Consumer advocates warn of manipulation attempts by online shops from China - Online Retailers' Manipulative Tactics Spur Consumer Alarm
Consumer advocates are raising alarm over manipulative tactics employed by online retailers, particularly those based in China, to pressure shoppers into impulse buys. These methods, which include creating a false sense of scarcity and using gamification elements, can lead to overspending and even addictive behaviour.
Shops often claim that only a few items remain in a specific size, creating a sense of urgency and encouraging immediate purchases. Chinese online retailers take this a step further by employing countdown timers, pushing customers to act quickly before the 'deal' expires. Consumer protection organisations like 'Konsumentenschutz' and platforms such as 'Watchlist Internet' have warned against these tactics.
Gamification elements, like virtual surprise eggs or spin-the-wheel games, are used to entice shoppers to spend more time on sites and make additional purchases. However, these tactics can blur the line between entertainment and deception, with consumers sometimes not realising they've made a purchase until it's too late. Pop, a consumer rights advocate, has called for a ban on these manipulative practices, citing concerns about addictive behaviour, overconsumption, and debt.
These manipulative tactics can cause customers to spend more than they intended, driven by fear of missing out. Consumer advocates warn that such practices can have serious consequences, and they urge regulators to intervene and protect shoppers from these deceptive methods.
