中消协：“双12”购物警惕先涨后降、优惠陷阱

Core Viewpoint - The upcoming "Double 12" shopping season is marked by various promotional activities, prompting consumers to be cautious of price traps and to engage in rational consumption [1][2][3][4]. Group 1: Price Traps - Consumers should be wary of "price magic," particularly the "first raise then lower" tactic, where prices are artificially inflated before discounts are applied, creating a misleading perception of savings [1][2]. - It is advised that consumers monitor price fluctuations of desired products and utilize price comparison tools to verify price authenticity [1]. - Promotional activities may involve complex rules, leading to potential confusion and errors, thus consumers should carefully read the terms and conditions of promotions [1][2]. Group 2: Discount Limitations - Some discount offers come with numerous restrictions, such as limits on categories, quantities, regions, and timeframes, which may prevent consumers from enjoying the discounts [2]. - Consumers are encouraged to confirm the applicability of coupons and promotions before making purchases to avoid losing deposits due to non-compliance with terms [2]. Group 3: Advertising and Product Claims - Consumers should critically assess promotional claims that use absolute terms like "first in the whole network" or "100% effective," and verify product details and user reviews to avoid misleading information [3]. - It is essential to check the qualifications and ingredients of health-related products to avoid being misled by exaggerated advertising [3]. Group 4: Rational Consumption - The "Double 12" period can lead to impulsive buying; thus, consumers are advised to create shopping plans based on actual needs and financial capacity to avoid overspending [4]. - Consumers should be cautious with various credit products, understanding the terms and potential risks associated with installment payments [4]. - It is recommended to keep records of promotional promises and transaction details to facilitate resolution in case of issues with purchased products [4].