Ever since people started buying things, sellers and producers have tried to get them to pick their product over their competitors’, or to buy more of their product than they used to before. In order to convince people of their product’s supremacy, they are willing to go to extreme lengths, which sometimes even include deception and untruthfulness. In case you are an avid online shopper, here are some things that you should keep in mind when shopping so as not to become a victim of false advertising.
Make sure that key information is present
Sometimes, you may be faced with the product of your dreams, but do not let that stop you from checking out everything that is stated in the advertisement. You should always carefully go through the text and look for key information that will inform you about the product that you are thinking of buying. Unless the ad is very clear about what they offer, always take it with a grain of salt.
Observe the prices
A good advertisement should always tell you how much money you are about to spend on a product. It is not funny at all when you buy something expecting to pay one amount, only to be bombarded with added taxes and expenses. It is not only very unpleasant but sometimes you will not have enough money with you.
Check the facts
This goes hand in hand with market research. Advertising companies hire professionals to test the market and the product in order to create the best advertisement possible. This enables them to back up their claims that they put in the ad.
For example, if the ad is for a beauty product, there should be results of clinical testing included, to ensure the safety of the customers who buy it.
Do not be fooled by praises
Sometimes, the advertisement will praise and exaggerate the capabilities or characteristics of a certain product, claiming that it is the only solution you need. This is highly unlikely, and you should always be careful with these claims, as they are very often indicative of a scam or a low-quality product.
Be suspicious with big discounts
This one can mostly be applied to shopping for electronics. If you come across an ad that promises a massive discount on a piece of electronic equipment, there is a danger of the seller trying to sell you a version of the product with characteristics that are weaker than the standard version of the product you are buying. These types of advertising scams are very present during huge sales, so be careful when you see sales that sound too good to be true, and always read the fine print.
Sales that are not sales
Many people noticed this, but it is not always easy to spot. Big supermarkets often tend to increase the price of their product before a sale, so that, when it comes on sale, the discount price is no different from the regular price. This is why you should always double-check the prices of products and compare them with other retailers.
