Portuguese version: 7 Erros Comuns em Promoções Online e Como Evitá-los com Inteligência
Online deals like Black Friday can look like a shopper’s paradise – but if you’re not careful, they can quickly become a minefield. While savvy shoppers can save big, many others fall into traps disguised as bargains. In Brazil alone, over a thousand formal complaints were made during Black Friday 2024 due to late deliveries, fake discounts, and undelivered products (cnn.com.br). Another report showed a 34.5% increase in complaints compared to the previous year (ReclameAQUI).
The message is clear: to make the most of online sales, you need more than just a good Wi-Fi connection – you need information. This guide reveals the 7 most common online shopping mistakes and shows how to avoid them using real data and practical advice. Plus, we’ll share expert tips from Hekno to help you shop smart and safely.
Mistake #1: Trusting Fake Discounts Without Checking Price History
We’ve all been tempted by a “limited time offer.” But one of the biggest traps is believing a discount is real without checking if the price was inflated beforehand. In Brazil, this practice is so common it earned the nickname “everything for half the double.”
In one past Black Friday, 28.3% of complaints to Procon-SP were about fake discounts. Retailers hike prices before the sale and then slash them to give the illusion of a deal. Don’t fall for it.
What to do: Use price history tracking tools like Zoom or Buscapé. These websites show you how much a product cost in the past 30-60 days, helping you identify real deals versus fake markdowns.
Hekno Tip: Don’t be dazzled by bold percentages. Track the product price in advance, compare across at least three stores, and use browser extensions that monitor price drops.
Mistake #2: Not Comparing Prices Across Multiple Stores
Just because something is on sale doesn’t mean it’s the best price out there. A study found that the same product could vary up to 150% in price between stores on the eve of Black Friday (epocanegocios.globo.com).
Besides the sticker price, you should compare shipping costs, delivery times, return policies, and bonuses like extended warranties. Sometimes, the higher product price is offset by free shipping or better terms.
Hekno Tip: Never buy from the first store you see. Always compare prices, shipping, and conditions before checking out. Five minutes of research can save you from a bad deal.
Mistake #3: Believing in “Too Good to Be True” Offers
If you see a brand-new iPhone for $49, take a deep breath. Unrealistic offers are often scams. Cybercriminals use fake ads to lure shoppers into entering payment info and never deliver the product – or worse, deliver knockoffs.
In 2023, Brazilian watchdog sites flagged a surge in fake online stores during Black Friday (ReclameAQUI). Many of these frauds are distributed through email spam or social media, asking for payment via wire transfer or Pix (Brazil’s instant payment system).
What to do: If a deal seems too good, verify it. Don’t click random links. Type the store URL directly, and search for the product on reputable platforms. If the price is drastically lower only on a single, obscure site – it’s likely a scam.
Hekno Tip: Stay skeptical. Cross-check prices with trusted retailers. Don’t let an unbelievable discount cost you your data or your money.
Mistake #4: Buying From Unreliable or Unknown Websites
Just because a site looks professional doesn’t mean it’s safe. During major sales, many scam websites pop up temporarily to trap shoppers and vanish right after. Procon-SP in Brazil even maintains a blacklist of suspicious e-commerce sites.
How to check site safety: Look for HTTPS and the padlock symbol in the browser. Read the fine print. Real companies display contact info, tax ID, and terms clearly. Search the store name with terms like “reviews” or “scam.”
Hekno Tip: Stick to stores you know. If trying a new site, do a quick background check. Look for independent reviews and avoid pages that only accept wire transfers or have odd domain names.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Store Reputation and Customer Reviews
Reviews are your best friend. Sites like ReclameAQUI in Brazil and Trustpilot internationally can tell you how a company handles complaints. Even well-known brands can underperform during sales, especially with deliveries.
Search for company names on Google News or social media and check how they handle criticism. On marketplaces like Amazon, inspect the seller’s ratings, delivery record, and buyer feedback before placing your order.
Hekno Tip: Before you click “buy,” do a reputation check. Read what others say and verify how well the seller resolves problems. A little research can prevent big regrets.
Mistake #6: Ignoring Shipping Costs, Delivery Times, and Return Policies
Don’t let an attractive price blind you to hidden fees. Some retailers offer cheap prices but charge outrageous shipping or promise fast delivery and miss the mark entirely.
One shocking example: a Brazilian store offered a microwave for R$259 but charged R$560 for shipping – and the delivery would take almost a month (infomoney.com.br).
What to do: Always calculate the total cost, including shipping and taxes. Check if the delivery date fits your needs. Also, read the return policy. Brazilian law, for example, gives you 7 days to cancel an online purchase with full refund.
Hekno Tip: Don’t skip the shipping and returns section. A true deal includes fair delivery and flexible policies. If something seems off, it probably is.
Mistake #7: Shopping on Impulse and Letting Emotion Take Over
Flashy banners, countdown timers, and “Only 3 left!” messages are designed to trigger impulse buying. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, but it often leads to regret and overspending.
Marketing tactics play on FOMO – the fear of missing out. But here’s the truth: deals come and go. And many post-holiday sales in January are just as good as Black Friday.
Hekno Tip: Make a list before shopping. Set a spending limit. Ask yourself: “Do I need this or am I just buying it because it’s cheap?” Smart shopping means saying “no” to impulse and “yes” to what really matters.
Conclusion
Black Friday and similar sales events can be a great opportunity – if you stay sharp. Avoiding these 7 common online shopping mistakes will help you shop smarter, save more, and steer clear of scams.
Remember: compare prices, research the store, be skeptical of crazy deals, and never buy without checking the full picture. With these tips (and a little help from Hekno), you’ll turn seasonal sales into smart savings.
Final Hekno Tip: Information is your best discount. Happy shopping!
Share this post with someone who always falls for those “can’t-miss deals” – and help more people shop smarter!
Sources: Procon-SP, Reclame AQUI, Idec, Zoom, Buscapé, CNN Brasil, InfoMoney, Uninter Notícias. (Referências completas inseridas ao longo do texto.)
