“双十一”先涨后降？平台回应！律师：这些情形可维权

Core Viewpoint - The "Double Eleven" shopping festival has seen complaints from consumers regarding price increases on certain products during promotional periods, contradicting the expected discounts [1][3]. Group 1: Price Manipulation Concerns - Some products on the Taobao platform have experienced price hikes during the "Double Eleven" event, with one item increasing from 279 yuan to 299 yuan [1]. - Consumers have expressed concerns about merchants frequently adjusting prices before the event, leading to potential exploitation without price comparison tools [1][3]. - Taobao's customer service stated that while merchants set their own prices, the platform monitors for manipulative pricing practices, such as "raising prices before lowering them" [2]. Group 2: Legal and Consumer Rights - Legal experts indicate that artificially inflating prices to create a false discount may constitute price fraud, depending on the circumstances [4]. - Merchants are required to clearly indicate original prices, current prices, and discounts during promotional activities to avoid misleading consumers [4]. - Consumers are advised to document price changes and retain evidence to report fraudulent practices to e-commerce platforms or consumer associations [4]. Group 3: Consumer Protection Measures - In cases of quality issues with purchased items, consumers should first contact the merchant for resolution, and if unsatisfactory, escalate the complaint to the shopping platform or consumer association [5]. - Consumers encountering "霸王条款" (unfair contract terms) should know their rights under the Consumer Protection Law, which allows for returns within seven days for most products [6][7]. - Specific conditions apply to the return policy, such as exceptions for customized or perishable goods [10].