Growing Skepticism: Spaniards Lose Faith in ‘Super Discounts’
Every year, more people in Spain greet Black Friday with skepticism. Despite flashy storefronts and tempting banners promising incredible deals, many are no longer rushing to shop. The reason is simple: a significant portion of the offers turn out to be unprofitable, and sometimes outright misleading.
The shopping event that once symbolized real savings is now increasingly seen as a marketing ploy. Shoppers have noticed that prices are often artificially inflated before the sale, only to be ‘reduced’ later. As a result, instead of expected benefits, people feel disappointed and sense they’re being deceived.
Price Manipulation and Legal Violations
An analysis of electronics and home appliance prices in Spanish online stores revealed that only a third of products actually get cheaper on Black Friday. Nearly half become more expensive compared to their lowest prices in recent months. The rest show no price change at all.
This situation not only frustrates buyers but also raises questions about sellers’ honesty. By law, if a store advertises a discount, it must display the lowest price from the past 30 days. However, in practice, many companies ignore this requirement. Instead of the actual prices, they use manufacturer-recommended prices, which often have little to do with the real cost of the product at a specific retail location. As a result, the customer sees a ‘discount’ that doesn’t actually exist.
Loss of trust and calls for stricter oversight
Widespread disappointment is causing more Spaniards to opt out of Black Friday altogether. Surveys show that two-thirds of the country already understand that many discounts are an illusion. This not only hurts their wallets but also erodes trust in retailers overall.
In response to these violations, civic organizations are urging authorities to tighten oversight of stores. They are calling for regular inspections and real penalties for those who mislead customers. Experts believe that only in this way can trust in promotions be restored and citizens’ interests protected.
Online scams: new threats to shoppers
Along with price manipulation, online fraud is also on the rise. During major sales events, scammers become more active, creating fake websites and sending out emails with “too-good-to-be-true” offers. Often, these sites lack any contact information or company details, and payment is only possible via bank transfer or cryptocurrency—favorites among criminals.
Buyers are pressured to make quick decisions, being told that products are about to sell out or that special prices are only valid for a few minutes. In the rush, people often miss the warning signs and risk losing their money without ever receiving their order.
How to protect yourself: smart shopping tips
Experts recommend not giving in to the hype and tracking the prices of items you’re interested in ahead of time. This will help you see whether the price has really dropped. Avoid trusting offers that come from suspicious sources or look too enticing. Before paying, make sure the website has real contact details, a return policy, and other signs of a legitimate store.
Pay special attention to the payment method: the safest option is to use bank cards, which allow you to dispute transactions if fraud occurs. If a seller insists on transfers or cryptocurrency, it’s a major red flag. Staying vigilant and thinking critically will help you avoid unpleasant surprises—and keep both your money and your mood intact after shopping.
