Despite the tempting promises of Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts, the atmosphere in the Cypriot market this year feels noticeably more cautious.
In this climate, the Cyprus Consumers Association warns the public and urges them to prepare properly before making purchases. The organisation stresses that researching prices before the discount period is crucial, because it helps shoppers understand the real price of a product and detect false reductions. It also reminds consumers that, by law, businesses must calculate discounts based on the lowest price of the previous thirty days.
The Association advises extra caution when buying from unreliable online shops, especially those that offer no clear contact details or restrict communication to social media platforms. Risks increase when it comes to products such as toys and cosmetics. International consumer organisations have already identified serious safety breaches on third-country platforms, including the Chinese marketplace TEMU.
Consumers should treat extremely large discounts with scepticism, as they may apply to very limited stock or be misleading. They should also check product details carefully, as well as availability and delivery times, in order to avoid unpleasant delays.
The Association highlights the value of reliable reviews, evaluating the seller’s behaviour regarding warranties and service, and understanding return policies. It also urges consumers to check receipts before leaving the shop. For online purchases, the right to withdraw applies for 14 days, unless the platform operates outside the EU, where European rules do not apply.
Finally, citizens should check whether a business participates in alternative dispute-resolution schemes, such as the mechanism offered by the Cyprus Consumers Association. In cases of violations or complaints, the Association encourages shoppers to contact them or the Consumer Protection Service so that misleading or unfair practices can be addressed promptly.
This year’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday find Cypriot consumers more cautious and demanding. In a difficult economic environment, careful and informed buying may be the most valuable “discount” a consumer can secure.
Official announcement by the Cyprus Consumers Association
Black Friday began in the 1960s in the United States and marks the start of the Christmas shopping season. It takes place on the last Friday of November, followed by Cyber Monday, which gives consumers the chance to buy products online at very low prices.
However, the high cost of energy, price increases in everyday goods, inflationary pressures, and the war in Ukraine and the wider region have all affected Cypriots’ financial planning. As a result, consumer demand has dropped sharply. Rising living costs force households to adjust their behaviour, reduce non-essential spending, limit impulse purchases, and plan in order to manage their income more effectively.
To help consumers prepare and make the best use of offers during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the Cyprus Consumers Association recommends:
(1) Research the market early and record prices for products of interest, so you know the real discount later. According to Article 45 of Law 112(I)/2021, businesses must apply price reductions based on the lowest sale price of the last 30 days.
(2) Avoid buying products, even at attractive prices, from online stores that lack legal information or only communicate through social media apps such as Viber or Messenger.
(3) Avoid buying toys and cosmetics from international platforms. The Toy Industries of Europe reported on 20 February 2024 that 18 out of 19 toys purchased from TEMU posed safety risks. The Italian consumer organisation Altroconsumo found in October 2023 that 9 out of 13 cosmetics bought from the same platform either lacked full ingredient lists or contained only partial information.
(4) Treat exceptionally large discounts with caution, as they may be artificial or apply to very few items.
(5) Study product features carefully to ensure they match your needs. Pay close attention to availability and delivery timelines to avoid later disappointment.
(6) Search online for reviews about the product and compare prices from other sellers.
(7) Understand that price-reduction announcements may appear as percentages, price drops, or generic phrases such as “Special Price” or “Offer”.
(8) Be cautious when signing up for newsletters that request personal information for early updates on discounts, as this data is often used for personalised advertising.
(9) Check the seller’s reliability and customer service quality. Ask other consumers about their experiences, especially regarding warranties and after-sales support.
(10) Familiarise yourself with the store’s return policy before buying. Physical stores are not legally obliged to accept returns unless it is their own policy.
(11) Always take and check the receipt to confirm the discount was applied.
(12) For online purchases or sales outside physical stores, consumers have a 14-day right of withdrawal after receiving the product, unless the platform operates outside the EU.
(13) Check whether the business participates in alternative dispute-resolution mechanisms, such as the one offered by the Cyprus Consumers Association. In case of violations, consumers should contact the Association or the Consumer Protection Service.
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