site. Consult third-party platforms for diverse, authentic opinions.

- Evaluate the site's credibility: Check the legal notices, return policy and customer service. A reliable site often offers clear and transparent information.

- Take your time: If an offer seems too good to be true, pause for a moment. Take time to think before you confirm your purchase to avoid regret later.

4. How to recognize a reliable site?

In this article, we describe how to recognize a reliable site for sure. This article is available by clicking just here.

Too-good-to-be-true offers may seem irresistible, but they often conceal deceptive marketing strategies that lead to undesirable consequences. By adopting a considered approach and remaining vigilant in the face of promotions, you can protect your budget and make informed purchasing choices. Remember: in the world of e-commerce, caution is always the order of the day! The Saferbuy testing institute's expert assessors are trained in these practices and keep abreast of new deceptive practices used by certain merchants.