It is possible to save money during the sales season, but sales are also a vehicle to help retailers. They allow them to quickly sell out of seasonal clothes so that they can invest in new collections.
All products should show, clearly and legibly, the current sale and former price and the discount percentage. Items that have had their price reduced should be separated from the other items on sale.
Retailers are not obliged to exchange sale products. Many do so out of courtesy for their clients. The only legal exception is when a product has a defect and when there is no clear indication that the price reduction was due to the defect.
Make sure you ask for a receipt with the price and description of the purchased items and keep it in case you discover a defect.
Shops must accept the same means of payment as they do before the sales.
If a trader does not respect your rights – for example, by refusing to exchange clothing that has a defect – then you should complain. To do so, use the store’s complaints book. You can also contact the Autoridade de Segurança Alimentar e Económica (ASAE) – the food and economic safety authority.
When the stock of one or various items on sale is completely sold out, the retailer is obliged to make an announcement ending its “sales season”.
In this column, Portuguese consumer watchdog DECO informs readers of various interesting issues and laws affecting consumer decisions. 289 863 103 | [email protected]
