The percentage is advertising; the final price is the decision
A bold minus-60-percent sticker is not proof of a bargain. First write down the exact product model, specifications, capacity, colour and included accessories. Compare the total delivered price across several trustworthy stores, not a shop's crossed-out reference price. A cheaper-looking laptop with less memory or a refurbished device is not the same offer. Make a short shopping list with a maximum budget before browsing promotions. If the price would be unacceptable without a countdown timer, it probably does not deserve an impulsive purchase.
What the EU 30-day price rule means
In the EU, when a trader announces a price reduction, the reference price is generally the lowest price the trader charged for that product in at least the previous 30 days, subject to defined exceptions. This prevents an inflated price shortly before a sale from creating an exaggerated percentage. Latvia's PTAC has investigated misleading Black Friday price announcements. Look for the stated previous lowest price, the time window and whether the reduction is calculated from it. A shop can still be expensive even when its discount complies with the law, so compare the current euro amount elsewhere.
Check the store rather than trusting the sponsored post
A social-media advertisement or a professional-looking page does not make a seller legitimate. Search the company's legal name, physical or verifiable contact details, return terms, and independent complaint history. Inspect the domain carefully for copycat spelling. Check who really operates the marketplace listing; the platform's logo may not be the seller's guarantee. Prefer payment methods with meaningful buyer protections and avoid a merchant demanding only crypto, gift cards or an unusual direct transfer. If every popular item is almost free, treat the offer as a risk.
Count all costs and understand the return
Before approving payment, check shipping, taxes, mandatory fees, optional warranties and automatic add-ons. Uncheck unwanted extras and review the cart total once more: the advertised price can change when options or delivery are selected. Read the merchant's return location, possible return-shipping charges and delivery window. For cross-border purchases, find out which consumer-protection rules apply and how a complaint would be handled. Screenshots of the price, product page, seller identity and returns policy can help if the delivered product differs from the advertisement.
Use price history without treating it as infallible
If a reputable comparison service provides a dated price chart, use it to see whether the current price is unusual or has been available for months. Check the product's full model identifier so different generations are not mixed. A store may bundle accessories or offer loyalty pricing that makes comparisons harder; evaluate what you will actually receive. A newly listed product may have little reliable history. Treat price trackers as evidence to inspect, not as a guarantee that a promotion is honest or that future prices will rise.
If a purchase looks fraudulent
Save the receipt, merchant URL, correspondence, promised dispatch date, card statement and screenshots before a suspicious store disappears. Contact the seller through a verified channel, then the payment provider or card issuer if there is no proper resolution. Do not pay a stranger who promises to recover your funds for a fee. Report misleading EU price advertising to the appropriate national consumer authority, such as PTAC in Latvia, and suspected fraud to the police when warranted. The best Black Friday rule remains: compare the actual total, verify the merchant, keep evidence and never buy merely because a timer says you must.
A general educational overview, not a substitute for professional guidance. Check current local rules and trusted primary sources before making consequential decisions.
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