Ministry takes action on New Year's discounts

The Ministry of Trade has announced that it is closely monitoring the increase in campaign and discount sale advertisements as the end of the year approaches. The Ministry stated that promotions titled "New Year's discounts" and "New Year's deals," which particularly influence consumer shopping preferences, are under scrutiny.

In the statement, it was emphasized that preventing consumer grievances during the year-end shopping period and reminding sellers of their legal obligations are of great importance. In this context, it was noted that advertisements and promotions regarding discount sales are being meticulously examined.

The Ministry's statement included the following: "Necessary inspections and examinations regarding discount sale advertisements, which increase in the final period of the year, will continue without interruption. Necessary administrative sanctions will be resolutely applied against promotions that are contrary to regulations and misleading to consumers."

Furthermore, it was pointed out that for citizens to shop for the New Year with confidence, it is important for them to determine their actual needs before starting to shop and to conduct preliminary research on the selling company.

"BEWARE OF IMITATION SITES"

The statement indicated that one should approach campaigns presented with phrases such as "Star product," "Opportunity product," and "Best price" with caution, and recommended that product prices must be compared with similar ones on different platforms. The following warnings were listed:

"Whether the announced discount amount or rate aligns with market realities should be questioned. The security of the website (elements such as SSL certificate, 3D Secure) should be checked, and particular attention should be paid to whether links directed via social media belong to the brand's own official site. For products priced well below market value, the possibility that the site is an imitation should be considered. In conditional campaigns such as 'Buy 1 Get 1 Free' or 'Buy 3 Pay 2', one should read which products these advantages apply to and under what conditions."

"SCOPE OF THE CAMPAIGN MUST BE CLEARLY STATED"

The Ministry reminded consumers that they can apply to the Advertising Board regarding grievances they experience via the address "https://ticaret.gov.tr/tuketici/ticari-reklamlar/reklam-kuruluna-nasil-basvurulur". The following statements were included in the warnings directed at sellers and providers:

"The start and end dates of discount sales and the scope of the campaign must be clearly stated. Expressions that lead to confusion or create a perception of a larger discount than actually exists should be avoided. If a discounted product is limited to a certain stock or time, this situation must be clearly expressed in advertisements. Consumers must be informed in a clear and understandable manner regarding the content of algorithm-based advertisements such as 'personalized price' or 'advantageous offer'. In conditional sales, consumers must be fully informed about the validity conditions of the campaign."