The GVH also calls on consumers to shop carefully during the Christmas period

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 10. 28. 11:50

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The Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH) is calling on consumers to shop carefully during the Christmas period, and in a statement sent to MTI on Tuesday, it recommends that they not fall for seasonal promotions and avoid impulse purchases if possible.

They pointed out that the price discounts available in the pre-Christmas period mean convenience and savings for many. However, consumers only benefit from the promotions flooding the internet and stores if businesses implement them within a fair framework.

According to the experience of the Hungarian Competition Authority, retailers use a number of tricks to exploit the shopping fever. For example, they often advertise significant discounts of up to 80-90 percent, which only apply to a few products, or even products that are not available at all. It happens that promotions are advertised directly for products with low stock or often urgent messages are used, thus putting psychological pressure on customers.

That is why the GVH is launching an awareness campaign this year as well, as part of which it is also helping Hungarian consumers with a video series available on social media and video sharing sites to ensure that their purchase is the result of a considered decision.

The competition authority advises consumers to think carefully before purchasing a promotional product whether they really need the product in question and to avoid impulse purchases if possible. Customers should check whether the discounted product is truly discounted, including any extra costs, such as delivery fees, and to learn the exact conditions for obtaining the discount.

In addition, the GVH asked consumers to use price comparison sites and applications before purchasing, as they may be able to get the product cheaper elsewhere. The office recommended checking whether previous customers are satisfied with the online store. If they only see 5-star reviews, they should be suspicious, as they may have been artificially generated. In addition, customers should check whether the store they visit has customer service and contact information, the lack of which should always be suspicious – the GVH emphasized, adding that consumers should take the time to familiarize themselves with the most important parts of the General Terms and Conditions (GTS) before making a purchase.

They also drew attention to the fact that when purchasing online, the customer has the right to withdraw from the purchase without giving any reason within 14 days after receiving the product.

The Hungarian Competition Authority, similar to previous years, is monitoring the price display practices of webshops this year as well and will take the necessary measures if it detects any suspicion of violations, and will launch an investigation if warranted – the office states in his statement.