Tag: misleading

One in three traders incorrectly display discounts online during Black Friday and Cyber Monday

The European Commission and consumer protection authorities from 23 Member States as well as Iceland and Norway, released the results of a sweep of online discounts during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.

Ireland’s consumer watchdog, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), participated in the sweep of over three hundred online retailers. Tackling misleading discounts has been a priority for the CCPC since the introduction of new sales pricing rules, with successful prosecutions brought against a number of retailers including Boots, DID Electrical and Brown Thomas Arnotts.

Sweeps are coordinated by the European Commission and carried out simultaneously by national enforcement authorities. The objective of this sweep was to assess whether discounts and pricing practices during major sales events, such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, were compliant with EU consumer law.

Consumer protection authorities checked 314 online traders selling a range of goods such as cosmetics, fashion, furniture and electrical goods, and found that 30% referenced discounts incorrectly during such sales. Under the Price Indications Directive, when a business announces a discount, the price of reference must be the lowest price applied in the past 30 days. The CCPC has previously published a set of guidelines on sales pricing.

Authorities also assessed other sales tactics that may influence consumers’ purchasing decisions. Out of the traders screened:

  • 36% attempted to add optional items to consumers’ baskets. Of those, four in ten did so without clearly requesting consent.
  • 34% displayed price comparisons. 6 in 10 of those did not clearly explain what the reference for their price comparison was.
  • 18% used pressure-selling techniques, such as claiming a product is running out or using countdown timers. The authorities identified that more than half of these cases were misleading. A pressure-selling technique can be considered misleading, for example, when its claim of scarcity is fake.
  • 10% used “drip pricing”, where extra fees are added late in the purchasing process, such as shipping or service fees.

Adding items without the consumer’s consent, displaying prices in a misleading way, claiming falsely that a product is running out, or hiding extra fees until the end of the process are illegal practices under EU consumer law. Following the sweep, national consumer authorities may take action against the businesses concerned.

Helen Martin, Member of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) said,

“Consumers have a legal right to clear pricing information, and businesses must not mislead consumers into thinking they’re getting a better deal than they really are. Businesses should know that we are monitoring and have successfully taken traders to court for fake discounts. Transparency in pricing allows consumers to shop with confidence and ensures a level playing field for businesses.”

Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, said: 

“Trust is essential for both consumers and businesses. Misleading discounts and false ‘promotions’ undermine that trust. EU consumer protection rules strike a careful balance, ensuring a fair market that serves the interests of both businesses and consumers. This sweep gives us a comprehensive view of the market, helping us identify where further action is needed to keep it fair, transparent, and competitive.”

Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said:

“Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer great opportunities for both businesses and consumers. However, a great bargain is no excuse to cheat the rules. Consumers expect a fair treatment, whether they are shopping online or offline. Our sweep should act as a reminder: Businesses that treat their customers fairly always benefit.”

Almost two-thirds of car TikToks are misleading

Now more than ever drivers are turning to TikTok for guidance and advice for all things relating to their cars. #CarTok has become a booming niche, with over 876 million videos around tips and hacks, interior trends and more for your vehicle [1].

With a growing number of #CarTok videos, Auto Trader, has analysed over 100 TikTok videos to determine whether the advice given should be followed by drivers or should be met with caution.

The #CarTok niches that should be met with caution

81% of car cleaning videos could lead to more damage to your vehicle

After analysing a sample of car cleaning related videos on TikTok, Auto Trader found that 81% contained tips which should not be followed as they could damage your vehicle.

Many of the ‘hack’ videos used household items like toothpaste or coconut oil to remove marks, while others advised drivers to use items such as a mop to clean the exterior of their car. In some cases, drivers were even advised to attach a toilet brush to a drill to remove dirt from their car mat. While drivers might find using common household objects to clean their cars appealing, Auto Trader advises people to always use specialist products to avoid potential damage from harsh chemicals or unsuitable objects.

90% of car repair videos should be met with caution 

TikTok searches for “car repairs” reach a staggering 365,000 searches each month, as an increasing number of drivers are turning to TikTok for help with their vehicles [2]. Many of the car repair videos analysed were from mechanics showing how to professionally fix damages such as car scratches or how to perform a car service. While these videos offer practical advice, these hacks shouldn’t be followed if you are inexperienced as it could lead to more damage in the long run.

The #CarTok niches with the most helpful advice

72% of car maintenance tips are helpful to drivers 

Many drivers may not understand the preventative maintenance checks they can do regularly to spot any issues ahead of time, with drivers increasingly turning to TikTok for advice on car maintenance.

Auto Trader’s research found that 72% of car maintenance videos are helpful to drivers. Many of these TikTok videos were created by professionals offering accurate, detailed and useful advice. Some tips included how to check your shock absorbers, prepping your vehicle for colder weather conditions and how to check your oil and tyre pressure.

68% of driving tips videos are helpful, especially for learner drivers

TikTok is known for its short form content, allowing complex information to be condensed into more manageable chunks. Many of the videos around driving tips are targeted towards learner drivers. 68% of these videos offer practical advice for learner drivers and are often created by driving instructors. They provide practical tips ahead of your driving test or how to know when you’re ready to take your test.

Erin Baker, Editorial Director at Auto Trader comments: “TikTok is becoming one of the go-to search engines, offering inspiration and education content from experienced creators. But drivers should be wary as many videos on TikTok are intended to shock audiences and to gain traction and engagement. We found that a staggering 59% of the videos offer advice that is not recommended to drivers and could potentially leave your vehicle with more damage if followed.”

Lease vehicle owners should be cautious of car hacks they see online. While these tips might offer quick, cost-effective solutions, they can lead to further damage that your lease agreement won’t cover. Although maintenance packages within your lease agreement cover basic wear and tear, drivers are advised to consult professionals to avoid any unexpected charges at the end of their agreement.