The festive season arrived with great excitement as Navratri commenced, followed closely by Dussehra and Diwali. E-commerce platforms like AJIO, Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra rolled out elaborate shopping campaigns filled with attractive deals, cashback offers, and substantial discounts. Quick commerce companies like Swiggy Instamart also joined in, eager to capture the festive spirit with enticing promotions.

This year, messaging apps buzzed with “cheat sheets,” showcasing what were touted as the best deals on mobile phones, electronics, appliances, clothing, and home furnishings across various portals. However, amidst this exhilarating whirlwind of discounts and offers, consumers faced numerous potential pitfalls that could undermine their shopping experiences.

Here are five shopping traps that shoppers learned to avoid during this festive season.

1. Pressure Tactics During Festive Sales

During the festive shopping frenzy, e-commerce websites employed common pressure tactics that consumers needed to resist. Limited-time offers, countdown timers, and warnings about limited stock often created a false sense of urgency. Messages claiming “last chance” or showcasing social proof (e.g., “X users bought this”) pressured shoppers into making hasty decisions.

Many shoppers learned to set a budget before shopping and adhere strictly to it. They ignored limited-time offers and took time to research products thoroughly instead of succumbing to impulse buying. By remaining aware of these tactics, consumers empowered themselves to make informed purchasing decisions.

2. The False Discount Trap

Another common tactic that e-commerce websites used was inflating prices before offering significant discounts. Many shoppers discovered that prices were often identical to those from three months prior, rendering the massive discounts misleading.

Before making a purchase, consumers were advised to track prices over time to determine the authenticity of discounts. Comparing prices across multiple platforms became a critical practice for those looking to secure the best deals. Savvy shoppers ensured they did their homework before snapping up sale deals.

3. Caution with Deep Discounts: Quality Matters

Online retailers frequently offered substantial discounts of up to 70% on consumer electronics and outdated clothing lines. However, these discounts often applied to older models or products that retailers were eager to clear out.

As shoppers navigated the festive sales, they recognized the importance of not sacrificing quality for discounts. They diligently checked product details, including customer reviews and manufacturer warranties. Experts advised consumers to read at least 10-15 customer reviews to gain insights into the product's reliability. Understanding whether a product was outdated or a recent launch became essential in ensuring that shoppers made wise purchasing choices.

4. Decoding Shopping Offers

The multitude of enticing deals during the festive season could easily overwhelm consumers. Offers like “Buy 2 and Get 1 Free,” cashback rewards on credit and debit cards from partner banks, and bundled freebies with big-ticket electronics beckoned shoppers with promises of savings. However, many learned the importance of scrutinizing these offers before making purchases.

Reading the fine print became a crucial step for shoppers. They calculated overall savings and verified the terms associated with cashback and freebies. For instance, while cashback advertised at 10% seemed enticing, shoppers discovered that the maximum cashback often had limits, such as a cap of Rs 2,000. Therefore, those who spent Rs 40,000 received a mere 5% effective cashback instead of the anticipated 10%.

Additionally, consumers learned to be wary of bundled gifts that could mislead them. If the gifts were unnecessary or compromised overall discounts, they were deemed worthless.

5. Hidden Fees to Watch Out for While Shopping Online

Hidden fees posed a significant threat to shoppers, often negating the discounts they thought they secured. These additional charges included shipping and handling fees, delivery charges, convenience fees, payment processing fees, and return or restocking fees. Consumers needed to remain vigilant, as paying these hidden fees could diminish their overall savings.

Savvy shoppers took the time to check for details regarding these fees on product description pages, checkout pages, and the terms and conditions of e-commerce websites. They also learned to avoid unnecessary services, such as insurance on consumer electronics unless the items were high-value purchases that warranted such protection.

Conclusion: Staying Smart and Savvy During Festive Shopping

The festive season was a time for celebration and joy, but it was also a period that required consumers to exercise caution during online shopping. By understanding the potential traps associated with festive sales, shoppers armed themselves with the knowledge to make informed purchasing decisions.

In the end, successful festive shopping came down to diligence, awareness, and a well-researched approach. Shoppers who remained grounded and focused on their needs emerged victorious, turning the festive frenzy into a season of smart savings and enjoyable purchases.