In times of reduced purchasing power, sales events draw consumers eager for lower prices. Yet, beneath the surface of advertised discounts, there can be hidden pitfalls. Daniel Bideau from UFC-Que Choisir emphasizes that the key rule is not to buy solely because the price is low. "With declining purchasing power and rising energy costs, it's true that consumers are tempted by lower prices," he notes. However, this search for reduced prices should be paired with caution. "One must be careful about purchases and not buy everything and anything," he insists. To avoid making impulsive purchases, Bideau suggests starting with three questions: What do I really need? What is my budget? What guarantees come with the product I'm buying? This approach is especially useful during sales events, where the sales atmosphere and large discounts can encourage quick decisions. He adds that the displayed price should not be the only factor when buying expensive or technical products, such as household appliances. Vigilance is crucial when purchasing such items. The price is not the only consideration; one must also think about what happens after the purchase, especially if the product breaks down or encounters problems. "If you buy household appliances, what are the guarantees regarding this product? Will I have proper after-sales service? Will I have a guarantee regarding spare parts?" Bideau details. These questions might seem secondary when a strong discount is on offer, but they become essential once the product fails. An appliance sold for less but difficult to repair or with no available spare parts can be less beneficial in the long run. For clothing, the issues are different. When buying a piece of clothing during a sale, it's important to pay close attention to its condition at the time of purchase. Bideau notes, "What counts in the purchase of clothing are the visible defects." He advises carefully examining seams, closures, buttons, stains, tears, or potential manufacturing defects before paying. A quick inspection can prevent an unpleasant surprise later. Bideau also recommends paying attention to the seller and the location of the purchase. A sale organized directly by a store may not be the same as buying from an independent seller temporarily set up in the street. "What is interesting about sales is that they are still places where one can buy in physical locations," he points out. The consumer should be able to clearly identify the seller and know who to contact if there is a problem. A store organizing a sale in front of its own establishment is part of its regular business. However, when dealing with a temporary seller, verifying their identity and the selling conditions is essential. Sales, end-of-season sales, Black Friday: beware of false good deals. These are not the only commercial events that promise spectacular discounts. End-of-season sales, Black Friday, occasional promotions, and private sales are just a few of the opportunities that allow consumers to buy at reduced prices throughout the year. This abundance of promotional events should encourage consumers to take a step back. "There are numerous commercial events organized to attract consumers," Bideau observes. His advice is to not fall for every offer that follows each promotional event. "I think one should not fall for all the offers that follow one another throughout the year and all the promotions," he warns. One of the main reflexes to adopt is to compare the price over time. A significant discount may seem impressive on a label, but to know if it's truly interesting, one must first know the product's previous price. Bideau gives an example of a piece of clothing whose price may have changed before a commercial event: "Is the piece of clothing I am buying really at a reduced price, meaning that in the previous months, I saw it at a certain price that was much higher than today?" The principle is not to be satisfied with the displayed discount percentage. A "-50%" may seem impressive, but this figure alone does not determine if the final price is truly advantageous. This vigilance is also valid for all major promotional periods. "By coincidence, the price of the item may have been increased just before the sale to offer a 50% discount," Bideau illustrates. Despite these precautions, it's not about considering sales as bad opportunities in principle. In a difficult economic context, they can allow some households to access products they might not have bought at the usual price. The interest is particularly economic: "Some go there because it allows them to buy products at really discounted prices." The question is not whether one should or should not take advantage of a sale, but rather how to take advantage of a promotion without losing sight of one's budget and consumer rights. Facing the multiple commercial events that now punctuate the year, taking a few minutes to compare can ultimately be the best way to make a good deal.