Welcome to the world of summer sales — where signs screaming “70% off” are just bait for the gullible shoppers! Ever wondered why stores mostly offer winter clothes and damaged goods instead of actual summer wear? You’re not alone! Marko Dragić from the National Consumer Organization of Serbia reveals that retailers are masters of tricking buyers. The summer sale season runs from July 1st to July 15th, but for shoppers, it’s a season full of traps and scams.
Big Numbers, Tiny Savings
Retailers boast discounts up to 70%, but in reality, only a handful of items are truly discounted that much. Most “sale” items are winter clothes, damaged goods, or sizes that hardly anyone wears. Shoppers rush to windows plastered with signs like “sale”, “clearance”, “50% off”, but once inside, they realize it’s all smoke and mirrors.
Fines That Hit Hard
Marko Dragić warns that such scams should be reported because retailers can be fined up to two million dinars on the spot! Inspectors often receive complaints and photos showing goods falsely marked as discounted, which is illegal. But how many shoppers actually know their rights and dare to report fraud?
How They Trick Us
The tricks are many: prices are hiked just before the sale, then “discounted” back to the original price. On shelves labeled “starting at X dinars”, often only one item is that cheap, while the rest are pricier. Also, only one-fifth of the assortment should be genuinely discounted, but that rule is rarely followed.
The Real Rules of Sales
By law, retailers must clearly show old and new prices. Clearance sales last while stocks last, and promotions can last up to 30 days. But in practice, these are just words on paper. Consumers often fall victim to false advertising and shady tricks.
What Can Shoppers Do?
Be careful! Don’t fall for big flashy signs. Compare prices before and after discounts. Report scams to authorities. And remember — if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Conclusion
Summer sales have become a playground for retailers to squeeze as much money as possible from us using tricks and scams. Instead of enjoying shopping, you often end up with clothes you won’t even wear. Next time you see a “70% off” sign, ask yourself — is this a real discount or just another retail sham?
If you’ve encountered such scams or have your own tips on how not to get fooled, share them in the comments! Let’s get some common sense shouting through the sea of fake discounts!
